Home Drink Menu Open main menu

KGB Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Shake up a taste of espionage with our KGB Cocktail Recipe. This covert blend of gin, cherry brandy, and apricot brandy is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With a zesty lemon twist, this drink is a must-try for budding bartenders. Serve in a sleek cocktail glass and impress your guests with your mixology skills. Get your shaker ready and let's go undercover with the KGB Cocktail.


KGB Cocktail Ingredients

KGB Cocktail Equipment

  • shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)

KGB Cocktail Recipe

  1. fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
  2. shake till perfectly chilled
  3. strain into cocktail glass without ice
  4. serve with a Lemon as a garnish if desired

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 KGB cocktail has been a popular drink for decades. Its origins are not precisely known, but it is believed to have been created during the Cold War era. It is a classic cocktail that has become famous for its unique blend of flavors and its distinctive appearance.

Popularity

The KGB cocktail is famous for its use of cherry brandy and apricot brandy, which give it a sweet and fruity flavor. The gin adds a bit of bite to the drink, making it perfect for those who prefer a stronger cocktail. The lemon peel garnish adds a touch of freshness to the drink, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.

The KGB cocktail is also known for its appearance. It is usually served in a cocktail glass and has a deep red color, which is due to the cherry brandy. The lemon peel garnish adds a contrasting color, making it an eye-catching drink.

Ingredient Roles

To make a KGB cocktail, you will need gin, cherry brandy, apricot brandy, and a lemon peel for garnish. The gin is the base spirit of the cocktail and gives it its distinctive flavor. The cherry brandy and apricot brandy add sweetness and fruity notes to the drink. The lemon peel garnish adds a touch of freshness to the drink.

How to Garnish

To garnish a KGB cocktail, you will need a lemon peel. Simply cut a thin strip of lemon peel and twist it over the drink, releasing the oils from the peel. Then, place the peel on the rim of the glass.

Variations

There are several variations of the KGB cocktail that you can try. Here are a few:

  • Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the KGB cocktail, simply omit the gin and replace the cherry brandy and apricot brandy with cherry and apricot syrups.

  • Gluten-Free Version: All the ingredients in the KGB cocktail are gluten-free, so it is already a gluten-free drink.

  • Vegan Version: The KGB cocktail is already vegan, as none of the ingredients come from animals.

  • Keto Version: The KGB cocktail is not keto-friendly due to the sugar content in the cherry brandy and apricot brandy. However, you can make a keto version by using sugar-free cherry and apricot syrups instead.

  • Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie version of the KGB cocktail, simply use sugar-free cherry and apricot syrups and a low-calorie gin.

Common Mistakes When Making

One common mistake when making the KGB cocktail is not using the right proportions of the ingredients. It is important to follow the recipe carefully to ensure that the cocktail has the right balance of flavors.

Another mistake is not using a shaker with a strainer. The shaker helps to mix the ingredients together, and the strainer gets rid of any large pieces of fruit or seeds.

In conclusion, the KGB cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of flavors and its distinctive appearance make it a popular choice for any occasion. Whether you're making a traditional KGB cocktail or trying one of the variations, be sure to follow the recipe carefully and use the right equipment to ensure that the drink turns out perfectly.

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