Longshoreman Cocktail Recipe

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Longshoreman Nutrition Facts

Calories:175

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol:30%

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 25, 2024

History

The Longshoreman cocktail is a nod to the hardworking dock workers and the rich maritime history of coastal cities. It's a drink that embodies the spirit of those who labor by the sea - strong, robust, and complex.

  • Who Would Enjoy It?
    • Admirers of classic cocktails with a twist
    • Fans of whiskey-based drinks
    • Those who appreciate the bitterness of amaro

How Longshoreman Tastes?

The Longshoreman offers a bold flavor profile with the spiciness of rye whiskey, the herbal bitterness of Averna amaro, and the sweet vermouth complexity from Punt e Mes. It's a well-balanced cocktail that's both strong and slightly sweet, with a bitter finish.

Interesting facts about Longshoreman

  • The cocktail's name, Longshoreman, pays homage to the dock workers who have historically been a vital part of trade and shipping industries.
  • Averna amaro contributes a Sicilian touch, as it's a traditional Italian liqueur.
  • Flaming the orange peel garnish releases oils that add a smoky citrus aroma, enhancing the drink's complexity.

Ingredients

  • Rye whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Averna amaro: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Punt e mes: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Orange peel: 1 garnish

Rye Whiskey

Rich, spicy, with a touch of heat, 2 oz of rye whiskey sets the stage for this cocktail. It's the muscle of the mix, providing a robust backbone that refuses to be overshadowed by sweet or bitter accompaniments. Less would be meek, more would be a bully in the glass. Without it, it's like a ship without a sailor - directionless. Swap it for bourbon for a sweeter, less spicy profile, or Canadian whisky for a lighter touch.

Mary Mitkina

Averna Amaro

A touch of Sicilian mystique at 0.5 oz, Averna Amaro brings a herbal and slightly sweet whisper to the tumult of rye. It's like adding an old, wise character to a play; too little and you miss the wisdom, too much and the play becomes a lecture. Cut Averna, and you lose the mystery. Exchange it with another Amaro for a different herbal profile; perhaps less sweet with Montenegro or more bitter with Cynar.

Emma Rose

Punt e Mes

Half vermouth, half bittersweet symphony at 0.5 oz, Punt e Mes is the balancing act. It's like a maestro conducting an orchestra of flavors, keeping the rhythm between sweet and bitter. Missing Punt e Mes? The cocktail might just go off-key. Swap it with sweet vermouth for a smoother melody, or a dry vermouth for a sharper note.

Alex Green

Orange Peel

The final act, the garnish of 1 orange peel. It's like a flourish of a paintbrush on a canvas; it adds color and aroma. A cocktail without garnish can be as unexciting as a drum with no beat. Substitute it with lemon for a zesty twist or go without and watch the magic fade.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Longshoreman Drink

  1. Chill a coupe glass.
  2. Combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz Averna amaro, and 1/2 oz Punt e Mes in a mixing glass.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into the chilled coupe.
  5. Garnish with a flamed orange peel. We prefer this one

Pro Tips

  • Ice: Use large ice cubes in the mixing glass to chill the cocktail without diluting it too quickly.
  • Stirring: Stir for at least 30 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chill.
  • Orange Peel: When flaming the peel, make sure to warm it first with the lighter to release more oils before igniting. We prefer this one

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The smoky flavor of grilled meats can complement the spiciness of the rye whiskey.
  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can enhance the depth of the Averna Amaro and Punt e Mes.
  • Strong Cheeses: Try pairing with blue cheese or aged cheddar; the bold flavors can stand up to the complexity of the Longshoreman.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: The bitterness of coffee and the herbal qualities of Amaro can play well together.
  • Craft Beer: A stout or porter with rich and roasty notes can go alongside the Longshoreman for a boozy nightcap.

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What you could change in Longshoreman

  • Rye Whiskey: Can be substituted with Bourbon for a sweeter profile.
  • Averna Amaro: Nonino Quintessentia or Ramazzotti can be used as alternatives.
  • Punt e Mes: Another sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica can be a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Longshoreman

  • Add a splash of peated scotch.
  • Use a smoked glass for serving.
  • This version should evoke the ambiance of a foggy dock with the smoky notes adding a maritime mystique.

Longshoreman's Sunrise

  • Pour 0.25 oz of grenadine gently so it settles at the bottom.
  • Use an orange twist besides the peel for vibrant notes.
  • It's a sweeter take with a visually-striking layer, like dawn breaking over the docks.

Bitter Harbor

  • Increase Punt e Mes to 0.75 oz and decrease rye whiskey to 1.5 oz.
  • Stir in a dash of Angostura bitters.
  • This twist is for those who enjoy navigating through more bitter waters, adding complexity and depth.

In case you forgot basics how to make Longshoreman

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 Longshoreman

What is the origin of the name 'Averna Amaro' in the Longshoreman cocktail?

Averna Amaro is named after its founder, Salvatore Averna, who began producing the amaro in Caltanissetta in 1868. It remains a popular herbal liqueur from Italy, known for its bittersweet flavor.

What is the significance of stirring a cocktail instead of shaking it?

Stirring a cocktail, usually done with spirit-forward drinks like the Longshoreman, results in a silky texture and maintains clarity. Shaking is typically reserved for cocktails that include ingredients like citrus or egg whites, which need to be emulsified.

Is there a specific type of glass that should be used for the Longshoreman cocktail?

The Longshoreman is often served in a chilled coupe glass, which has a broad bowl shape that allows the aroma of the cocktail to enhance the sipping experience.

Can the flamed orange peel garnish be substituted with another citrus?

While orange peel is traditional, you may also use a lemon or grapefruit peel for garnishing. These will provide a different range of citrus aromas to the cocktail.

How does the quality of ice affect the Longshoreman cocktail?

The quality of ice can affect the drink's final temperature and dilution. Clear, dense ice melts slower, chilling the drink effectively while minimizing dilution, thus preserving the cocktail's strength and flavor.

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