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Division Bell Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Looking for a bold and refreshing cocktail? Look no further than the Division Bell! This mezcal-based drink features a perfect balance of Campari and cherry liqueur, with a splash of fresh lime juice for a citrusy twist. Mix it up in a shaker with ice for a smooth and satisfying sip. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a cozy night in. Try it out today!


Division Bell Ingredients

Division Bell 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

Division Bell Recipe

  1. consider making fresh Lime juice you can press fruit yourself (be careful - fresh juice stays good only 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 Division Bell Cocktail: A Bartender's Guide

As a professional bartender, I have come across many cocktail recipes. Some of them are popular, while others remain unknown to the general public. One cocktail that has gained immense popularity in recent years is the Division Bell cocktail. In this blog post, I will provide you with a complete guide on this classic cocktail. From its history to its variations, from common mistakes to garnishing techniques, I will cover everything you need to know about the Division Bell cocktail.

Popularity

The Division Bell cocktail first gained popularity in the early 2000s. It is believed to have originated in New York City, but its roots can be traced back to the classic Negroni cocktail. The Division Bell is a spinoff of the Negroni, which is made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Division Bell replaces gin with mezcal, a smoky Mexican spirit.

The Division Bell is famous for its bold and complex flavor profile. The smokiness of mezcal, the bitterness of Campari, and the sweetness of cherry liqueur create a perfect balance of flavors. The cocktail's appearance is also noteworthy. The bright red color of the cherry liqueur and the deep amber hue of mezcal make the Division Bell a visually stunning cocktail.

Ingredient Roles

The Division Bell cocktail requires four main ingredients: mezcal, Campari, cherry liqueur, and lime juice. Let's take a closer look at each ingredient's role in this cocktail.

  • Mezcal: Mezcal is the star of the show in the Division Bell cocktail. It provides the smoky flavor that makes the cocktail stand out. Mezcal Joya Azul is the recommended brand for this cocktail.
  • Campari: Campari is a bitter Italian liqueur that adds complexity and depth to the cocktail. It balances the sweetness of cherry liqueur and lime juice.
  • Cherry Liqueur: Cherry liqueur is a sweet and fruity liqueur that gives the cocktail a pleasant sweetness. Hungarian Cherry Liqueur is recommended for the Division Bell cocktail.
  • Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a tangy and sour note to the cocktail. It balances the sweetness and bitterness of other ingredients.

How to Garnish

Garnishing is an important aspect of cocktail making. It adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor profile of the cocktail. The Division Bell cocktail is typically garnished with a lime wheel. Here's how to do it:

  1. Cut a lime into thin wheels.
  2. Use a knife to make a small slit in the center of the lime wheel.
  3. Slide the lime wheel onto the rim of the cocktail glass.

Variations

The Division Bell cocktail has several variations. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Virgin/Mocktail version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the Division Bell, simply omit mezcal and replace it with grapefruit juice. Use grapefruit soda instead of Campari, and cherry syrup instead of cherry liqueur. Shake all the ingredients with ice, strain, and serve in a highball glass.
  • Gluten-free version: The Division Bell cocktail is already gluten-free since none of its ingredients contain gluten.
  • Vegan version: The Division Bell cocktail is vegan-friendly since none of its ingredients are derived from animal products.
  • Keto version: The Division Bell cocktail is keto-friendly if you use sugar-free cherry syrup and replace Campari with Aperol, which has fewer carbs.
  • Low-calorie version: To make a low-calorie version of the Division Bell cocktail, use a sugar-free cherry syrup and reduce the amount of cherry liqueur to 5 ml.

Common Mistakes When Making

Making the Division Bell cocktail is relatively easy, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid to get the perfect cocktail. Here are some of them:

  • Using low-quality ingredients: The Division Bell cocktail requires high-quality ingredients to achieve its complex flavor profile. Use the recommended brands for each ingredient to get the best results.
  • Skipping the lime juice: Lime juice is an essential ingredient in the Division Bell cocktail. It balances the sweetness and bitterness of other ingredients. Don't skip it.
  • Using a dirty shaker: Make sure to clean your shaker before making the cocktail. A dirty shaker can affect the flavor of the cocktail.
  • Over-shaking or under-shaking: Shaking the cocktail too much or too little can affect its texture and flavor. Shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty.

In conclusion, the Division Bell cocktail is a classic cocktail that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Its bold and complex flavor profile, along with its visually stunning appearance, make it a favorite among cocktail lovers. By following this guide, you can make a perfect Division Bell cocktail and impress your guests. Cheers!

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