Shake up your bartending skills with our Chicago Cocktail recipe! Made with 2 oz of brandy, a dash of bitters, and a hint of triple sec, this sophisticated drink is perfect for impressing your guests. Stir it up with a metal straw or bar spoon for a smooth finish and serve in a chic cocktail glass. Become a pro bartender in no time!
Chicago Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- 1 Dash(s) Bitters
- 1/4 tsp Triple Sec
Chicago Cocktail Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Chicago Cocktail Recipe
- stir the ingredients together with ice
- fill Cocktail glass
Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass
The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.The Chicago Cocktail: A Classic Drink with a Rich History
If you're a fan of classic cocktails, you've probably heard of the Chicago Cocktail. This iconic drink has been around for over a century and is known for its smooth, sophisticated flavor. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Chicago Cocktail, including its history, ingredients, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Popularity
The Chicago Cocktail originated in, you guessed it, Chicago, Illinois in the early 20th century. It was first mentioned in print in 1898, but it wasn't until the 1920s that the drink became widely popular. The Chicago Cocktail is famous for its smooth, balanced flavor and its simplicity; it contains just three ingredients: brandy, bitters, and triple sec.
The Chicago Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a favorite of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts around the world and has been featured in countless cocktail books and magazines. The drink is often associated with the roaring 20s and the speakeasy era, when cocktails were all the rage.
Ingredient Roles
As mentioned, the Chicago Cocktail is made with just three ingredients: brandy, bitters, and triple sec. Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in the cocktail's flavor profile.
Brandy: Brandy is the base spirit of the Chicago Cocktail. It provides the drink with its warmth and depth of flavor. When choosing a brandy for your Chicago Cocktail, look for one that is smooth and well-balanced.
Bitters: Bitters are a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, and the Chicago Cocktail is no exception. Bitters provide the drink with its complexity and depth of flavor. Just a dash of bitters is all you need to enhance the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Triple Sec: Triple sec is a sweet, orange-flavored liqueur that provides the Chicago Cocktail with its sweetness and citrus notes. Look for a high-quality triple sec that is made with real oranges for the best flavor.
How to Garnish
The Chicago Cocktail is typically served in a classic cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass. To garnish the drink, you can use a metal straw or a teaspoon to stir the cocktail properly. For a professional touch, use a bar spoon to stir the drink.
When it comes to garnishing the Chicago Cocktail, less is more. A simple twist of lemon or orange peel is all you need to enhance the drink's citrus notes. You can also add a cherry for a pop of color, but be sure to use a high-quality maraschino cherry for the best flavor.
Variations
The Chicago Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time, but that doesn't mean you can't put your own spin on it. Here are some variations of the Chicago Cocktail that you can try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the Chicago Cocktail, simply omit the brandy and replace it with an equal amount of orange juice.
Gluten-Free Version: The Chicago Cocktail is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your bitters and triple sec to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Vegan Version: The Chicago Cocktail is already vegan-friendly, but be sure to check the labels of your bitters and triple sec to ensure they are also vegan.
Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of the Chicago Cocktail, replace the triple sec with a sugar-free orange-flavored syrup.
Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie version of the Chicago Cocktail, use a sugar-free triple sec and bitters and replace the brandy with a lower-calorie spirit like vodka or gin.
Common Mistakes When Making
To ensure you make the perfect Chicago Cocktail every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using the Wrong Brandy: Not all brandies are created equal. When making a Chicago Cocktail, be sure to use a smooth, well-balanced brandy with a depth of flavor.
Using Too Much Triple Sec: Triple sec is a sweet liqueur, and too much of it can overpower the other ingredients in the Chicago Cocktail. Stick to the recipe and use just a quarter teaspoon.
Skipping the Bitters: Bitters are a key ingredient in the Chicago Cocktail, and skipping them will leave the drink flat and one-dimensional. Just a dash is all you need to enhance the cocktail's other flavors.
In conclusion, the Chicago Cocktail is a classic drink with a rich history and a smooth, sophisticated flavor. With just three ingredients, it's a simple cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a home mixologist, the Chicago Cocktail is a must-try. Cheers!
If you are going to order Chicago Cocktail in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Chicago Cocktail can be served with different ingredients in different places.