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Laguna Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Sip into a refreshing Laguna cocktail - a blend of brandy, vodka, bianco vermouth, Campari bitters, and a hint of bitters. Shake it up in a shaker with strainer and serve in a classic cocktail glass. Perfect for a relaxing evening with friends. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make drink!


Laguna Ingredients

Laguna Equipment

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

Laguna Recipe

  1. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes to chill all the ingredients properly
  2. shake till perfectly chilled
  3. strain into cocktail glass without ice

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 Laguna Cocktail: A Deliciously Complex Drink

If you're a fan of complex cocktails with a rich history, you've likely heard of the Laguna cocktail. This drink is a classic that has been enjoyed for decades. From its origins to its numerous variations, there's a lot to explore when it comes to the Laguna cocktail. In this article, we'll dive into the popularity, ingredients, garnishing, common mistakes, and more.

Popularity

History

The Laguna cocktail has been around for over a century. It is believed to have originated in the 1890s, and it's named after the coastal city of Laguna Beach, California. The recipe has evolved since then, with some variations adding or replacing ingredients. However, the original recipe remains the most popular.

Famous for

The Laguna cocktail is famous for its complex flavors. It's a combination of sweet, bitter, and sour notes, making it an excellent drink for those who love complexity. The cocktail's ingredients are also known for their unique tastes, making it a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts.

Geographic

The Laguna cocktail has a strong association with California. It's often enjoyed in bars and restaurants all over the state, particularly in the coastal regions. However, it's also a popular drink in other parts of the country, and its fame has even spread overseas.

Appearance

The Laguna cocktail has a beautiful appearance, with a deep red color and a smooth texture. It's served in a cocktail glass, with some variations adding a cherry or lemon twist for garnishing.

Ingredient Roles

To make a Laguna cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1/4 oz Vodka
  • 1/4 oz Martini & Rossi bianco vermouth
  • 1 tsp Campari bitters
  • 1 dash Bitters

Each ingredient plays a critical role in the overall flavor of the drink. Brandy is the base spirit, providing a sweet and rich taste. Vodka adds a neutral flavor that helps to balance the sweetness of the brandy. Vermouth provides a bitter and herbal note, while Campari bitters give the drink a unique taste. Finally, the dash of bitters helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Garnish

Garnishing is an essential part of any cocktail, and the Laguna cocktail is no exception. Here's how to garnish the drink:

  • Take a lemon or cherry and place it on the rim of the cocktail glass.
  • Gently drop the garnish into the drink, allowing it to float on top.

The garnish adds a touch of flavor and color to the cocktail, making it more visually appealing.

Variations

The Laguna cocktail has numerous variations, each with its unique taste. Here are some of the most popular:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

If you're not a fan of alcohol or are looking for a mocktail version of the Laguna cocktail, you can try the following recipe:

  • 2 oz non-alcoholic brandy
  • 1/4 oz non-alcoholic vodka
  • 1/4 oz non-alcoholic vermouth
  • 1 tsp Campari bitters
  • 1 dash Bitters
  • 1 oz cranberry juice

To make the mocktail, follow the same steps as the original recipe, replacing the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives.

Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients

If you're gluten intolerant, you can still enjoy the Laguna cocktail by using gluten-free ingredients. Here's a recipe to try:

  • 2 oz gluten-free brandy
  • 1/4 oz gluten-free vodka
  • 1/4 oz gluten-free vermouth
  • 1 tsp Campari bitters
  • 1 dash Bitters

Make sure to use brands that are certified gluten-free to avoid any issues.

Vegan Version

The Laguna cocktail is already vegan-friendly, as none of its ingredients are derived from animals.

Keto Version

If you're on a keto diet, you can still enjoy the Laguna cocktail by using the following recipe:

  • 2 oz brandy
  • 1/4 oz vodka
  • 1/4 oz dry vermouth
  • 1 tsp Campari bitters
  • 1 dash Bitters
  • 1 oz diet cranberry juice

The diet cranberry juice is a low-carb alternative that fits into the keto diet.

Low-Calorie Version

If you're watching your calorie intake, you can try the following recipe:

  • 2 oz brandy
  • 1/4 oz vodka
  • 1/4 oz vermouth
  • 1 tsp Campari bitters
  • 1 dash Bitters
  • 1 oz light cranberry juice

The light cranberry juice has fewer calories than the regular version, making it a great alternative.

More Variations

There are countless other variations of the Laguna cocktail, with mixologists adding or replacing ingredients to create their unique twists. Some popular variations include using gin instead of brandy, adding orange juice, or using grapefruit bitters.

Common Mistakes When Making

When making a Laguna cocktail, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

  • Using low-quality ingredients: The Laguna cocktail is all about flavor, so using low-quality ingredients can ruin the taste.
  • Overfilling the shaker: Overfilling the shaker can make it difficult to mix the ingredients thoroughly, leading to an uneven taste.
  • Skipping the garnish: The garnish adds a touch of flavor and color to the cocktail, so skipping it can make the drink less appealing.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can make a delicious Laguna cocktail that everyone will love.

In conclusion, the Laguna cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. With its complex flavors and rich history, it's a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie version, there's a Laguna cocktail recipe for everyone to enjoy. So why not try making one today and see for yourself why this drink has remained popular for over a century?

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