Enjoy the Guards Cocktail recipe this winter! Blend London Dry Gin, Vermouth, Orange Curacao Liqueur, and Orange Angostura Bitters for a delightful, cozy night cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 135
Ingredients
- 1 oz London Dry Gin
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz orange curacao liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes and stir in order to chill it.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes orange bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Orange Curacao: Add ½ oz orange curacao liqueur to the mix.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour ½ oz sweet vermouth into the glass.
- Add Gin: Pour 1 oz London Dry Gin over the ice.
- Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain your drink into the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Place an orange twist into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- London Dry Gin: If you don't have London Dry Gin, try using another type of gin like Plymouth or even a floral gin for a different flavor profile. I've also used vodka in a pinch; it changes the character but works well.
- Vermouth: If you're out of Sweet Vermouth, sherry can be a good substitute. It adds a slightly different but pleasant taste.
- Orange Curacao Liqueur: Triple Sec or Cointreau can replace Orange Curacao if needed. They both bring that essential orange flavor.
- Orange Angostura Bitters: Regular Angostura bitters can work if you don't have the orange bitters, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Making a Pitcher of Guards Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of London Dry Gin, 4 oz of Vermouth, 4 oz of Orange Curacao Liqueur, and 16 dashes of Orange Angostura Bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the gin, Vermouth, orange curacao liqueur, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with an orange twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic gin's botanicals.
- Vermouth Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic wine or a mix of grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Orange Curacao Substitute: You can opt for an orange-flavored syrup or make your own by infusing simple syrup with orange zest.
- 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:
The standard recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it uses plant-based ingredients. However, since some brands may use animal-derived fining agents or additives, ensure your Vermouth and bitters are certified vegan.What is a Guards Cocktail?
A Guards Cocktail is a gin-based drink made of London Dry Gin, Vermouth, Orange Curacao Liqueur, and Orange Bitters. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward steps like measuring and stirring the ingredients. This Cocktail offers a sophisticated blend of flavors with botanical notes from the gin complemented by citrusy hints from the liqueur and bitters.
What is a Guards Cocktail made of – The ingredients
For a Guards Cocktail, use the following ingredients:
- London Dry Gin: Provides the Cocktail’s botanical base and primary spirit.
- Vermouth: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to balance the gin.
- Orange Curacao Liqueur: Brings a citrusy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Orange Angostura Bitters: Adds depth and a hint of bitterness to round out the flavors.
