Bamboo Cocktail Recipe

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Bamboo Nutrition Facts

Calories:120

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:5g

Alcohol:12%

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: January 7, 2024

History

The Bamboo cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the late 19th century. It was first created by a bartender named Louis Eppinger at the Grand Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. The drink quickly gained popularity among the international community in Japan and soon spread to the United States and Europe. The Bamboo is a perfect example of a low-alcohol cocktail, making it a popular choice for those who want a sophisticated drink without the heavy alcohol content.

  • First created in Yokohama, Japan
  • Gained popularity among the international community
  • A low-alcohol cocktail

How Bamboo Tastes?

The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.

Interesting facts about Bamboo

  • The name 'Bamboo' is said to have been inspired by the Japanese bamboo forests surrounding the Grand Hotel in Yokohama
  • The Bamboo cocktail is often considered a 'sherry cocktail' due to its use of sherry as a primary ingredient
  • The drink is sometimes referred to as a '50/50 Martini' because of its equal parts of sherry and vermouth

Ingredients

Dry Sherry

Dry sherry brings a nutty, slightly saline flavor. Using 1.5 oz strikes a balance with the vermouth. Less sherry makes it less complex, more could overpower the delicate vermouth.

Alex Green

Dry Vermouth

The dry vermouth adds herbal and floral notes. When we match it with sherry's volume, we ensure a harmonious blend. Skimp on it, and you lose depth; too much, and it might taste medicinal.

Emma Rose

Orange Bitters

Just 2 dashes of orange bitters provide a subtle citrus backbone. Missing them? You'll lack that zesty bite. No oranges at home? Try a lemon bitters as a zesty stand-in, though it's a different crowd-pleaser.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

Two dashes of Angostura add complexity and a hint of spice, rounding out the cocktail. Without it, the drink could fall flat. Swap it for Peychaud's for a lighter, floral twist.

Alex Green

Lemon Twist

The oils from the lemon twist add aroma and a touch of flavor that complements the bitters. Ditch the twist, and you miss that fragrant welcome. No lemons to twist? A spritz of any citrus peel can be a good understudy.

Emma Rose

Cherry Garnish

The cherry is the sweet finish, a dot of color and a nod to classic cocktails. No cherry? No panic - but you're ditching a bit of the cocktail's soul and visual charm.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Bamboo Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
  2. Add the dry sherry, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and Angostura bitters
  3. Stir the mixture until well chilled
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Express the lemon twist over the drink and discard
  6. Garnish with a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality sherry and vermouth for the best flavor.
  • Stir the cocktail well to ensure it's properly chilled and mixed.
  • Express the lemon twist over the drink to add a hint of citrus aroma.

Perfect Pairings

Tapas

Tapas such as almonds, olives, and manchego cheese balance the dryness of the Bamboo cocktail.

Seafood

Grilled shrimp or calamari with a squeeze of lemon complements the citrus notes in the drink.

Sushi

A light sushi, like yellowtail sashimi, harmonizes with the Bamboo's delicate flavors.

Desserts

Subtle desserts like lemon sorbet can match the cocktail's zest without overpowering it.

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What you could change in Bamboo

  • Dry sherry: Can be replaced with Amontillado sherry for a nuttier flavor.
  • Dry vermouth: Can be substituted with white vermouth if preferred.
  • Orange bitters: If not available, grapefruit bitters can be used.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Bamboo Rosé

Swap dry sherry with rosé vermouth for a fruitier touch. Same proportions, stir, and strain. It should taste like springtime in a glass, with floral overtones making it a crowd pleaser for those who like it sweet and rosy.

Verde Bamboo

Use green Chartreuse in place of sherry for an herby punch. Try just 1 oz; it's potent. You'll get a more herbal, sweeter Bamboo walking through a garden of flavors.

Smoky Bamboo

Introduce a bar spoon of peaty scotch atop the stirred ingredients before straining. This one's for those smoky flavor aficionados who like to feel a fireside chat in every sip.

In case you forgot basics how to make Bamboo

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

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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 Bamboo

Is the Bamboo cocktail suitable for vegans?

Yes, the Bamboo cocktail is suitable for vegans as it uses no animal products in its recipe.

Is it considered impolite to mix my Bamboo cocktail as I drink it?

Traditionally, the Bamboo cocktail is served straight up and is typically not mixed while drinking.

What non-alcoholic beverage can replace sherry in a Bamboo cocktail?

You can try using a non-alcoholic wine or a non-alcoholic grape juice as a replacement for sherry.

When is the best time to enjoy a Bamboo cocktail?

The Bamboo cocktail can be enjoyed at any time, but it is particularly good as an aperitif due to its refreshing and light taste.

Is there a specific type of cherry I should use as a garnish for a Bamboo cocktail?

A maraschino cherry or a fresh cherry can be used. The choice depends on your preference.

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