Make a splash with the Sink or Swim drink recipe! This refreshing cocktail features 2 oz of brandy, 1/2 oz of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters, all mixed together in a shaker with a strainer. Perfect for beginner bartenders, this cocktail is sure to impress any guest. Serve up in a classic cocktail glass and dive right in!
Sink or Swim Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 3-5 dashes Angostura bitters
Sink or Swim Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
Sink or Swim Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- 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.Sink or Swim: A Classic Cocktail with a Twist
Are you looking for a classic cocktail that packs a punch and can stand the test of time? Look no further than the Sink or Swim. This drink has a rich history, a unique flavor profile, and can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions. As a professional bartender, I'm here to guide you through the ins and outs of this timeless drink.
Popularity
The Sink or Swim has been around for well over a century. It first appeared in print in the 1908 book "The World's Drinks and How to Mix Them" by William Boothby. The drink's origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have been popularized in the United States during the Prohibition era. The name "Sink or Swim" reflects the high alcohol content of the drink - you're either going to sink or swim after drinking it.
The Sink or Swim is famous for its strong, complex flavor profile. It is made with brandy, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The combination of these ingredients creates a drink that is both sweet and bitter, with a slightly spicy finish. The drink's appearance is also notable - it has a deep, reddish-brown color that is both rich and inviting.
Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient in the Sink or Swim plays a crucial role in creating its unique flavor profile. Brandy is the base spirit, and it provides the drink with its rich, warm flavor. Sweet vermouth adds sweetness and depth, while Angostura bitters provide a spicy, bitter note that balances out the sweetness of the vermouth.
When making a Sink or Swim, it's important to use good-quality ingredients. The brandy should be a VS or VSOP quality, and the sweet vermouth should be a good-quality Italian vermouth. The Angostura bitters should also be fresh and not expired - this will ensure that the drink has a strong, spicy flavor.
How to Garnish
The Sink or Swim is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, and it does not require a garnish. However, if you want to add a little something extra, a lemon twist or orange twist can be a nice touch. Simply twist a piece of lemon or orange peel over the drink to release the oils, and then drop the peel into the glass.
Variations
The Sink or Swim is a versatile cocktail that can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations that you can try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version of the Sink or Swim, simply omit the brandy and replace it with an equal amount of apple cider or cranberry juice. The sweet vermouth and bitters will still provide plenty of flavor, so you won't miss the alcohol.
Gluten-Free Version
The Sink or Swim is already gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, you should still be careful when selecting your sweet vermouth - some brands may use wheat-based spirits in their production. Look for a vermouth that is made with corn or grape spirits instead.
Vegan Version
The Sink or Swim is naturally vegan, as none of the ingredients come from animal sources.
Keto Version
If you're following a keto diet, you can still enjoy a Sink or Swim - just be mindful of the sugar content in the sweet vermouth. Look for a dry vermouth that has little to no sugar content, and use a sugar-free simple syrup instead of the sweet vermouth.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Sink or Swim, you can replace the sweet vermouth with a low-calorie or sugar-free vermouth. You can also use a sugar-free simple syrup instead of the sweet vermouth.
More Variations
The Sink or Swim is a versatile cocktail that can be customized in many other ways. Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist, or garnishing with a sprig of rosemary for an herbal note. You can also experiment with different types of bitters to create different flavor profiles.
Common Mistakes When Making
Here are a few common mistakes that people make when making a Sink or Swim:
- Using low-quality ingredients: The Sink or Swim requires good-quality brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Using low-quality ingredients will result in a subpar drink.
- Not shaking the drink enough: The Sink or Swim should be shaken vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds. This will ensure that the drink is well-mixed and properly chilled.
- Using too much sweet vermouth: The sweet vermouth should be used sparingly - too much will overpower the other ingredients and make the drink too sweet.
- Not straining the drink: The Sink or Swim should be strained to remove any large pieces of ingredients, such as fruit parts or seeds. This will ensure that the drink is smooth and free of any unwanted bits.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to make a perfect Sink or Swim every time. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or a customized drink, the Sink or Swim is a great choice that will never go out of style. Cheers!
If you are going to order Sink or Swim in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Sink or Swim can be served with different ingredients in different places.