Knickerbocker Cocktail Drink

Knickerbocker Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you looking for a classic drink? Try this Knickerbocker Cocktail recipe! It’s easy to make with basic ingredients and tastes fantastic.

Knickerbocker Cocktail Recipe

Cool off with this easy Knickerbocker Cocktail recipe! Combine gold rum, raspberry syrup, fresh lime juice, and orange curaçao for a refreshing summer drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

200 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gold Rum
  • ½ oz raspberry syrup
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¼ oz Orange Curaçao
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime slice and raspberries, or other seasonal berries; for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
  • Add Orange Curaçao: Pour ¼ oz Orange Curaçao into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
  • Add Raspberry Syrup: Add ½ oz raspberry syrup into the shaker as well.
  • Add Rum: Finally, add 2 oz Gold Rum to the mix.
  • Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Strain: Discard the ice in the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to pour the drink into the ice-filled glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh raspberries and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rum: You can use brandy for a different but delightful flavor profile if you haven’t rum on hand. I've also tried bourbon, which adds a unique twist to the cocktail.
  • Raspberry Syrup: You can substitute raspberry syrup with grenadine if you prefer a slightly different sweetness. Another option is to muddle fresh raspberries with simple syrup.
  • Lime Juice: Lemon juice works well if you're out of limes, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Orange Curaçao: Triple sec or Cointreau can replace orange curaçao if needed. They both bring that essential orange essence to the drink.

Making a Pitcher of Knickerbocker Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of gold rum, 4 oz of raspberry syrup, 4 oz of lime juice, and 2 oz of orange curaçao.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rum, raspberry syrup, lime juice, and orange curaçao. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lime slice and raspberry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor quite well.
  • Orange Curaçao Substitute: Opt for an orange-flavored non-alcoholic syrup or make a simple syrup infused 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.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
16
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.4
g
2
%
Sugar
 
14
g
16
%
Potassium
 
24
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.2
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.01
mg
0
%

 

Knickerbocker Cocktail Drink

Knickerbocker Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Cool off with this easy Knickerbocker Cocktail recipe! Combine gold rum, raspberry syrup, fresh lime juice, and orange curaçao for a refreshing summer drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 200

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Gold Rum
  • ½ oz raspberry syrup
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¼ oz Orange Curaçao
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime slice and raspberries - or other seasonal berries; for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
  • Add Orange Curaçao: Pour ¼ oz Orange Curaçao into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
  • Add Raspberry Syrup: Add ½ oz raspberry syrup into the shaker as well.
  • Add Rum: Finally, add 2 oz Gold Rum to the mix.
  • Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Strain: Discard the ice in the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to pour the drink into the ice-filled glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh raspberries and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rum: You can use brandy for a different but delightful flavor profile if you haven’t rum on hand. I've also tried bourbon, which adds a unique twist to the cocktail.
  • Raspberry Syrup: You can substitute raspberry syrup with grenadine if you prefer a slightly different sweetness. Another option is to muddle fresh raspberries with simple syrup.
  • Lime Juice: Lemon juice works well if you're out of limes, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Orange Curaçao: Triple sec or Cointreau can replace orange curaçao if needed. They both bring that essential orange essence to the drink.

Making a Pitcher of Knickerbocker Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of gold rum, 4 oz of raspberry syrup, 4 oz of lime juice, and 2 oz of orange curaçao.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rum, raspberry syrup, lime juice, and orange curaçao. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lime slice and raspberry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor quite well.
  • Orange Curaçao Substitute: Opt for an orange-flavored non-alcoholic syrup or make a simple syrup infused 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.

What is a Knickerbocker Cocktail?

A Knickerbocker Cocktail is a rum-based drink made of gold rum, raspberry syrup, lime juice, and orange curaçao. It’s not difficult to make because it requires only basic ingredients and simple steps like shaking and straining. This cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrus flavors, making it perfect for any occasion.

A side shot of a Knickerbocker cocktail in an old fashioned glass on a wooden coaster and board surrounded by a white coaster with raspberries, a bar spoon, a brown bowl with two limes and a red cloth

What is a Knickerbocker Cocktail made of – The ingredients

A Knickerbocker Cocktail requires these ingredients:

  • Gold Rum: Provides the base spirit and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
  • Raspberry Syrup: Adds sweetness and a fruity note to the cocktail.
  • Lime Juice: Contributes a refreshing citrus tang that balances the sweetness.
  • Orange Curaçao: Brings an orange essence and a hint of bitterness to round out the flavors.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and helps dilute it slightly for a balanced taste.
  • Lime slice and raspberry (for garnish, optional): Adds visual appeal and a touch of extra citrus aroma.

Gold rum, raspberry syrup, lime juice, lime, raspberries and orange curaçao laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Knickerbocker Cocktail?

Our guide helps you make a Knickerbocker Cocktail easily:

1
<p>Chill an old fashioned glass with some ice.</p>

Chill an old fashioned glass with some ice.

2
<p>Pour into the shaker 1/4 oz of orange curaçao to introduce an orange essence and a hint of bitterness.</p>

Pour into the shaker 1/4 oz of orange curaçao to introduce an orange essence and a hint of bitterness.

3
<p>Squeeze and add 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice for a refreshing citrus tang.</p>

Squeeze and add 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice for a refreshing citrus tang.

4
<p>Add 1/2 oz of raspberry syrup to bring sweetness and a fruity note.</p>

Add 1/2 oz of raspberry syrup to bring sweetness and a fruity note.

5
<p>Pour 2 oz of gold rum into the shaker as the base spirit.</p>

Pour 2 oz of gold rum into the shaker as the base spirit.

6
<p>Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the drink.</p>

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the drink.

7
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to blend the flavors well.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to blend the flavors well.

8
<p>Strain the mixture into your old fashioned glass over fresh ice.</p>

Strain the mixture into your old fashioned glass over fresh ice.

9
<p>Garnish with a lime slice and a raspberry for an extra citrus aroma and visual appeal.</p>

Garnish with a lime slice and a raspberry for an extra citrus aroma and visual appeal.

History and Origin of the Knickerbocker Cocktail

The Knickerbocker Cocktail dates back to the mid-19th century. Bartenders in New York City created it and named it “Knickerbocker” after a style of pants worn by Dutch settlers.   This cocktail became popular when rum was a familiar spirit in American bars. The combination of rum, raspberry syrup, lime juice, and orange curaçao made it a refreshing choice for many.

A Knickerbocker cocktail, shot from above, in an old fashioned glass on a beige surface surrounded by gold rum, raspberry syrup, lime juice, lime, raspberries on a white coaster, and orange curaçao

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Knickerbocker Cocktail?
A typical Knickerbocker Cocktail contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is a Knickerbocker Cocktail?
Its alcohol by volume (ABV) is approximately 20%, which translates to about 40 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Knickerbocker Cocktail?
The primary alcohol in a Knickerbocker Cocktail is rum.
In which glass is a Knickerbocker Cocktail served?
Bartenders typically serve a Knickerbocker Cocktail in an Old Fashioned glass.
What does a Knickerbocker Cocktail taste like?
It offers a balanced blend of sweet and citrus flavors, with hints of raspberry and orange.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Knickerbocker Cocktail?
The standard ratio is 2 parts rum, 1/2 part raspberry syrup, 1/2 part lime juice, and 1/4 part orange curaçao.
How is a Knickerbocker Cocktail served?
Serve the Knickerbocker Cocktail over ice to keep it chilled and refreshing.

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