Gentleman's Club Cocktail Recipe

The Gentleman's Club cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It was first created in the private clubs of London, where gentlemen would gather to discuss politics, business, and other matters of importance. The cocktail was designed to be a sophisticated and refined drink, suitable for the refined palates of the club's members.

• The name 'Gentleman's Club' comes from the exclusive clubs where the cocktail was first served
• The drink is often associated with sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice for formal events and gatherings
• Over time, the recipe has evolved, with many variations now available

The Gentleman's Club cocktail is a balanced and complex drink, with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The sweetness of the sugar and the fruitiness of the orange liqueur are balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice and the bitterness of the Angostura bitters. The whiskey adds a rich, smoky depth to the drink, making it a satisfying and full-bodied cocktail.

• The Gentleman's Club cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Whiskey Sour's sophisticated cousin'
• The drink is traditionally served in a coupe glass, which was originally designed for champagne
• The use of egg white in the recipe is optional, but it adds a creamy texture and a frothy head to the cocktail

1. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, orange liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and egg white (if using)
2. Dry shake: Shake the mixture without ice for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture
3. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake again until well-chilled
4. Strain and serve: Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
5. Garnish: Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry, placing the orange twist on the rim of the glass and the cherry in the center of the drink

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade simple syrup can make a big difference in the taste of your cocktail
• Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail colder for longer, enhancing the overall experience
• Double strain: This will ensure a smooth, froth-free cocktail

Appetizers

• Cheese platter: A classic cheese platter with sharp cheddar and gouda can complement the whiskey's rich notes.
• Smoked salmon: The citrus elements from the lemon juice and orange liqueur beautifully cut through the smokiness of salmon.

Main Courses

• Grilled steak: A meaty steak balances the strong flavors of the whiskey and the sweetness of the syrup and liqueur.
• Roasted pork: The sweetness and the citrus hint from the cocktail pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of pork.

Desserts

• Dark chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate will enhance the deep, complex flavors of the whiskey.
• Lemon tart: Echoing the lemon in the cocktail, a lemon tart would provide a refreshing continuity of flavor.

Non-alcoholic Drinks

• Sparkling water: To cleanse the palate between sips, sparkling water is a perfect match.

• Whiskey: You can substitute bourbon or rye whiskey for a different flavor profile
• Orange liqueur: Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be used in place of the orange liqueur
• Simple syrup: If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat

Smoky Gentleman

• Ingredients: Use a smoky whiskey like an Islay Scotch.
• Recipe: Substitute the standard whiskey with a smoky Scotch and follow the original recipe.
• Taste: This twist will give the cocktail a bold, peaty flavor, ideal for those who appreciate a drink with a bit more bite.

Spiced Orange Club

• Ingredients: Add a small piece of fresh ginger.
• Recipe: Muddle the ginger with the simple syrup before adding the other ingredients. Follow the original recipe from that point.
• Taste: The ginger will give the drink a warm spiciness, pairing well with the orange and bitters.

Berry Gentleman

• Ingredients: Swap the cherry garnish for muddled fresh berries.
• Recipe: Muddle a handful of fresh berries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Follow the original recipe from there.
• Taste: This will bring a fruity and slightly tart edge to the cocktail, offering a refreshing variation.