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Brass Rail Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Looking for a new cocktail to impress your guests? Try the Brass Rail drink! This rum-based cocktail features a unique blend of herbal liqueur, orange bitters, lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and ice. Use a shaker with strainer and a juicer to create a smooth and delicious drink that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for any occasion, the Brass Rail is a must-try for any beginning bartender looking to impress.


Brass Rail Ingredients

Brass Rail Equipment

  • shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Brass Rail Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. prepare glass

The Brass Rail: A Classic Cocktail with a Modern Twist

If you're a fan of classic cocktails, you've likely heard of the Brass Rail. This drink has been around for quite some time, with origins dating back to the early 1900s. But despite its age, the Brass Rail remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts, thanks to its unique flavor profile and easy-to-follow recipe.

Popularity

The Brass Rail is famous for its strong, sweet taste, which makes it a favorite among rum lovers. Its origins are somewhat unclear, with some sources stating that it was first created in New Orleans, while others claim it was developed in Havana, Cuba. Regardless of where it came from, the Brass Rail quickly gained popularity and has been a staple of cocktail menus ever since.

The drink is named after the brass railing that was once a fixture in many bars and clubs, and has a distinct appearance that's instantly recognizable. It's typically served in a short glass, with a frothy layer of egg white foam on top.

Ingredient Roles

The Brass Rail's unique taste is a result of its carefully balanced ingredients. The recipe calls for 45 ml of rum, 15 ml of Herbal Liqueur Damiana, 10 ml of Bitters Orange, 10 ml of lemon juice, 10 ml of sugar syrup, and 10 ml of egg white. These ingredients work together to create a drink that's both sweet and tart, with a hint of bitterness from the bitters.

When making a Brass Rail, it's important to use quality ingredients. The rum should be a high-quality, aged variety, while the Damiana liqueur adds a floral note to the drink. The bitters and lemon juice provide a balance of bitterness and tartness, while the sugar syrup adds sweetness. Finally, the egg white is used to create the frothy foam that sits on top of the drink.

How to Garnish

Garnishing is an essential part of making a great cocktail, and the Brass Rail is no exception. The traditional garnish for this drink is a twist of lemon peel, which adds a bright, citrusy note to the drink. Simply cut a thin strip of lemon peel and twist it over the top of the cocktail before serving.

Variations

Like many classic cocktails, the Brass Rail can be adapted in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few popular variations:

  • Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the Brass Rail, simply omit the rum and Damiana liqueur. You can replace these ingredients with a non-alcoholic rum substitute and a floral syrup, such as rose or lavender.
  • Gluten-Free Version: The Brass Rail is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, it's important to ensure that any mixers or syrups used are also gluten-free.
  • Vegan Version: To make a vegan Brass Rail, simply omit the egg white. You can replace it with a vegan egg substitute or leave it out altogether.
  • Keto Version: The Brass Rail is not a keto-friendly cocktail due to its high sugar content. However, you can make a keto-friendly version by using a sugar-free simple syrup and a low-carb rum substitute.
  • Low-Calorie Version: To make a lower-calorie version of the Brass Rail, use a sugar-free simple syrup and reduce the amount of rum used. You can also add soda water to the cocktail to dilute it and reduce the calorie count.
  • More Variations: There are countless variations of the Brass Rail, depending on your preferences. Some people like to add a splash of soda water or ginger beer for extra fizz, while others experiment with different types of rum or liqueurs.

Common Mistakes When Making

While the Brass Rail is a relatively simple cocktail to make, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the drink. Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Using low-quality ingredients: As mentioned earlier, it's important to use high-quality ingredients when making a Brass Rail. Cheap rum or low-quality bitters can result in a bland or unbalanced drink.
  • Over-shaking: When shaking the ingredients together, be careful not to overdo it. Over-shaking can result in a watery or over-diluted cocktail.
  • Not straining properly: It's important to use a strainer to remove any large pieces of ingredients, such as fruit pulp or seeds, before serving. Otherwise, these bits can interfere with the drink's texture and flavor.
  • Not using fresh juice: While it's possible to use pre-packaged juice, fresh-squeezed lemon juice is always the best choice. It adds a bright, tart flavor that's hard to replicate with bottled juice.

In conclusion, the Brass Rail is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its sweet, tart, and bitter flavor profile is sure to please any palate, and its easy-to-follow recipe makes it a favorite among home bartenders and professionals alike. With a few variations and some careful attention to ingredient quality and preparation, the Brass Rail is a drink that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their dietary needs or preferences. So give it a try and see why this drink has remained popular for over a century. Cheers!

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