Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:8g
Alcohol:25%
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
The Dutch Courage cocktail is believed to have originated in the 17th century when British soldiers fighting in the Dutch Republic were introduced to the Dutch spirit, Jenever. The soldiers found that consuming Jenever before battle helped to calm their nerves and boost their courage, hence the name 'Dutch Courage'.
The Dutch Courage cocktail is a bold, strong, and slightly bitter drink with a hint of citrus and herbal notes. The combination of Jenever, orange bitters, and vermouth creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
Jenever, the juniper-flavored national spirit of the Netherlands, is the base spirit of this courageous concoction, bringing in a malty, sometimes slightly herbal flavor. Using 2oz is the sweet spot – it gives the cocktail its signature kick without overpowering the other ingredients. If you pour too little, you might not feel the Dutch courage creeping in; too much, and you could end up speaking Nederlands óf een beetje
Sweet vermouth is like a good friend - it complements the Jenever without stealing the spotlight. This aromatized wine brings in notes of herbs, spices, and sweetness. A 1oz pour balances the spirit's boldness and adds depth. Skimp on it, and the drink might lose its complexity. Overdo it, and you might feel like you're eating a herb garden, not sipping a cocktail.
A couple of dashes of orange bitters is like pixie dust for your cocktail - it lifts the flavors and adds a citrusy, floral aroma. Missing out on these would be like forgetting your wingman on a night out - you can still have fun, but it won't be as magical. Too much, and your Dutch Courage could taste like a bitter orange grove.
Our co-star, the orange peel, brings a fresh and fragrant citrus note through its oils, which are expressed over the cocktail. It's a simple yet effective garnish that elevates the drink both aromatically and visually. Without it, the cocktail feels incomplete, like Batman without his cape. Plus, it's a grand finale of zestiness that sets the mood with its flair.
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Replace the orange peel and orange bitters with a honey syrup and lemon counterparts to offer a different kind of sweetness and a pop of tartness. This version caters to those with a penchant for honeyed flavors and would make the Dutch Courage a bit more approachable and mellow.
Adding a touch of aged rum and cinnamon gives the cocktail a spicy twist, providing an exciting and warm palate experience, reminiscent of bustling Amsterdam markets. It's the perfect choice for a chilly evening or when you wish to add an exotic flair to your drink.
Introduce a hint of herbal complexity with Green Chartreuse, harmonizing with Jenever's botanicals and creating a cocktail with layers of flavour. The basil garnish not only adds visual appeal but also a fragrant, peppery punch that makes this cocktail a herb garden in a glass.
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 strainInsert 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 stirGarnishing 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 garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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While not traditional, if you prefer a slightly diluted and chilled drink, it could be served on the rocks. It is best, however, to follow the specific recipe which is serving this cocktail in a pre-chilled coupe glass, straight-up.
Due to its strong and bold flavor, the Dutch Courage pairs well with hearty bar snacks, salted nuts, olives, strong cheeses, or tapas style dishes including spicy meats.
Jenever is often compared to gin because they both contain juniper berries, but they are different spirits. Jenever has a more malty and herbal flavor whereas Gin often has a stronger juniper flavor. You can use Gin as a substitute, but the flavor profile will change.
Non-alcoholic or 'Mocktail' versions are not traditional and may not mimic the taste effectively due to the lack of Jenever. However, non-alcoholic gin or vermouth could be explored for a similar sensation.
Other spirit-forward cocktails like the Martini or the Negroni might share some similarities. However, Dutch Courage's unique flavor from Jenever sets it apart.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
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.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Brown Derby cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The bourbon provides a rich, warm base, while the grapefruit juice adds a tangy, citrusy note. The honey syrup brings a touch of sweetness to balance out the sourness of the grapefruit and the strength of the bourbon.
The Amber Moon cocktail offers a harmonious balance of flavors, with a rich and velvety texture. It has a subtle sweetness, followed by a warm and spicy kick. The combination of whiskey, honey, and cinnamon creates a smooth and comforting taste, perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Dirty Martini has a bold, savory taste with a hint of saltiness from the olive brine. It is a strong, slightly bitter cocktail with a smooth finish.
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.
The Bronx cocktail has a refreshing, citrusy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of strong gin, tangy orange juice, and herbal vermouth, making it a smooth and easy-to-drink cocktail.
