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Oriental Cocktail Drink

Oriental Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Refresh yourself with this Oriental Cocktail recipe! Blend Rye whiskey, Orange Curaçao, Sweet Vermouth, and fresh lime juice for a perfect indian summer cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 218

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ oz Rye Whiskey - preferably 100 proof/ 50% ABV
  • ¾ oz Curaçao
  • ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 bar spoon of simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange zest twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Martini or Coupe Glass
  • Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
  • Add Lime Juice & Simple Syrup: Pour 1 bar spoon of simple syrup and ½ oz fresh lime juice into the shaker.
  • Add Vermouth: Add ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth.
  • Add Curaçao: Measure and pour ¾ oz Curaçao into the shaker as well.
  • Add Rye Whiskey: Finally, add 1½ oz Rye Whiskey to the mix.
  • Shake Well: 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 an orange zest twist: to do so, express the orange peel on top of the glass and discard it or place it on the rim of the glass for an added citrus touch. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: You can use bourbon for a sweeter flavor if you don't have rye whiskey. I've also tried using brandy, which adds a different but pleasant twist.
  • Curaçao:  Triple sec is a good alternative. It's slightly less complex but still brings that orange essence.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used in a pinch, though it will change the drink's character. Add a small splash of simple syrup to balance out the bitterness.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice can work without fresh limes, but fresh is always best for that vibrant flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: You can make your syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat until fully combined.

Making a Pitcher of Oriental Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of rye whiskey, 6 oz of Curaçao, 6 oz of sweet vermouth, and 4 oz of fresh lime juice, and 8 bar spoons of simple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rye whiskey, Curaçao, sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with an orange zest, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and do a reasonable job mimicking whiskey's depth.
  • Curaçao Substitute: Opt for an orange-flavored non-alcoholic aperitif or make an orange-infused simple syrup.
  • Sweet Vermouth Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vermouth alternative or create your own by infusing grape juice with herbs and spices.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.