For Every Cocktail, There’s a Twist
Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend an online cocktail mixing class presented by Milk Street Kitchen and Carrie & John, writers of a bartending cookbook called For Every Cocktail There’s a Twist. where we put a unique spin on 4 classic cocktails. I enjoyed the class very much and am excited to share those cocktails with you, my dear readers.
Scarlet Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is one of the most classic rum cocktails that has spawned hundreds, if not thousands, of variations, you can think of it as the rum equivalent of a Gimlet or a Whiskey Sour. Often times, the Daiquiri can come across as rather sweet, but this variation known as the Scarlet Daiquiri defies those expectations with some bitter notes from Campari and Orange Bitters, as well as a pleasantly fruity kick with some muddled fresh strawberries.
The Scarlet Daiquiri goes like this: Cut 3 fresh strawberries, leaves removed, into quarters and place those into the bottom of your shaker. You’ll also need one pretty strawberry for garnish. Take your muddler and press down on the strawberries so they release all of their juice and have broken down into a pulp.
From there, add 1 dash of Orange Bitters, 3/4 ounce of simple syrup, 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice, 1/2 ounce of Campari, and 1 1/2 ounces of silver/white rum. Add some ice to the shaker, then vigorously shake until everything is combined and chilled. Strain this through a fine mesh strainer to get rid of the strawberry pulp, then garnish with a strawberry and an orange slice.
With this drink, you get that sweet and fruity strawberry flavor backed up by a hint of bitterness with the Campari and orange bitters for a cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is smooth to drink.
Night Watch
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, then this drink has you covered. The Night Watch is a variation on the classic Negroni, a Gin/Campari/Vermouth drink, but has the addition of coffee for some extra richness. I will warn you, this drink is not for the faint of heart, so if you’re not used to stronger cocktails then this might not be for you. Also, if you’re not a coffee drinker, then you can also use a bit of coffee flavored liquor.
In a mixing glass, combine 1/2 ounce of cold brew coffee, 1/2 ounce of Sweet Vermouth, 1 ounce of Campari, and 1 ounce of Gin. Fill the glass with enough ice to cover the contents, then get your bar spoon down to the bottom and stir for at least 30 seconds to chill and combine the drink, then strain into a glass with a fresh piece of ice. I know there’s a specific way bartenders like to stir drinks, but I have yet to figure out that method.
To garnish, we will make a lemon twist by taking a vegetable peeler and running it along the length of a large lemon to create a 3-inch long strip of peel, it doesn’t need to be an exact length. Squeeze the outer side of the peel over the drink to express the aromatic oils, rub the peel along the rim of the glass, and then give the peel a twist before nestling it inside the drink so it infuses the drink with that nice fresh lemon flavor.
I’ll admit, having coffee in a cocktail might seem strange especially since most of the time you’re making a drink to wind down at the end of the day, but it is a pretty small amount and when mixed with the sweet vermouth and gin, it makes for a drink that is pretty well balanced.
Cranhattan
The Manhattan is one of the easiest and well known cocktails ever to exist, it also happens to be one of my favorite whiskey cocktails. While you certainly can’t go wrong with the classic blend of bitters, vermouth, and rye whiskey, the Cranhattan gives it a very unique fruity twist with some cranberry juice.
Note: For this drink, make sure you’re using 100% cranberry juice, not juice that has been sweetened or has been blended with other flavors.
There’s not much to this drink, simply pour 1 dash of orange bitters, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 1/4 ounce of simple syrup, 1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth, 1/2 ounce of cranberry juice, and 2 ounces of rye whiskey into a mixing glass. I like White Horse rye whiskey, but any brand of rye that you like will work great for this drink.
Fill the glass with enough ice to cover it’s contents, then give it a good 30 second stir or until the drink feels very cold. Strain that into a chilled coupe or martini glass, then garnish with a lemon twist and either a cranberry or cocktail cherry, cut on a bias and threaded onto a toothpick.
As I said, I already love the Manhattan so there was no chance that I wouldn’t enjoy the addition of the tart cranberry juice in this drink.
With Bells On
Last but not least, we have a drink that is both perfect for the winter season and is a great drink to make for a celebration like a birthday or Valentine’s day, With Bells On. This drink is a take on the classic French 75, a gin or cognac drink that’s finished with sparkling wine, but has a pleasantly fruity twist with some pomegranate juice and fresh blood orange juice.
Now, for anyone unfamiliar, blood oranges are known for their dark red juice, hence the name blood orange, and has a wonderful floral and tart flavor. Blood oranges aren’t always available, however, so in a pinch you could make this drink with a mix of fresh orange juice and cranberry juice for a similar sweet/tart flavor and color.
To make this drink, grab your shaker and combine 1 dash of orange bitters, 1/4 ounce of lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, 1/2 ounce of 100% pomegranate juice, 1 ounce of blood orange juice, and 1 ounce of gin. Add some ice, then vigorously shake to combine before straining into a Collins glass or wine glass.
Top the drink with 2 ounces of sparkling wine, and finish with a lemon wedge.
For me, this was the drink of the day, you get a ton of brightness and flavor from the blood oranges and pomegranate juice, but then that bubbly sparkling wine comes in to put a big smile on my face.
