Calories:175
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol:14%
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 16, 2024
The MoonShot cocktail is a modern twist on classic ingredients, designed for the adventurous drinker with a penchant for the unique. Its origins are a bit mysterious, much like the dark side of the moon, but it's believed to have been concocted by a creative bartender who wanted to combine the brininess of Clamato with the botanicals of gin.
The MoonShot cocktail offers a savory and slightly spicy taste profile, with the botanical notes of gin cutting through the rich tomato base. The dash of Tabasco adds a kick that lingers on the palate, making it a robust and invigorating drink.
A few good options for MoonShot are:
The gin brings a botanical punch to the MoonShot, acting as the backbone of the cocktail. Its herbal notes aim to harmonize with the tomato in Clamato. Neglecting our friend gin would leave the cocktail unbalanced, lacking the needed kick. An alternative could be vodka for a more neutral spirit, which would make the cocktail less complex.
The Clamato adds a umami depth to the drink, with a tomato tang and a hint of seafood intrigue. Without it, we'd just have a boozy tabasco bath – not the same party. If you switch it with plain tomato juice, the cocktail gets less briny, less interesting.
Just one dash provides a fiery jolt of excitement, turning our MoonShot into a cosmic adventure. It adds heat without overwhelming the gin or Clamato. Removing it would be like turning off the stars at night – uneventful. But watch out – overdoing it might send someone into orbit.
The ice cubes are the unsung heroes, chilling the cocktail to perfection and allowing flavors to meld smoothly. No ice means no chill, and that's just a no-go for a refreshing cocktail. Using crushed ice can result in a quicker dilution, thus a milder taste.
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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.
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The MoonShot cocktail is best served fresh to maintain the integrity of its flavors, but you can pre-mix the gin and Clamato in a pitcher and add ice, Tabasco, and garnish just before serving.
Clamato is a commercial drink made of reconstituted tomato juice concentrate flavored with spices and clam broth. It is readily available in most grocery stores in the beverage or cocktail mixer aisle.
While the choice of gin can be a personal preference, a London Dry Gin will typically complement the savory notes of the MoonShot cocktail with its herbal and juniper characteristics.
Because Clamato contains clam broth, the traditional MoonShot recipe isn't suitable for vegetarians. However, a vegetarian can substitute plain tomato juice and increase the spices for a similar taste.
The name 'MoonShot' reflects the cocktail's uniqueness and bold flavor profile, perhaps inspired by the audacity and adventurous spirit of space exploration.
Absolutely! The savory qualities of the MoonShot cocktail make it a great choice for brunch, similar to a Bloody Mary.
To adjust the spiciness, simply increase or decrease the amount of Tabasco sauce to suit your personal taste preference.
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