Get mixing with this uncomplicated Saratoga drink recipe! This vibrant cocktail, featuring brandy, whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, is an excellent match for the brisk fall twilight.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
193
Ingredients
- 1 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Martini Glass chilled
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few hours or fill it up with ice cubes before starting.
- Add Angostura Bitters: Drop 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Brandy: Measure and pour 1 oz Brandy into the mixing glass.
- Add Rye Whiskey: Add 1 oz Rye Whiskey to the mix.
- Add ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: If you don't have rye whiskey on hand, bourbon is a good substitute that I often use. It's sweeter and less spicy than rye but still works well in this cocktail.
- Brandy: You can use cognac as a substitute for brandy; it's a type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France and has a similar flavor profile.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used instead of sweet vermouth if you prefer a less sweet cocktail. Just remember to adjust the amount of bitters to balance the flavors.
Making a Pitcher of Saratoga Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8: 8 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of brandy, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice cubes and stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled martini glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; several brands are available that mimic the whiskey flavor quite well.
- Brandy Substitute: For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a brandy-flavored syrup or a non-alcoholic brandy substitute.
- Vermouth Substitute: look for a non-alcoholic vermouth available on the market or use an aromatized grape juice.
- 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. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're suitable for vegans. Some brands of vermouth may use animal products in their production process.What is a Saratoga Drink?
A Saratoga Drink is a whiskey-based cocktail made of rye whiskey, brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters. This cocktail is relatively easy to make as it involves simple mixing techniques; however, the challenge lies in balancing the strong flavors of the rye whiskey and brandy.
What is a Saratoga Drink made of – The ingredients
For the creation of a Saratoga Drink, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Rye Whiskey: This is the base spirit of the Saratoga cocktail. It provides a robust and spicy flavor profile that forms the backbone of the drink.
- Brandy: This rich and complex spirit adds depth and sophistication to the cocktail. Its fruity, nutty, and caramel notes complement the rye whiskey perfectly.
- Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine contributes sweetness and herbal complexity to balance out the strong flavors of the rye whiskey and cognac.
- Angostura Bitters: A few dashes of this concentrated flavoring agent enhance the overall taste of the Saratoga cocktail. It adds a layer of aromatic bitterness that ties all other ingredients together.
- Lemon Twist: Used as a garnish, it imparts a subtle citrus aroma that brightens the drink and adds a refreshing finish.
