Opera Drink recipe

Get ready to impress your guests with the sophisticated and refreshing Opera drink recipe! This classic cocktail features a perfect blend of gin, Dubonnet, and Curacao, garnished with a zesty orange twist. With a shaker and strainer, you can easily create a perfectly smooth and delicious cocktail that will leave your guests wanting more. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a must-try for any beginning bartender looking to elevate their mixology skills!

Opera Ingredients

• 1 oz Gin
• 1/2 oz Dubonnet
• 1 tbsp Curacao
• garnish Orange

Opera Equipment

Opera Recipe

Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass

Opera Cocktail: A Classic Drink with a Twist

As a professional bartender, I’ve had the pleasure of creating and serving countless cocktails, each with its own unique history and flavor profile. One of my all-time favorites is the Opera cocktail, a classic drink that has stood the test of time. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the Opera cocktail, from its popularity and origins to how to make it and common mistakes to avoid.

Popularity

History & Origins

The Opera cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 1900s and was named after the Paris Opera. It gained popularity in the United States during the Prohibition era when people were looking for creative ways to mask the taste of bootlegged liquor. The Opera cocktail was the perfect solution, as its complex flavor profile helped to disguise the harshness of the alcohol.

Famous For

The Opera cocktail is famous for its unique combination of ingredients that results in a complex and sophisticated flavor profile. The gin provides a strong base, while the Dubonnet adds a hint of sweetness and the Curacao brings a subtle citrus flavor. The orange garnish also adds a pop of color and complements the flavors of the drink.

Geographic

While the Opera cocktail is popular all over the world, it is particularly well-known in the United States, where it has been a favorite of cocktail enthusiasts for decades.

Appearance

The Opera cocktail is a beautiful drink with a deep red color that is sure to catch the eye. It is typically served in a cocktail glass and garnished with a slice of orange.

Ingredient Roles

The Opera cocktail has just three ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in creating its complex flavor profile.

Gin

The gin is the primary spirit in the Opera cocktail and provides a strong, juniper-forward base.

Dubonnet

Dubonnet is a sweet, fortified wine that adds a hint of spice and sweetness to the drink.

Curacao

Curacao is a citrus-flavored liqueur that brings a subtle orange flavor to the cocktail.

How to Garnish

The garnish is an essential element of any cocktail, and the Opera cocktail is no exception. Here’s how to garnish the Opera cocktail to perfection:

1. Cut a slice of orange that is approximately 1/4 inch thick.
2. Cut a small slit in the center of the orange slice.
3. Slide the orange slice onto the rim of the cocktail glass.

Variations

While the classic Opera cocktail is delicious on its own, there are several variations that you can try to mix things up.

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Opera cocktail, simply omit the gin and replace it with tonic water or soda. This will give you a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that still has the complex flavors of the original.

Gluten-Free Version

All of the ingredients in the Opera cocktail are naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need to make any substitutions.

Vegan Version

The Opera cocktail is already vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients come from animal sources.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the Opera cocktail, simply omit the Curacao and replace it with a sugar-free orange-flavored syrup. This will reduce the carb count of the drink while still giving it a citrus flavor.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Opera cocktail, simply use a low-calorie gin and replace the Dubonnet with a low-sugar red wine. You can also use a sugar-free orange-flavored syrup instead of the Curacao to reduce the calorie count even further.

Common Mistakes When Making

While the Opera cocktail is a relatively simple drink to make, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time.

Using the Wrong Gin

The gin is the primary spirit in the Opera cocktail, so it’s essential to choose the right one. Look for a high-quality gin with a strong juniper flavor to give the drink a robust base.

Using Too Much Dubonnet

Dubonnet is a sweet, fortified wine that adds a hint of sweetness to the Opera cocktail. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as too much Dubonnet can overpower the other flavors in the drink.

Using a Poor-Quality Curacao

Curacao is a citrus-flavored liqueur that brings a subtle orange flavor to the Opera cocktail. However, not all Curacaos are created equal. Look for a high-quality brand to ensure that you get the best possible flavor.

Not Using a Strainer

The Opera cocktail contains several solid ingredients, including orange peel and Dubonnet, so it’s important to use a strainer when shaking the drink to remove any large pieces.

In conclusion, the Opera cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. With its complex flavor profile and beautiful appearance, it’s no wonder that it has remained popular for over a century. By following the tips and suggestions outlined in this article, you can create a perfect Opera cocktail every time, whether you’re enjoying it at home or serving it to guests.

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