Mix up your bartending skills with this refreshing Red Dog cocktail recipe. Made with zesty orange vodka, Canadian whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale, it's the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Use a shaker and juicer to create a perfectly blended drink. Serve in a highball glass and impress your guests with this tantalizing treat.
Red Dog Ingredients
- 1/2 oz orange vodka
- 2 oz Canadian Whiskey
- 11/2 oz Cranberry juice
- 11/2 oz Orange juice
- 3 oz Ginger Ale
Red Dog Equipment
- shaker - allows you quickly mix and chill ingredients
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Red Dog Recipe
- optionally make fresh Orange juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes to chill all the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- prepare Highball glass full with ice cubes
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Red Dog Cocktail: A Classic Recipe for Every Occasion
As a professional bartender, I have come across many cocktail recipes, but the Red Dog remains one of the most popular drinks. This classic cocktail is known for its unique blend of flavors, which makes it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and popularity of the Red Dog, its ingredients, variations, common mistakes when making it, and how to garnish it.
Popularity
History
The origin of the Red Dog is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. It became popular in the 1980s and is still widely consumed today. The name "Red Dog" is derived from the reddish hue of the cocktail, which is achieved by blending cranberry juice with orange juice.
Famous For
The Red Dog is famous for its unique blend of flavors, which makes it a popular choice for social events and gatherings. Its refreshing taste and vibrant color make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Appearance
The Red Dog has a reddish hue and is served in a highball glass. It is garnished with a slice of orange or lime.
Ingredient Roles
The Red Dog cocktail has five main ingredients: orange vodka, Canadian whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the unique flavor profile of the cocktail.
Orange Vodka
Orange vodka adds a citrusy flavor to the cocktail, which complements the other ingredients. It is also responsible for giving the cocktail its signature reddish hue.
Canadian Whiskey
Canadian whiskey adds a smooth and mellow flavor to the cocktail. It is also responsible for adding a little kick to the cocktail.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice adds a tart and slightly bitter flavor to the cocktail. It is also responsible for giving the cocktail its reddish hue.
Orange Juice
Orange juice adds a sweet and citrusy flavor to the cocktail. It also complements the flavor of the other ingredients.
Ginger Ale
Ginger ale adds a spicy and refreshing flavor to the cocktail. It is also responsible for adding a little fizz to the cocktail.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Red Dog cocktail is simple. All you need is a slice of orange or lime. Simply place the slice on the rim of the glass and serve.
Variations
The Red Dog cocktail is a versatile recipe that can be modified to suit different preferences. Here are some variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Red Dog, simply omit the orange vodka and Canadian whiskey. You can replace them with orange juice and ginger ale to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
To make a gluten-free version of the Red Dog, ensure that all the ingredients are gluten-free. Some popular gluten-free brands available in the United States include Tito's Handmade Vodka and Crown Royal Whiskey.
Vegan Version
The Red Dog cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the Red Dog, replace the ginger ale with diet ginger ale, which is low in sugar. You can also reduce the amount of cranberry juice or replace it with unsweetened cranberry juice.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Red Dog, reduce the amount of ginger ale and cranberry juice. You can also replace the orange vodka and Canadian whiskey with a low-calorie alternative.
Common Mistakes When Making
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making the Red Dog cocktail:
- Using too much ginger ale, which can overpower the other flavors
- Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall taste of the cocktail
- Not shaking the cocktail long enough, which can result in a poorly mixed cocktail
- Using too much ice, which can water down the cocktail
In conclusion, the Red Dog cocktail is a classic recipe that has stood the test of time. Its unique flavor profile and vibrant color make it a popular choice for social events and gatherings. With the variations and garnishes discussed in this blog post, you can customize the Red Dog cocktail to suit your preferences. Remember to avoid the common mistakes when making the cocktail, and you're sure to impress your guests with a delicious and refreshing drink.
If you are going to order Red Dog in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Red Dog can be served with different ingredients in different places.
