Home Drink Menu Open main menu

Pan Am Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Take off with the Pan Am drink recipe - a refreshing blend of rum, bitters, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white. Shake it up in a shaker with ice and strain out any unwanted bits with ease. Impress your guests with this cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. Get ready to soar to new heights with the Pan Am drink!


Pan Am Ingredients

Pan Am 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

Pan Am Recipe

  1. consider making fresh Lemon juice you can press fruit yourself (be careful - fresh juice stays good only 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes to chill all the ingredients properly
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. pour into glass

The History and Popularity of the Pan Am Cocktail

The Pan Am cocktail is a classic cocktail that was first created in the 1920s. It is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. The cocktail was named after the famous airline, Pan American Airways, which was one of the most popular airlines in the world during the 20th century. The cocktail became popular during the golden age of aviation when air travel was seen as glamorous and luxurious.

Origins and Famous for

The Pan Am cocktail was first created by a bartender named Joe Scialom, who worked at the famous Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The bar was a popular spot for American expats and tourists, and it was frequented by many famous writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Pan Am cocktail was one of the most popular cocktails at the bar, and it quickly became a favorite among the American expat community in Paris.

The Pan Am cocktail is famous for its refreshing and fruity flavor, which is created by combining light white rum, bitters, orange bitters, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white. The cocktail has a frothy texture and a bright citrus flavor, which makes it perfect for summertime sipping.

Geographic Popularity

The Pan Am cocktail quickly became popular in Paris, and it soon spread to other parts of Europe and the United States. Today, the cocktail is still popular among cocktail enthusiasts and is often served in bars and restaurants around the world. The cocktail is especially popular in the United States, where it is often served at tiki bars and other tropical-themed establishments.

Appearance

The Pan Am cocktail has a bright yellow color and a frothy texture, which is created by shaking the ingredients together with ice. The cocktail is usually served in a tall glass or a tiki mug, and it is often garnished with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint.

Ingredient Roles

The Pan Am cocktail is made with several ingredients, each of which plays an important role in creating its unique flavor and texture.

Rum

The base of the Pan Am cocktail is light white rum, which gives the cocktail its signature tropical flavor. Light rum is made from sugarcane and is aged for a shorter period than dark rum, which gives it a lighter color and a milder flavor.

Bitters

Bitters are a type of alcoholic flavoring that are made from a combination of herbs, spices, and fruit. They are used to add depth and complexity to cocktails and are an essential ingredient in the Pan Am cocktail.

Orange Bitters

Orange bitters are a type of bitters that are made from bitter orange peels and other botanicals. They are used to add a bright citrus flavor to cocktails and are an essential ingredient in the Pan Am cocktail.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is used to add a tart and acidic flavor to the Pan Am cocktail. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.

Sugar Syrup

Sugar syrup is used to sweeten the Pan Am cocktail and balance out the tartness of the lemon juice. It is made by dissolving sugar in water and is an essential ingredient in many cocktails.

Egg White

Egg white is used to give the Pan Am cocktail its frothy texture and creamy mouthfeel. It is shaken together with the other ingredients to create a thick foam on top of the cocktail.

How to Garnish

The Pan Am cocktail is traditionally garnished with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint. The orange slice adds a bright citrus flavor to the cocktail, while the mint adds a refreshing herbal note. To garnish the cocktail, simply place the orange slice or mint sprig on top of the foam.

Variations

The Pan Am cocktail is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. Here are a few variations to try:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin version of the Pan Am cocktail, simply omit the rum and add a splash of club soda for a little fizz. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same.

Gluten-Free Version

All of the ingredients in the Pan Am cocktail are naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.

Vegan Version

To make a vegan version of the Pan Am cocktail, simply omit the egg white and add a splash of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead. This will create a similar frothy texture without the use of animal products.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the Pan Am cocktail, simply omit the sugar syrup and use a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or erythritol instead.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Pan Am cocktail, simply use a light rum and omit the sugar syrup. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener if desired.

Common Mistakes When Making

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making the Pan Am cocktail:

Using the Wrong Type of Rum

Make sure to use a light white rum when making the Pan Am cocktail. Dark rum will give the cocktail a different flavor profile.

Not Shaking Enough

Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 20 seconds to create the frothy texture and incorporate the egg white.

Using Bottled Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, which can have a different flavor and texture.

Not Using a Strainer

Use a shaker with a strainer to get rid of any large pieces of ingredients, such as fruit parts or seeds.

Using Too Much Sugar Syrup

Be careful not to use too much sugar syrup, as it can make the cocktail too sweet. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

In conclusion, the Pan Am cocktail is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its refreshing and fruity flavor makes it perfect for summertime sipping, and its versatility makes it adaptable to a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a delicious Pan Am cocktail that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

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

You might be interested: