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Million Dollar Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Mix up a Million Dollar Drink with this classic recipe! Featuring Gin Young Henrys, Vermouth Sweet, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine, and Egg White, this cocktail is sure to impress. Shake it up with ice in a shaker with a strainer for a smooth and delicious drink. Perfect for beginning bartenders looking to impress their guests!


Million Dollar Ingredients

Million Dollar Equipment

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

Million Dollar Recipe

  1. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
  2. shake till perfectly chilled
  3. pour into glass

The Million Dollar Cocktail: A Classic Drink With Endless Variations

As a professional bartender, I've come across countless cocktail recipes throughout my career. But there's nothing quite like the classics. The Million Dollar Cocktail is a timeless drink that has been enjoyed for decades. In this article, I'll delve into the popularity, ingredient roles, garnishing techniques, variations, and common mistakes when making this classic cocktail.

Popularity

History and Origins

The Million Dollar Cocktail first made its appearance in the early 20th century. Its exact origin is unknown, but it's believed to have originated in the United States. The name itself is a nod to the cocktail's luxurious and indulgent nature.

Famous For

The Million Dollar Cocktail is famous for its sweet and tangy taste, which is achieved through a combination of gin, vermouth, pineapple juice, grenadine, and egg white. It's a sophisticated drink that's perfect for special occasions or a night out on the town.

Geographic

The Million Dollar Cocktail is popular all over the world, but it's particularly well-loved in the United States. It's a staple in many bars and cocktail lounges across the country.

Appearance

The Million Dollar Cocktail is a beautiful drink that looks just as good as it tastes. It has a pale pink color and is often served in a martini glass. The egg white gives it a frothy, creamy texture that's simply irresistible.

Ingredient Roles

Gin

Gin is the backbone of the Million Dollar Cocktail. It adds a botanical flavor and a hint of juniper that sets this drink apart from other cocktails.

Vermouth

Vermouth adds a slightly sweet and herbal flavor to the Million Dollar Cocktail. It's a fortified wine that's made from a blend of herbs and spices.

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice adds a tropical twist to the Million Dollar Cocktail. It's sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in this drink.

Grenadine

Grenadine is a sweet syrup that's made from pomegranate juice. It adds a fruity flavor and a beautiful pink color to the Million Dollar Cocktail.

Egg White

Egg white gives the Million Dollar Cocktail its signature frothy texture. It also adds a subtle creaminess and a hint of richness to the drink.

How to Garnish

The Million Dollar Cocktail is a beautiful drink that's perfect for garnishing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Cherry: A maraschino cherry is a classic garnish for the Million Dollar Cocktail. It adds a pop of color and a sweet flavor to the drink.
  • Pineapple Wedge: A small wedge of pineapple is a great way to play up the tropical flavors in this cocktail.
  • Lemon Twist: A lemon twist is a simple yet elegant garnish that adds a touch of acidity to the drink.

Variations

The Million Dollar Cocktail is a versatile drink that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations to try:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin version of the Million Dollar Cocktail, simply omit the gin and vermouth and increase the amount of pineapple juice. You can also add a splash of club soda for some fizz.

Gluten-Free Version

Most of the ingredients in the Million Dollar Cocktail are naturally gluten-free. However, if you're looking for a gluten-free vermouth option, try using Cocchi Americano or Dolin Blanc.

Vegan Version

Egg white is a key ingredient in the Million Dollar Cocktail, but it can be easily replaced with aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It has a similar texture to egg white and works just as well in cocktails.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the Million Dollar Cocktail, simply replace the grenadine with a sugar-free syrup and omit the pineapple juice. You can also use a low-carb gin like Tanqueray No. Ten.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a lower calorie version of the Million Dollar Cocktail, simply reduce the amount of grenadine and pineapple juice and increase the amount of club soda. You can also use a low-calorie gin like Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice.

Common Mistakes When Making

  • Not shaking the cocktail long enough: The Million Dollar Cocktail needs to be shaken for at least 30 seconds to achieve the frothy texture that's characteristic of this drink.
  • Using low-quality ingredients: The Million Dollar Cocktail is a sophisticated drink that requires high-quality ingredients. Use a good quality gin and vermouth for the best results.
  • Not straining the cocktail: The Million Dollar Cocktail contains bits of ingredients like pineapple and egg white, so it's essential to strain it before serving. Use a shaker with a strainer to get rid of any large pieces of ingredients.
  • Using too much grenadine: Grenadine is a sweet syrup, so it's important to use it sparingly. Too much grenadine can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail.

In conclusion, the Million Dollar Cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. With its sweet and tangy flavor and frothy texture, it's a drink that's sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a traditional version or a variation that suits your dietary needs, this cocktail is a must-try. Just remember to use high-quality ingredients, shake it long enough, and strain it before serving. Cheers!

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