Whip up a chillingly delicious White Spider cocktail with just two simple ingredients – Vodka and Creme de Menthe. Perfect for beginner bartenders, this easy-to-make drink is served in a sleek cocktail glass and requires only a shaker with a strainer to remove any large pieces of ingredients. Get ready to impress your guests with this refreshing and minty drink!
White Spider Ingredients
- 1-1/2 oz Vodka
- 3/4 oz Creme de Menthe
White Spider Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
White Spider Recipe
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- 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.The White Spider: A Classic Cocktail with a Timeless Appeal
As a professional bartender, I have encountered numerous cocktail recipes over the years, but there is one that stands out as a classic: the White Spider. This cocktail has been around for quite some time, and it is famous for its refreshing taste and stunning appearance. In this article, we will explore the history, origins, and ingredients of the White Spider, as well as its variations and common mistakes when making it.
Popularity
The White Spider cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for several decades. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in North America, possibly in the 1940s or 1950s. The drink is famous for its unique appearance, which is reminiscent of a spider's web. The cocktail is typically served in a cocktail glass, and it is garnished with a mint sprig or a cherry.
Geographically, the White Spider is a popular drink in North America, especially in the United States. It is also popular in some European countries, such as France and Italy.
Ingredients
The White Spider is a relatively simple drink that requires only two main ingredients: vodka and creme de menthe. Vodka is a clear, distilled spirit that is typically made from grains, such as wheat or rye. Creme de menthe, on the other hand, is a sweet, mint-flavored liqueur that is usually made with distilled spirits, sugar, and mint leaves.
The role of vodka in the White Spider is to provide a neutral base for the drink, while the creme de menthe adds a refreshing mint flavor and a green color. The drink is typically shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. The ice is discarded, and the drink is garnished with a mint sprig or a cherry.
How to Garnish
Garnishing is an essential part of making any cocktail, and the White Spider is no exception. The most common way to garnish a White Spider is to add a mint sprig or a cherry to the drink. The mint sprig adds a refreshing aroma to the drink, while the cherry adds a pop of color to the green drink.
To garnish the White Spider with a mint sprig, simply take a sprig of fresh mint and gently place it on top of the drink. To garnish with a cherry, simply place a cherry on top of the drink, either on the rim of the glass or on a toothpick.
Variations
One of the great things about cocktails is that there are endless variations that you can try. Here are some variations of the White Spider:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the White Spider, simply omit the vodka and use a mint-flavored syrup instead of the creme de menthe. You can also add some lime juice to give the drink a refreshing twist.
Gluten-Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of the White Spider, use a gluten-free vodka, such as Tito's or Grey Goose. For the creme de menthe, make sure to check the label to ensure that it does not contain any gluten.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the White Spider, use a vodka that is not filtered through animal products, such as Absolut or Skyy. For the creme de menthe, make sure to check the label to ensure that it does not contain any animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the White Spider, use a sugar-free creme de menthe and a keto-friendly sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol. For the vodka, use a brand that is not flavored or sweetened, such as Smirnoff or Ketel One.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the White Spider, use a low-calorie vodka, such as Skinnygirl or Absolut Citron. For the creme de menthe, use a low-calorie version, such as Hiram Walker or DeKuyper.
Common Mistakes when Making
As with any cocktail, there are some common mistakes that people make when making the White Spider. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Using Too Much Creme de Menthe
One of the most common mistakes when making the White Spider is using too much creme de menthe. This can make the drink too sweet and overpowering. It is best to use the recommended amount of creme de menthe and adjust to taste.
Using the Wrong Type of Vodka
Another common mistake is using the wrong type of vodka. It is important to use a high-quality vodka that is smooth and neutral in flavor. A cheap, low-quality vodka can ruin the taste of the drink.
Shaking Too Hard
When shaking the White Spider, it is important not to shake too hard. Over-shaking can dilute the drink and make it too watery. It is best to shake gently and for only a few seconds.
Not Straining Properly
Finally, it is important to strain the drink properly 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 debris.
In conclusion, the White Spider is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its unique appearance and refreshing taste have made it a popular drink in North America and beyond. With these tips and variations, you can make the perfect White Spider cocktail every time. Cheers!
If you are going to order White Spider in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. White Spider can be served with different ingredients in different places.
