Top 5 cocktails (Q1/2 2011)

Ingredients

• 80 mlcoconut syrup (Olmmardisa Reserve)
• 120 mlsoda water
• 2 dashespassion fruit juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml)cranberry juice
• 100 mlTriple Sec
• 120 mlelderflower syrup
• 2 dashesDratosvener bitters
• to tastefresh citrus zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake with ice

   Put all the ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously.

2. 2

   Strain the drink

   Strain into a pre-chilled glass and finish with two dashes of Dratosvener bitters.

3. 3

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with a fresh citrus zest and serve straight away.

What is this cocktail?

This is a sweet mixed drink built around coconut and elderflower syrups, with Triple Sec for an orange note and small amounts of fruit juice for extra flavour. The recipe is presented as part of a time-specific cocktail top five rather than as a claim to an all-time classic.

Its appeal is the contrast between floral, fruity and citrus-like flavours, served cold in a generous glass. The soda water lightens the texture, while shaking chills and combines the ingredients.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 920 calories, 0g protein, 180g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the estimated energy and carbohydrate in this cocktail comes from the coconut and elderflower syrups, with Triple Sec contributing further sugar and energy. It provides very little protein or fat; serve it alongside a savoury snack with some protein, such as a small portion of nuts, for a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Syrups: the coconut and elderflower syrups supply most of the sweetness and give the drink its distinctive flavour profile. Use the named coconut syrup if available, as brands can vary in sweetness and intensity.

Fruit and orange: the recipe uses only a little passion fruit and cranberry juice, alongside Triple Sec. Measure them carefully so they add flavour without overwhelming the syrups.

Shaking and straining

Plenty of ice: shake the ingredients firmly with a generous amount of ice to chill them quickly. The method calls for all the ingredients to be shaken, then the drink is strained into a chilled glass.

Bitters: add the two dashes at the end, as specified, to round out the drink. A light hand keeps their flavour in the background.

Serving it cold

Chilled glass: cool the serving glass ahead of time so the drink stays cold after straining. Serve immediately rather than letting it stand.

Fresh zest: finish with a fresh citrus zest for an aromatic garnish. The recipe does not specify which citrus fruit to use.

Balancing the sweetness

Sweetness: both syrups make this a notably sweet cocktail, and Triple Sec adds further sweetness. The small measures of fruit juice bring some sharper fruit notes, but this is not a dry drink.

Soda water: it contributes a lighter, more refreshing feel. Keep it in the mix as listed rather than substituting a sweetened soft drink.

What to serve alongside

Because the drink is sweet and flavourful, serve it with simple, savoury nibbles rather than another sugary course. Salted nuts or plain crisps can provide a straightforward contrast.

For a meal, offer it as an aperitif with lightly seasoned savoury snacks. Its large volume makes it worth serving in a glass with enough room for the drink.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass before you start mixing.
• Use plenty of ice in the shaker so the drink chills quickly.
• Measure the syrups accurately; they provide most of the drink's sweetness.
• Shake vigorously, then strain promptly into the prepared glass.
• Add the bitters as two dashes after straining, as the method directs.
• Garnish with fresh zest just before serving.

Variations

• Less sweet: reduce both syrups to make their flavours less dominant.
• More citrus: use a fresh orange zest for a clear citrus aroma.
• Fruit-forward: add a little more passion fruit juice, keeping in mind it changes the listed proportions.
• Soda-led: increase the soda water for a lighter, more diluted drink.
• Bitters choice: use another aromatic bitters if Dratosvener is unavailable, noting that the flavour will differ.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too little ice: the drink may not chill properly; shake it with plenty of ice.
• Skipping the chilled glass: the cocktail can warm quickly; chill the glass in advance.
• Overdoing the syrups: the drink can become cloying; measure the listed amounts carefully.
• Leaving out the soda water: the result will taste heavier; include the full measure.
• Shaking after straining: the garnish and bitters are finishing touches; add them after the shake.

How to store

This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. Do not store it after shaking, as the ice will melt and dilute the drink.

Frequently asked questions