Boomerang Cocktail Recipe

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Boomerang Nutrition Facts

Calories:190

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:17%

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 Boomerang cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created by an Australian bartender who wanted to create a drink that would 'come back' to the drinker, just like a boomerang. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a well-balanced, refreshing drink with a touch of sweetness.

  • Origin: Early 20th century
  • Creator: Australian bartender
  • Target audience: Those who enjoy a balanced, refreshing drink

How Boomerang Tastes?

The Boomerang cocktail has a well-balanced taste, with a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It is refreshing and light, with a subtle hint of fruitiness from the orange liqueur.

Interesting facts about Boomerang

  • The Boomerang cocktail was named after the Australian hunting tool, which is designed to return to the thrower when thrown correctly.
  • This cocktail is sometimes served with a twist of orange peel to enhance the citrus flavors.
  • The Boomerang cocktail has been featured in various cocktail books and guides throughout the years, solidifying its status as a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

A few good options for Boomerang are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

  • Why 1.5 oz? It's the backbone of the cocktail, providing enough punch without overpowering other flavors. More could make the drink too strong; less might make it too weak.
  • Enhancements: Its botanicals bring complexity and depth. No gin? You lose the drink's soul. But you could use vodka for a less complex base.

Mary Mitkina

Sweet Vermouth

  • Why 0.75 oz? Balances the gin's intensity with sweetness and herbal notes. More could make the drink cloying; less could render it too dry.
  • Enhancements: Adds a velvety feel; omit it, and you'll miss out on a layer of complexity. A possible substitute is Port wine for a twist.

Emma Rose

Dry Vermouth

  • Why 0.75 oz? Provides a counterpoint to the sweet vermouth for a harmonious profile. More could make the drink overly dry; less, not dry enough.
  • Enhancements: Brightens the cocktail; skipping it would lead to an imbalance in sweetness. Try Lillet Blanc for a subtle variation.

Alex Green

Orange Liqueur

  • Why 0.25 oz? Just a touch for a hint of citrus and sweetness. More could overshadow other components; less, and it could go unnoticed.
  • Enhancements: Offers a fruit layer; without it, the cocktail could lack zing. Triple sec is a common alternative.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

  • Why 2 dashes? Bitters are like spice; a little goes a long way. More could be overwhelming; less might make the drink flat.
  • Enhancements: Gives the cocktail its spice and depth; losing bitters would mean losing complexity. No alternative here that wouldn't change the drink's profile significantly.

Emma Rose

Orange Peel

  • Just for garnish? More than that. The twist releases oils and aroma, enhancing the cocktail's sensory experience.
  • Enhancements: Offers a fresh, zesty finish; without it, you might not feel that fresh smack in the end. Lemon peel could be an alternative for a different twist on the aromatic aspect.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Boomerang Drink

  1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, orange liqueur, and Angostura bitters.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well to chill and dilute the mixture.
  4. Discard the ice and water from the chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish with a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed juice and high-quality spirits can make a big difference in the taste of your cocktail.
  • Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer and enhance the flavor.
  • Stir, don't shake: Stirring the cocktail will prevent the ingredients from becoming too diluted.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platters: A good Boomerang cocktail can complement the rich flavors of aged cheeses such as Gouda or Cheddar.
  • Salmon dishes: The citrus notes of the cocktail blend nicely with smoked or grilled salmon.

Main Courses

  • Steak: The herbal notes of gin and the bitterness of the bitters can enhance the savory flavors of a well-cooked steak.
  • Pasta: A pasta dish with a light cream or tomato sauce pairs well with this aromatic cocktail.

Desserts

  • Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate and the sweet, herbal notes of the Boomerang can provide a sophisticated balance.

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What you could change in Boomerang

  • Gin: You can substitute gin with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
  • Sweet Vermouth: If you don't have sweet vermouth, you can use red wine as a substitute.
  • Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be used as a substitute for orange liqueur.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Boomerang Martini

  • Ingredients: Replace sweet and dry vermouth with 0.5 oz of Lillet Blanc, use lemon peel instead of orange.
  • Recipe: Follow the same steps, but with the new ingredients.
  • Taste: Will be drier and crisper with a floral twist.

Spicy Boomerang

  • Ingredients: Add a slice of fresh ginger to the mixing glass when combining ingredients.
  • Recipe: Muddle the ginger first, then add the rest of the ingredients and follow the original recipe.
  • Taste: The drink will have a spicy kick and a more pronounced warmth.

Winter Boomerang

  • Ingredients: Add 0.25 oz of spiced syrup (cinnamon, clove, allspice).
  • Recipe: Combine all ingredients including the spiced syrup and follow the original steps.
  • Taste: Will have comforting winter spice notes, feeling cozier for chilly weather.

In case you forgot basics how to make Boomerang

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 Boomerang

What type of gin should I use for a Boomerang cocktail?

While any gin should work for this cocktail, using a high-quality one with botanical flavors can enhance the taste.

Can I pre-mix this cocktail ahead of a party?

Yes, you can pre-mix this cocktail up to a few hours ahead. Just make sure to chill it well before serving.

Is the Boomerang cocktail typically served before or after dinner?

The Boomerang cocktail can be enjoyed either as an aperitif, due to the dry and sweet vermouths, or as a digestif due to the strong presence of gin.

I don't have any orange liqueur. What other citrus-flavored liqueurs could I use instead?

While orange liqueur is traditional in a Boomerang cocktail, you could substitute it with lemon or grapefruit liqueur.

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