Alabazam Cocktail Recipe

Alabazam Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:25%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Alabazam cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It was first mentioned in the 1862 book 'How to Mix Drinks' by Jerry Thomas, who is considered the father of American mixology. The Alabazam is a sophisticated and complex cocktail that was popular among the upper class and was often enjoyed at high society events.

  • The name 'Alabazam' is believed to be derived from the word 'Alabaster', which is a type of fine, white stone used in sculptures and architecture.
  • The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as modern bartenders rediscover and reinterpret classic recipes.

How Alabazam Tastes?

The Alabazam cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture and a complex, layered taste that evolves as you sip it. The combination of cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur creates a bright, citrusy base, while the sugar and bitters add depth and balance.

Interesting facts about Alabazam

  • The Alabazam is sometimes referred to as a 'cousin' of the Sidecar cocktail, as both drinks feature cognac and citrus flavors.
  • The original recipe called for gum syrup, a sweetener made from sugar and gum arabic, which gives the drink a unique, silky texture. Modern recipes often substitute simple syrup or rich simple syrup.
  • The Alabazam is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass, but can also be enjoyed over ice in a rocks glass.

Ingredients

Cognac

Cognac, a type of brandy from France, sets a warm and rich base for the cocktail. At 2 oz, it's just enough to let you know it's there without sending you spinning. Leave it out, and you've got fancy lemonade – not an Alabazam.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice, at 1 oz, is the zesty ying to cognac's mellow yang. It's crucial for that refreshing kick. Too much, and you're puckering more than kissing. Too little, and the drink’s flat.

Emma Rose

Orange Liqueur

Half an ounce of orange liqueur adds just a hint of sweetness and depth. It’s the secret whisper in a conversation – not heard, but felt. Skip it, and you lose the zesty buzz.

Mary Mitkina

Sugar

A teaspoon of sugar makes every sip as sweet as a first date. It mellows acidity and balances the flavor. Forget it, and the drink might taste as if the lemon has a grudge.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

Finally, two dashes of Angostura bitters are the spice of life here, giving complexity and edge. Without it, the cocktail is like a joke without a punchline – kind of flat.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Alabazam Drink

  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
  2. Fill the shaker with ice
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Chill the cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese Platter

A variety of cheeses, especially those with a nutty or creamy profile like Brie or aged Gouda, will complement the rich and fruity flavors of the Alabazam cocktail.

Desserts

Chocolate based desserts would pair wonderfully, as the bitterness of the chocolate would balance out the sweetness and acidity of the drink.

Spicy Dishes

Indian or Thai cuisine, with moderate heat levels, can create a delightful contrast with the refreshing and citrusy characteristics of the Alabazam.

Seafood

Delicate seafood like grilled shrimp or seared scallops could be enhanced by the cocktail's bright notes.

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What you could change in Alabazam

  • Cognac can be substituted with brandy.
  • Orange liqueur can be replaced with triple sec.
  • Sugar can be replaced with simple syrup for a smoother texture.

Explore all drinks starting with A here

And of course - twists🍹

Alabazam Royale

For a fancy twist, top the strained cocktail with a splash of champagne. The effervescence and dryness of the champagne will add an extra layer of complexity that's perfect for celebrations.

Smoky Alabazam

Replace the cognac with a high-quality smoky mezcal. The smokiness will give the cocktail an intriguing depth and is ideal for those who appreciate a more robust flavor profile.

Herbal Alabazam

Add a few fresh basil leaves into the shaker before mixing. After shaking, the basil will impart a herbaceous and fresh flavor that complements the citrus notes wonderfully.

In case you forgot basics how to make Alabazam

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Alabazam

What type of cognac works best with the Alabazam cocktail?

While any quality cognac could work, traditionally a VS or VSOP grade cognac is used in making the Alabazam cocktail for a balanced flavor.

What are other cocktails similar to Alabazam?

The Alabazam is similar to other cognac-based cocktails such as Brandy Alexander and French Connection. It also shares similarities with lemon and bitters-based cocktails like the Whiskey Sour.

What is the origin of the name 'Cognac'?

The name 'Cognac' comes from the town of Cognac in France. It is a type of brandy, and under French law, it can only be produced in the surrounding region of the town.

Is there a specific type of orange liqueur recommended for the Alabazam cocktail?

Grand Marnier, Cointreau or any other quality orange liqueur can be used for the cocktail. The type of orange liqueur can subtly change the flavor of the cocktail.

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