Looking for a bold and refreshing cocktail that packs a punch? Look no further than the Humbug! Made with Bourbon Old Virginia, Van Der Hum, Vermouth Sweet, and a splash of lemon juice, this drink is perfect for any occasion. Shake with ice and strain for a smooth finish. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make crowd pleaser.
Humbug Ingredients
- 45 ml Bourbon Old Virginia
- 15 ml Van Der Hum
- 15 ml Vermouth Sweet
- 15 ml Lemon juice
- 100 ml Ice
Humbug 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
Humbug Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- prepare glass
The Humbug Cocktail: A Classic with a Twist
As a professional bartender, there are certain cocktails that are always in demand, and one of those is the Humbug. It's a classic cocktail with a unique twist, and it's been around for many years. In this blog post, we'll look at the popularity of the Humbug, the role of its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations of the cocktail, common mistakes when making it, and more.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Humbug cocktail has been around since the early 20th century. It's said to have originated in South Africa, where Van Der Hum, a type of sweet liqueur made with tangerines, was first produced. The cocktail gained popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, and it has remained a popular choice ever since.
Famous For
The Humbug cocktail is famous for its unique combination of ingredients. With its blend of bourbon, Van Der Hum, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice, it has a flavor that's both sweet and sour. It's a classic cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just relaxing at home.
Geographic
The Humbug cocktail is popular all over the world, but it's especially popular in the United States. It's a staple on many cocktail menus, and it's a favorite of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Appearance
The Humbug cocktail has a beautiful amber color, and it's usually served in a classic cocktail glass. It can be garnished with a twist of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint, depending on your preference.
Ingredient Roles
The Humbug cocktail is made with four main ingredients: bourbon, Van Der Hum, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice. Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in the flavor profile of the cocktail.
Bourbon
Bourbon is the primary spirit in the Humbug cocktail. It provides the base for the cocktail and gives it its signature warmth and depth of flavor.
Van Der Hum
Van Der Hum is a sweet liqueur made with tangerines, spices, and herbs. It adds a unique sweetness and complexity to the cocktail.
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that's flavored with herbs and spices. It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of bitterness to the cocktail.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice provides the sour element in the Humbug cocktail. It balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients and gives the cocktail a bright, refreshing flavor.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Humbug cocktail is simple. You can add a twist of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint to the glass before serving. This adds a beautiful touch of color and flavor to the cocktail.
Variations
There are many different variations of the Humbug cocktail, each with its unique twist on the classic recipe. Here are a few popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Humbug cocktail, simply omit the bourbon and replace it with a non-alcoholic substitute like Seedlip or Ritual Zero Proof. This version is perfect for those who don't drink alcohol or who are the designated driver.
Gluten-Free Version
The Humbug cocktail is gluten-free by default, as none of the ingredients contain gluten.
Vegan Version
The Humbug cocktail is vegan by default, as none of the ingredients contain animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the Humbug cocktail, simply replace the sweet vermouth with a sugar-free vermouth substitute like Drinkworks. This version is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Humbug cocktail, simply reduce the amount of bourbon and Van Der Hum and replace them with soda water or a low-calorie mixer like Zevia. This version is perfect for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making the Humbug cocktail, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Using Low-Quality Ingredients
The Humbug cocktail is made with a few high-quality ingredients, and using low-quality substitutes can impact the flavor of the cocktail.
Not Using Fresh Juice
Using fresh lemon juice is essential for the Humbug cocktail. Using bottled juice can lead to a less vibrant and less flavorful cocktail.
Not Straining the Cocktail
Straining the cocktail is essential to get rid of any large pieces of fruit or seeds that might be in the mixture. Failing to do so can lead to an unpleasant texture in the finished cocktail.
Over-Shaking the Cocktail
Over-shaking the cocktail can lead to a watery and diluted drink. It's best to shake the cocktail for no more than 10-15 seconds to avoid this.
In conclusion, the Humbug cocktail is a classic cocktail with a unique twist that has been popular for many years. It's a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a perfect Humbug cocktail every time.
If you are going to order Humbug in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Humbug can be served with different ingredients in different places.
