Mix up a perfect Captain's Cocktail with this easy recipe! White rum, Captain Morgan Original spiced rum, lime juice, caster sugar, and LBV port come together for a sweet and tangy taste that's sure to impress. Shake it up in a shaker with a strainer to remove any unwanted bits, and use a juicer for fresh lime juice. Perfect for any beginning bartender in the USA!
Captain's Cocktail Ingredients
- 1 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz Captain Morgan Original spiced rum
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1/2 tsp caster sugar
- 1/2 oz LBV port
Captain's Cocktail 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
Captain's Cocktail Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lime juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- serve in glass
The Captain's Cocktail: A Classic Drink with Endless Variations
As a professional bartender, I can confidently say that the Captain's Cocktail is a timeless classic. Its origins may be uncertain, but its popularity is undeniable. This drink is famous for its unique combination of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of spice from the Captain Morgan Original spiced rum. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, garnish, variations, and common mistakes when making the Captain's Cocktail.
Popularity
The Captain's Cocktail first appeared on the cocktail scene in the mid-20th century. It is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where rum is a staple ingredient in many drinks. Today, the Captain's Cocktail can be found in bars and restaurants all over the world.
The drink is famous for its distinct appearance. The lime juice gives it a bright green color, and the LBV port adds a deep red hue. The addition of sugar and the Captain Morgan Original spiced rum creates a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredient Roles
Let's take a closer look at the role of each ingredient in the Captain's Cocktail:
- White Rum: This is the base spirit of the drink. It is a clear, light-bodied rum that adds a subtle sweetness to the cocktail.
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum: This rum is what gives the Captain's Cocktail its unique flavor. It is a blend of Caribbean rums with spices like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Lime Juice: The lime juice adds a tangy, sour flavor to the drink. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
- Caster Sugar: This fine-grained sugar dissolves quickly in the drink. It adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- LBV Port: The port adds a fruity, deep red color to the drink. It also adds a subtle sweetness and complements the flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Captain's Cocktail is easy and adds a touch of elegance to the drink. The most common garnish is a lime wheel. Simply slice a lime into thin rounds and make a small cut halfway through the center of the round. Place the lime wheel on the edge of the glass so that it rests on the rim.
Another popular garnish is a sprig of fresh mint. Simply take a small sprig of mint, give it a gentle twist to release the aromas, and place it on top of the lime wheel.
Variations
The beauty of the Captain's Cocktail is that it is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Virgin/Mocktail Version: Simply omit the rum and replace it with ginger ale or soda water. You can also add a splash of grenadine syrup for color and sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Version: All of the ingredients in the Captain's Cocktail are gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.
- Vegan Version: The Captain's Cocktail is already vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients come from animals.
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version, replace the caster sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol.
- Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie version, use a sugar-free sweetener and replace the LBV port with a low-calorie fruit juice like cranberry or pomegranate.
Common Mistakes when Making
Even though the Captain's Cocktail is a relatively simple drink to make, there are still some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using Too Much Sugar: The recipe only calls for half a teaspoon of caster sugar, so don't be tempted to add more. Too much sugar will make the drink overly sweet and overpower the other flavors.
- Not Juicing the Limes Fresh: Fresh lime juice is crucial for the flavor of the Captain's Cocktail. Avoid using bottled lime juice, as it can be too acidic and lack the freshness of freshly squeezed limes.
- Shaking the Drink Too Much: The Captain's Cocktail only needs a gentle shake to mix the ingredients. Over-shaking the drink can dilute the flavors and create a watery taste.
- Not Using the Right Rum: The Captain's Cocktail calls for a specific type of rum - white rum and Captain Morgan Original spiced rum. Don't substitute them with other types of rum, as it will change the flavor of the drink.
In conclusion, the Captain's Cocktail is a classic drink that is loved by many. Its popularity is a testament to its delicious flavors and adaptability. By following the above recipe and tips, you can create a perfect Captain's Cocktail every time. Cheers!
If you are going to order Captain's Cocktail in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Captain's Cocktail can be served with different ingredients in different places.
