Home Drink Menu Open main menu

Baltimore Zoo Drink recipe

Highball glass

Mix up some wild fun with the Baltimore Zoo drink recipe! Combine vodka, light rum, gin, Triple Sec, Southern Comfort, amaretto, grenadine, and sweet and sour mix in a highball glass. Stir with a metal straw or bar spoon and top it off with a splash of beer. Perfect for impressing your guests - try it out now!


Baltimore Zoo Ingredients

Baltimore Zoo Equipment

  • metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon

Baltimore Zoo Recipe

  1. stir the ingredients together with ice
  2. pour into Highball glass full with ice cubes
  3. top up with Beer

Recommend: serve in Highball glass

The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.

The Baltimore Zoo: A Deliciously Complex Cocktail

Are you a fan of cocktails that pack a punch? Look no further than the Baltimore Zoo. This drink is not for the faint of heart, as it combines seven different types of alcohol to create a complex and flavorful beverage. In this article, we'll explore the history and origins of the Baltimore Zoo, the role of each ingredient, how to garnish it, variations to make it suitable for different dietary needs, and common mistakes to avoid when making this cocktail.

Popularity

The Baltimore Zoo is a popular cocktail in the Maryland area, especially in Baltimore. Its exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to have been created by bartenders in the city during the 1980s. The cocktail is named after the Baltimore Zoo, which is now known as The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. This zoo is one of the oldest in the country, having been established in 1876.

The Baltimore Zoo is famous for its complex flavor profile, which is derived from the combination of seven different types of alcohol. The geographic popularity of this cocktail is largely limited to the Maryland area, but it has gained a cult following among cocktail enthusiasts across the United States.

Ingredient Roles

To make the Baltimore Zoo, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 shot Vodka
  • 1 shot light rum
  • 1 shot Gin
  • 1 shot Triple Sec
  • 1 shot Southern Comfort peach liqueur
  • 1 shot amaretto almond liqueur
  • 1 shot grenadine syrup
  • 1 dash Sweet and Sour mix
  • 1 splash Beer

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall flavor of the cocktail. Vodka provides a neutral base, while light rum adds sweetness and complexity. Gin contributes a botanical flavor, and Triple Sec provides a fruity note. Southern Comfort peach liqueur adds another layer of sweetness, and amaretto almond liqueur adds a nutty flavor. Grenadine syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful red color, while Sweet and Sour mix adds a sour note. Finally, the splash of beer adds a slight bitterness and complexity to the cocktail.

How to Garnish

To garnish the Baltimore Zoo, you can use a variety of fruits, such as orange slices, cherries, or pineapple wedges. You can also add a sprig of mint or a slice of lime to enhance the flavor of the cocktail. For a more elaborate garnish, you can rim the glass with sugar or salt, depending on your preference. To do this, dip the rim of the glass in water or lime juice, then dip it in sugar or salt.

Variations

The Baltimore Zoo can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:

  • Virgin/mocktail version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the Baltimore Zoo, simply omit the alcohol and replace it with equal parts of orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. Add a splash of grenadine syrup and Sweet and Sour mix for flavor.
  • Gluten-free version: To make a gluten-free version, ensure that all the ingredients you use are gluten-free. Brands such as Tito's Handmade Vodka and Bacardi Rum are gluten-free.
  • Vegan version: The Baltimore Zoo is already vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients contain animal products.
  • Keto version: To make a keto-friendly version, omit the Sweet and Sour mix and replace it with freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice. Use a low-carb beer such as Michelob Ultra, and use sugar-free grenadine syrup.
  • Low-calorie version: To make a low-calorie version, omit the Southern Comfort peach liqueur and amaretto almond liqueur, and use a low-calorie sweetener such as Stevia instead of sugar. Use a light beer and replace the Sweet and Sour mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice.

Common Mistakes when Making

When making the Baltimore Zoo, there are some common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is not stirring the cocktail properly. To ensure that all the ingredients are well combined, use a metal straw or teaspoon to stir the cocktail. Alternatively, use a bar spoon if you want to be a pro. Another common mistake is using too much Sweet and Sour mix, which can overpower the other flavors of the cocktail. Use just a dash of Sweet and Sour mix to balance the flavors.

In conclusion, the Baltimore Zoo is a complex and flavorful cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. With its combination of seven different types of alcohol, it is not for the faint of heart. However, with a little practice, you can master this cocktail and create variations that suit your dietary needs. Just remember to stir it properly, garnish it beautifully, and avoid common mistakes to ensure that your Baltimore Zoo is a hit.

If you are going to order Baltimore Zoo in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Baltimore Zoo can be served with different ingredients in different places.

You might be interested: