Beat the winter blues with our straightforward Black Ship Cocktail recipe! With Japanese whisky, Pomegranate Juice, Port Wine, and fresh Lemon Juice, this energizing cocktail is perfect for frosty nights.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 146
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Japanese Whisky
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- ½ oz Red Port wine
- ¼ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon peel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Coupe or Martini Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour ¼ oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
- Add Port: Add ½ oz Red Port wine.
- Add Pomegranate Juice: Add 1 oz pomegranate juice.
- Add Japanese Whisky: Measure and pour 1½ oz Japanese Whisky into the shaker as well.
- Shake Well: You can now fill the shaker with ice. Close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Take the Coupe or Martini glass and discard the ice inside. Then, using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the shaken drink into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon zest twist: to do so, express the lemon zest on top of the glass (you can either discard it after or place it on the rim of the glass for an added citrus touch). Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Japanese whisky: If you don't have Japanese whisky, you can use blended Scotch whisky as a substitute, or even Bourbon for a different flavor profile.
- Pomegranate Juice: Cranberry juice can be an alternative if you're out of pomegranate juice. It's slightly more tart but adds a fruity element to the drink.
- Port Wine: In a pinch, a sweet vermouth or even a sherry can replace port wine. The cocktail will be less sweet (you may have to revise the proportions) but still enjoyable.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is always the best option, but bottled juice will work as well if you’re out of fresh lemons. Fresh lime juice can also do the trick for this cocktail.
Making a Pitcher of Black Ship Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Japanese whisky, 8 oz of Pomegranate Juice, 4 oz of Port Wine, and 2 oz of Lemon Juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Japanese whisky, Pomegranate Juice, Port Wine, and Lemon Juice. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled martini or coupe glasses and garnish with a lemon zest. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Japanese whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic whisky's flavor. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own whisky substitute by making a strong brewed black or smoked tea: use 10g of tea for 1L (34 oz) of cold water. Stir well and let it infuse overnight in the fridge. Give it a taste, add some spices to taste (if necessary) and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whisky” can be kept for up to a week.
- Port Wine Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic red wine or vermouth. Sweetened grape juice can also work in a pinch.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
This cocktail is already vegan-friendly, as it doesn't contain any animal products. Just check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're suitable for vegans.What is a Black Ship Cocktail?
A Black Ship Cocktail is a whisky-based drink made of Japanese whisky, Pomegranate juice, Red Port Wine, and Lemon Juice. It’s not difficult to make; the process involves simple mixing and shaking ingredients, making it an easy cocktail for beginners. This cocktail stands out due to its unique combination of flavors – the sweet & sour flavor from the pomegranate juice and port wine balances perfectly with the sourness of lemon juice and the robust flavor of Japanese whisky.
What is a Black Ship Cocktail made of – The ingredients
A Black Ship Cocktail requires the following components:
- Japanese whisky forms the cocktail’s base, providing a robust and complex flavor.
- Pomegranate Juice: Adds a sweet and slightly tart flavor to balance the strong whisky.
- Red Port Wine: Contributes sweetness and depth to the cocktail, enhancing its overall taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness, adding balance and brightness to the drink.
