Mix things up with our Zaza Cocktail Recipe! This refreshing drink features Dubonnet Rouge and Gin, with a dash of orange bitters, garnished with a fresh orange peel. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a night in. Get your shaker ready and try it out today!
Zaza Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 oz Dubonnet Rouge
- 1 oz Gin
- dash orange bitters
- - peel, Orange
- garnish Orange
Zaza Cocktail Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
Zaza Cocktail Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- strain into cocktail glass without ice
- serve with a Orange as a garnish if desired
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 Zaza Cocktail: A Classic Drink with Endless Variations
As a professional bartender, I have seen countless drinks come and go, but the Zaza cocktail remains a classic that never goes out of style. This cocktail has a rich history and a unique taste that has made it famous all over the world. In this article, I will explore the origins of the drink, the role of its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations, common mistakes when making it, and more.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Zaza cocktail is a drink that originated in France, and it has been around for over a century. It was named after the play "Zaza" by Pierre Berton and Charles Simon. The play was a hit in Paris in the early 1900s, and the cocktail was created to celebrate its success. The drink became popular in the United States during the Prohibition era when people were looking for ways to mask the taste of bootlegged alcohol.
Famous For
The Zaza cocktail is known for its unique blend of sweet and bitter flavors. The Dubonnet Rouge, which is a fortified wine, gives it a sweet taste, while the gin and orange bitters add a touch of bitterness. The orange garnish also adds a citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Geographic
The drink has become popular all over the world, and it is a staple in many bars and restaurants. It is especially popular in France, where it originated.
Appearance
The Zaza cocktail has a deep red color, and it is served in a cocktail glass with an orange garnish. The orange peel adds a touch of elegance to the drink, and it also enhances the citrusy flavor.
Ingredient Roles
The Zaza cocktail has three main ingredients: Dubonnet Rouge, gin, and orange bitters. Each ingredient plays a unique role in the drink.
Dubonnet Rouge
Dubonnet Rouge is a fortified wine that is made from a blend of red wine, herbs, and spices. It has a sweet taste and a deep red color. In the Zaza cocktail, Dubonnet Rouge adds a sweet and fruity flavor that balances the bitterness of the gin and bitters.
Gin
Gin is a distilled spirit that is made from juniper berries and other botanicals. It has a strong, herbal flavor that adds a bitter taste to the drink. In the Zaza cocktail, gin adds complexity and depth to the drink.
Orange Bitters
Orange bitters are a type of bitters that are made from bitter orange peel, cardamom, and other spices. They add a spicy and bitter flavor to the drink, which complements the sweetness of the Dubonnet Rouge.
How to Garnish
The garnish of the Zaza cocktail is an essential part of the drink, as it adds both flavor and visual appeal. Here is how to garnish the drink:
- Cut a thin strip of orange peel.
- Twist the orange peel over the drink to release the oils.
- Place the orange peel on the rim of the glass.
The orange peel adds a touch of citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients. It also gives the drink an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
Variations
The Zaza cocktail is a versatile drink that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations of the drink:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Zaza cocktail, simply omit the gin and replace it with a non-alcoholic spirit such as Seedlip. The drink will still have the sweet and bitter flavors of the original, but without the alcohol.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Zaza cocktail is gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, it is important to ensure that the gin and bitters are made with gluten-free ingredients. Some popular gluten-free gin brands include Hendrick's and Bombay Sapphire, while Fee Brothers and Angostura are gluten-free bitters.
Vegan Version
The Zaza cocktail is already vegan, as none of the ingredients are derived from animals. However, it is important to ensure that the ingredients are not processed with animal products. Some popular vegan gin brands include Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the Zaza cocktail, simply omit the Dubonnet Rouge and replace it with a dry red wine. Dry red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are low in carbs and sugar, making them ideal for a keto diet.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Zaza cocktail, simply reduce the amount of Dubonnet Rouge and gin and replace them with soda water. This will reduce the calorie content of the drink while still maintaining the sweet and bitter flavors.
More Variations
The Zaza cocktail can be customized in many other ways, such as by adding different types of bitters, using different types of gin, or garnishing it with different types of fruit.
Common Mistakes When Making
While the Zaza cocktail is a relatively simple drink to make, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
Using Too Much Dubonnet Rouge
The Dubonnet Rouge is a sweet ingredient, and using too much of it can make the drink overly sweet. It is important to measure the ingredients carefully to ensure that the drink has the right balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Using the Wrong Type of Gin
Not all gins are created equal, and using the wrong type of gin can affect the flavor of the drink. It is important to use a high-quality gin that has a strong, herbal flavor.
Forgetting to Garnish
The garnish is an essential part of the Zaza cocktail, and forgetting to add it can make the drink look and taste less appealing. It is important to take the time to garnish the drink properly.
In conclusion, the Zaza cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of sweet and bitter flavors has made it popular all over the world, and its versatility allows for endless variations. Whether you prefer a mocktail version, a low-calorie version, or a keto version, the Zaza cocktail can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Just remember to measure the ingredients carefully, use high-quality gin, and don't forget to garnish!
If you are going to order Zaza Cocktail in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Zaza Cocktail can be served with different ingredients in different places.
