Chicago Cocktail

Description

The Chicago Cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is a strong and flavorful cocktail that combines the sweetness of cherry brandy with the boldness of rye whiskey. Here is a recipe to make a Chicago Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz cherry brandy
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rye whiskey, cherry brandy, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
3. Stir the ingredients until chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Note: The original recipe for the Chicago Cocktail calls for equal parts of rye whiskey, cherry brandy, and vermouth, but this recipe uses a higher ratio of whiskey to balance the sweetness of the cherry brandy.

3 Chicago Cocktail Variations

Chicago Sour

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz cherry brandy
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters
• Lemon wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rye whiskey, lemon juice, cherry brandy, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake the ingredients until chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
6. Serve and enjoy!
7. Chicago Gold

Chicago Gold

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz cherry brandy
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz ginger liqueur
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rye whiskey, cherry brandy, honey syrup, lemon juice, and ginger liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake the ingredients until chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Barrel-Aged Chicago Cocktail

• 2 oz barrel-aged rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz cherry brandy
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add barrel-aged rye whiskey, cherry brandy, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
3. Stir the ingredients until chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Serving

A Chicago Cocktail is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass. This type of glassware is preferred for cocktails that are stirred rather than shaken, as it allows the drink to maintain its clarity and keeps the ingredients well-mixed without aerating the cocktail too much.

To serve the Chicago Cocktail, the cocktail glass is usually chilled in the freezer or filled with ice and water for a few minutes before serving. The ice and water are then discarded, and the cocktail is strained into the chilled glass, either neat or with a single large ice cube.

The cocktail is often garnished with a lemon twist, which adds a hint of citrus aroma and complements the flavors of the rye whiskey and cherry brandy. The result is a classic cocktail that is smooth, complex, and perfect for sipping on a night out or enjoying at home.

Flavor Profile of a Chicago Cocktail?

The Chicago Cocktail is a classic cocktail with a complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of cherry brandy with the boldness of rye whiskey. The combination of ingredients creates a cocktail with a rich, fruity taste, a spicy kick, and a slight bitterness from the vermouth.

The rye whiskey is the primary flavor in the Chicago Cocktail, providing a bold and spicy kick to the drink. The cherry brandy adds a sweet and fruity flavor, with notes of tart cherry and a hint of almond. The dry vermouth provides a subtle herbal bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cherry brandy.

The addition of Angostura bitters helps to tie all the flavors together and adds a touch of complexity and depth to the drink. The bitters also provide a slightly bitter and aromatic finish to the cocktail.

Overall, the Chicago Cocktail is a well-balanced drink that is both sweet and spicy, with a fruity flavor that is enhanced by the complexity of the rye whiskey and the bitterness of the vermouth and bitters. It’s a classic cocktail that is perfect for sipping and enjoying the rich, complex flavors.

Modern Chicago Cocktail Trends

In recent years, the Chicago Cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity as part of the growing interest in classic cocktails and the use of rye whiskey in mixology. However, like many classic cocktails, the Chicago Cocktail has also undergone some modern twists and variations. Here are some modern trends and variations of the Chicago Cocktail:

1. Barrel-aged Chicago Cocktail: Some bartenders have started barrel-aging Chicago Cocktails, which involves aging the cocktail in oak barrels for several weeks or months. The aging process imparts new flavors to the cocktail, creating a smoother and more complex drink.
2. Chicago Sour: The Chicago Sour is a variation of the Chicago Cocktail that adds fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup to the original recipe. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing sour note that balances the sweetness of the cherry brandy.
3. Chicago Gold: The Chicago Gold is a modern variation of the Chicago Cocktail that adds a touch of honey and ginger to the original recipe. The honey and ginger provide a subtle sweetness and spiciness that complements the rye whiskey and cherry brandy.
4. Chicago Fizz: The Chicago Fizz is a bubbly variation of the Chicago Cocktail that adds soda water or sparkling wine to the original recipe. The addition of the effervescence adds a refreshing and light touch to the cocktail.

Overall, these modern trends and variations of the Chicago Cocktail demonstrate how a classic cocktail can be updated and made relevant to contemporary tastes.