Calories:175
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:3g
Alcohol:28%
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 Midnight Dash is a cocktail that seems to have emerged from the speakeasy tradition, where mystery and allure were as important as the drinks themselves. It's a drink that captures the essence of the night - dark, complex, and a little bit mysterious.
The Midnight Dash has a robust and complex taste. It's a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and smoky flavors with a velvety texture. The herbal notes from the vermouth complement the smokiness of the whiskey, while the bitters add depth.
The 2oz of Rye Whiskey is the backbone of the Midnight Dash, providing a robust, spicy base. Less whiskey would make the drink too mild, while more could overpower the other flavors. Without it, you'd just have a sweetened vermouth with a hint of bitters—no kick or complexity.
1oz of Sweet Vermouth adds the sweet, herbal notes which marry well with the whiskey's heat. It's vital for balance. Less vermouth, and the drink becomes a rye-heavy slugger; more, and it's a syrupy mess. If substituted with dry vermouth, expect a sharper, less sweet cocktail.
2 dashes of Black Walnut Bitters provide a unique, nutty depth. Bitters are like the salt of cocktails; they enhance other flavors. Too many dashes can lead to a bitter overload, too few and you'll miss the richness they bring. If unavailable, regular walnut bitters could work, providing a slightly different nutty profile.
The Orange Peel garnish offers a citrus zing that brightens the cocktail's edges and adds a fresh aroma. Without the peel, you lose that aromatic invitation to sip. If you're out of oranges, a lemon peel can provide a more tangy zest, changing the drink's fragrance and finish.
Pair the Midnight Dash with a platter of aged cheeses, like Gouda or Cheddar, and cured meats like prosciutto or smoked sausage. The bold flavors of the rye whiskey and the rich, nutty bitters complement the savory bites perfectly.
The dark, complex flavors of the Midnight Dash go well with the richness of chocolate desserts. Try it alongside a chocolate torte or brownies to bring out a delightful contrast.
With its warm spiciness, the Midnight Dash can stand up to spicy appetizers like stuffed jalapeños or chili-glazed chicken wings. The drink's sweetness will help balance the heat.
A simple pairing that works wonders with this cocktail are roasted nuts—almonds, pecans, or walnuts—which will complement the black walnut bitters in the drink.
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Kick it up with a 1/4oz of smoky Scotch. Pour in with the rye whiskey, following the original recipe.
Swap the sweet vermouth for 1oz of maple syrup and 1/2oz of dry vermouth. Stir well with rye and bitters.
Add 1 pinch of cinnamon and 1 star anise into the mixing glass with the other ingredients.
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).
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A chilled coupe or a cocktail glass is traditionally used for serving the Midnight Dash, to complement its classic style.
Bitters act as a flavor enhancer, adding complexity and depth to the cocktail, balancing out the sweetness of the vermouth and the strength of the whiskey.
While the Midnight Dash is an alcoholic beverage, you can create a mocktail version by substituting non-alcoholic whiskey and vermouth alternatives.
The Midnight Dash is typically served individually, but the recipe can be scaled up for batch preparation when entertaining larger groups.
Keep the orange peel in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic to maintain its freshness until ready to use it as a garnish.
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 Black Cat cocktail is a rich, velvety drink with a complex flavor profile. It is slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness, and has a smooth, creamy texture. The combination of coffee liqueur, vodka, and cola creates a bold, robust taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The Prohibition cocktail has a complex flavor profile, with a mix of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The sweetness of the honey syrup is balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice, while the herbal notes of gin and orange liqueur add depth and sophistication.
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
The Angel's Share cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The whiskey provides a strong, robust base, while the citrus and sweet vermouth add a touch of brightness and sweetness. The bitters bring a subtle bitterness that balances the drink perfectly.
The Kentucky B cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice. The bourbon provides a strong, oaky base, while the other ingredients add complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
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 Sazerac is a complex, strong, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters creates a unique, herbal flavor profile with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Black Manhattan has a rich, bittersweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The combination of rye whiskey and Averna amaro creates a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, chocolate, and herbs. The addition of bitters adds depth and a slight spiciness to the drink.
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 Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
