Enjoy this easy Tootsie roll drink recipe to cool off! Blend Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Straight Rye Whiskey and Chocolate bitters for a perfect winter cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 158
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Straight Rye Whiskey - preferably 100 proof
- ¾ oz Pedro Ximénez Sherry
- 6 dashes chocolate bitters
- Ice cubes
- Tootsie roll candy and/or maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Martini or Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirring Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Pour 6 dashes chocolate bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Sherry: Measure and pour ¾ oz Pedro Ximénez Sherry into the mixing glass.
- Add Rye Whiskey: Add 1 ½ oz Straight Rye Whiskey.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take your Martini glass or cocktail coupe and discard the ice inside. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a Tootsie Roll chew and/or a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Pedro Ximénez Sherry: If you don't have Pedro Ximénez Sherry, you can use Oloroso Sherry as a substitute. You can also use the red port as a substitute; it adds a different sweetness but still works well in this cocktail.
- Straight Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can replace rye whiskey if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile.
- Chocolate Bitters: If you can't find chocolate bitters, use regular Angostura bitters instead. You can also add a drop of cacao flavoring/essence if you have to recreate the dark chocolate aftertaste in this cocktail.
Making a Pitcher of Tootsie Roll Drink:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of straight rye whiskey, 6 oz of Pedro Ximénez sherry, and 40-50 dashes of chocolate bitters (adjust to taste).
- Mix: In a large pitcher, start by pouring 40 dashes of chocolate bitters. Add the sherry and rye whisky. Fill the pitcher with ice, stir well, and give it a taste: add more bitters if you want a stronger chocolate aftertaste, and continue stirring until you reach the desired level of dilution. Strain to remove the ice and transfer into a bottle.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled martini or coupe glasses, garnish with a Tootsie Roll candy (on the rim or on the side) and/or Maraschino cherry, and serve immediately. Be sure to put the bottle back into the fridge between each serving. If you have any leftovers, you can keep the bottle in the fridge for up to a month, after which the sherry will start to oxidize and the flavor will begin to decline.
Making it Vegan:
The Tootsie Roll cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including rye whiskey, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan. The same goes for the maraschino cherries used as a garnish.What is a Tootsie Roll Drink?
A Tootsie Roll drink is a whiskey-based cocktail made of Pedro Ximénez sherry, rye whiskey, and chocolate bitters. It’s not difficult to make because it requires only a few ingredients and straightforward steps; however, the key lies in achieving the right level of dilution when stirring, which can be a bit tricky for beginners at first. This unique cocktail offers a rich, chocolatey flavor that resembles the taste of the classic Tootsie Roll candy.
What is a Tootsie Roll Drink Made of – The Ingredients
A Tootsie roll drink requires the following ingredients:
- Chocolate Bitters: Adds a deep, rich cocoa flavor and balances the drink with its bitter undertones.
- Pedro Ximénez Sherry: A sweet, full-bodied Spanish wine made from sun-dried grapes, bringing notes of dried fruit, raisins, and caramel.
- Rye Whiskey: Provides a bold, spicy flavor with hints of pepper, which contrasts the sweetness of the sherry.
- Ice cubes: Used for both chilling the glass and diluting the cocktail to ensure a balanced, smooth taste.
- Tootsie Roll Chew (for garnish): A playful, nostalgic garnish that adds a whimsical, candy-like touch to the cocktail.
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish): A sweet and vibrant garnish, which brings an extra hint of sweetness & candy flavor to the drink.
