Jockey Club Cocktail Recipe

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Jockey Club Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:6g

Alcohol:24%

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 Jockey Club cocktail has its roots in the prestigious Jockey Club in Washington, D.C., which was founded in the late 19th century. This exclusive club was frequented by politicians, diplomats, and high society members. The cocktail was created to cater to their refined tastes and quickly became a favorite among the elite.

  • The Jockey Club was known for its lavish parties and horse racing events
  • The cocktail gained popularity in the early 20th century and was featured in several cocktail books
  • The Jockey Club cocktail is still enjoyed today by those who appreciate classic and elegant cocktails

How Jockey Club Tastes?

The Jockey Club cocktail has a complex and sophisticated taste, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is a strong and boozy drink with a hint of citrus and almond flavors.

Interesting facts about Jockey Club

  • The Jockey Club cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'cousin' of the classic Manhattan
  • The original recipe called for Old Tom gin, which is a sweeter and more aromatic version of gin
  • The Jockey Club in Washington, D.C. was known for its strict dress code and members-only policy

Ingredients

A few good options for Jockey Club are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is like the foundation of a house - take it away, and the whole thing collapses. It brings a complex botanical flavor that's the backbone of the Jockey Club Cocktail. Using less might leave you with a drink that's too sweet or muted; using more could turn the drink into a botanical bulldozer.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Liqueur

This is the sweet symphony to gin's bold opera. At 0.5 oz, it's enough to sing but not scream. Skip it, and the drink loses its harmonious balance, becoming a one-note tune. Too much, and it's like dumping sugar in your gas tank – way too sweet.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Bitters

Two dashes are like adding a pinch of salt to a dish; it's a subtle yet essential flourish that brings out the flavors. Without it, you might find the cocktail a bit flat. Imagine a painting without contrast – not as vivid, right?

Alex Green

Lemon Twist

It's not just a pretty face; the twist releases oils that add a zestful aroma and a hint of bright acidity. Picture a garden without flowers if you will – still nice but missing that pop of color.

Mary Mitkina

Cherry

The cherry is the proverbial cherry on top. It's a nod to classic cocktails and provides a sweet finish that rounds out the drink. Neglect to add this, and while it's not a deal-breaker, you're just missing out on a bit of cocktail couture.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Jockey Club Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
  2. Add 2 oz of gin
  3. Add 0.5 oz of maraschino liqueur
  4. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters
  5. Stir the mixture until well chilled
  6. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
  7. Garnish with a lemon twist and a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon twist and cherry can make a big difference in taste.
  • Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail colder for longer.
  • Stir, don't shake: This cocktail is best when it's stirred, not shaken. Shaking can dilute the drink and alter its flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese Platter

  • Aged Gouda or Manchego: The nutty and caramel notes will complement the botanicals in the gin and the sweetness of the maraschino.

Seafood

  • Oysters, grilled shrimp, or sushi: The citrus notes from the lemon twist and orange bitters will enhance the fresh, briny flavors of these seafoods.

Light Appetizers

  • Bruschetta, olives, or almonds: The herbal flavors in the gin and the slight sweetness from the maraschino liqueur pair well with these Mediterranean snacks.

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What you could change in Jockey Club

  • Gin: If you don't have Old Tom gin, you can use a London Dry gin.
  • Maraschino Liqueur: If you can't find maraschino liqueur, you can substitute it with a cherry liqueur.
  • Orange Bitters: If you don't have orange bitters, you can use Angostura bitters.

Explore all drinks starting with J here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Jockey Club

Replace gin with cucumber-infused gin for a fresher take. Use:

  • 2 oz cucumber-infused gin
  • 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Lemon twist
  • Cherry garnish

Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Your drink will now have a spa-day twist, much lighter and more refreshing.

Rosy Jockey Club

Add a touch of rose water (just a dash) along with:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Lemon twist
  • Rose petal garnish

Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass. You’ll sip on a more floral and fragrant variation, like a love letter in a glass.

Smoky Jockey Club

Add a barspoon of peated Scotch to the mix for a hint of smoke. Use:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Barspoon of peated Scotch
  • Lemon twist
  • Cherry garnish

Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass. You're adding a campfire story to your drink, with subtle notes of smoke that whisper tales of misty moors.

In case you forgot basics how to make Jockey Club

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 Jockey Club

What type of glass is typically used for a Jockey Club cocktail?

Traditionally a coupe glass is used for serving a Jockey Club cocktail.

What occasions is the Jockey Club cocktail suited for?

Given its sophistication and classic elegance, the Jockey Club cocktail is the perfect option for formal gatherings, dinners and fancy parties. It's also ideal for savoring on quiet, reflective evenings.

What kind of garnish can I use if I don't have lemon twist and cherry?

If you don't have a lemon twist and cherry, you could also garnish the Jockey Club cocktail with a slice of orange, or a cocktail olive.

Can I make a non-alcoholic Jockey Club?

Yes, you can substitute the gin with non-alcoholic gin and the maraschino liqueur with a non-alcoholic cherry syrup or juice.

Is the Jockey Club cocktail popular worldwide?

Yes, despite its origins in Washington D.C, the Jockey Club cocktail has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in cocktail bars specializing in classic cocktails.

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