Plymouth 41.2% and tonic water

Ingredients

• 3 clcream (Olmmardisa Reserve)
• 1 cllime juice
• 6 clcranberry juice
• 2 dashesmelon liqueur
• 2 splashesDratosvener bitters
• to tastefresh zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake with ice

   Add all the ingredients to a shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously.

2. 2

   Strain and finish

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

3. 3

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with fresh zest and serve immediately.

What is this cranberry cocktail?

The supplied method makes a creamy cranberry cocktail, not a gin and tonic: it contains no Plymouth gin or tonic water. The combination of tart juice, citrus, cream and melon liqueur gives it a different profile from the drink named in the title.

The recipe information does not identify a specific origin for this version. Its quick shake-and-strain method makes it straightforward to prepare as a single chilled drink.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 100 calories, 1g protein, 10g carbs, 9g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the cranberry juice and melon liqueur, while the cream contributes most of the fat and a little protein. For a more balanced spread, serve the drink alongside a savoury snack rather than another sweet item.

The ingredients that shape the drink

Cranberry juice: this is the largest measured ingredient and provides the drink's tart fruit base. Use the stated 6 cl so it does not overwhelm the smaller additions.

Cream and liqueur: cream gives the cocktail its richer texture, while melon liqueur adds sweetness and a fruity note. The recipe specifies two dashes of the liqueur, so measure carefully rather than pouring freely.

Lime and bitters: lime juice brings acidity, and the bitters are added after straining. Fresh zest supplies the final aromatic garnish.

Shake it thoroughly

Add plenty of ice before shaking, as the method directs. Shake vigorously so the cream and juices combine into a uniform mixture.

Strain into a glass that has already been chilled. This keeps the drink cold without leaving the shaker ice in the glass.

Look for an even texture

The drink should look well combined after shaking, with no obvious streaks of cream or juice. If it separates while standing, serve it promptly as the method recommends.

The recipe gives no exact shaking time, so use the visual cue of a thoroughly mixed drink rather than extending the shake unnecessarily.

Keep the finish balanced

The lime juice offsets the sweetness of the cranberry juice and melon liqueur, while cream softens the overall taste. The specified bitters and zest add a final layer without changing the core proportions.

Use a light hand with the zest: it is a garnish, not an additional juice ingredient. Serve straight after garnishing.

Serve it cold

A pre-chilled glass suits this shaken drink and helps it stay refreshing. Serve it on its own or alongside a small savoury nibble if you want a contrast to its creamy, fruity character.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the glass before you start shaking.
• Measure the cream, lime and cranberry juice precisely to keep the balance close to the recipe.
• Add plenty of ice to the shaker, as directed.
• Shake vigorously until the mixture looks evenly combined.
• Strain into the chilled glass and add the bitters after straining.
• Prepare the fresh zest just before serving for a bright garnish.

Variations

• More citrus: Add a little extra lime juice for a sharper-tasting variation.
• Softer finish: Use a smaller amount of bitters if you prefer a less pronounced bitter note.
• Different garnish: Replace the fresh zest with a thin curl of citrus peel.
• Less rich: Reduce the cream slightly for a lighter texture.
• More fruit-forward: Increase the cranberry juice slightly, while keeping in mind that it will change the stated proportions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the ice: Shake with plenty of ice, as the method specifies, so the ingredients combine and chill.
• Pouring the liqueur freely: Measure two dashes to avoid making the drink overly sweet.
• Using a warm glass: Chill the glass first to keep the cocktail cold.
• Straining too early: Shake vigorously until the mixture looks evenly combined before straining.
• Waiting to serve: Add the garnish and serve immediately, as the method directs.

How to store

This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. Do not store leftovers, as the chilled mixture may separate and lose its freshly shaken texture.

Frequently asked questions