Nuclear Daiquiri Cocktail Recipe

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Nuclear Daiquiri Nutrition Facts

Calories:~174

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~11g

Alcohol:~27%

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 16, 2024

History

The Nuclear Daiquiri is a potent concoction that's a riff on the classic Daiquiri. It was created by Gregor de Gruyther while working at the LAB bar in London. This cocktail is not for the faint of heart and is favored by those who enjoy a strong, vibrant drink with a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

  • Origin: The drink was born in the early 2000s.
  • Popularity: It quickly became a hit among cocktail aficionados seeking a powerful yet balanced drink.
  • Audience: Best suited for those with a penchant for high-proof spirits and bold flavors.

How Nuclear Daiquiri Tastes?

The Nuclear Daiquiri is an intense and lively cocktail. It's a harmonious blend of the strong, grassy notes of overproof rum with the herbal complexity of green Chartreuse. The lime juice adds a sharp tartness, while the falernum brings in a touch of sweetness and spice, resulting in a robust and invigorating drink.

Interesting facts about Nuclear Daiquiri

  • The Nuclear Daiquiri is named for its explosive strength and vibrant color.
  • It's often served as a warning to those who underestimate its potency.
  • Despite its strength, it has a complex flavor profile that's appreciated by cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Overproof Unaged Jamaican Rum

Overproof rum brings the heat, both in alcohol content and flavor - it's what gives the 'nuclear' punch. At 1 oz, it's just enough to power the drink without sending you into orbit. Less, and you’d lose the thrust; more, and you might have a meltdown! If you swap it for a different rum, aim for one with a similar proof to keep the megatonnage intact.

Alex Green

Lime Juice

Lime juice adds a zesty, fresh tang that cuts through the rum's intensity. It's like the cooling system for the cocktail's reactor core. Ditching the lime would be a catastrophic mistake, leaving your cocktail unbalanced. Substitute with other citrus like lemon for a different kind of zest.

Mary Mitkina

Green Chartreuse

This elixir is a botanical garden in a bottle – complex, aromatic, and with a kick all its own. At 0.75 oz, it's potent enough to be noticed but not so much that it overgrows in the flavor garden. Leaving it out? You're risking a flavor fallout. An alternative might be yellow Chartreuse for a milder explosion of herbal notes.

Emma Rose

Falernum

This sweet syrup is the pacemaker of the drink, providing rhythm with its spice, ginger, and almond notes. At 0.25 oz, it's a discreet nod to balance the cocktail’s power dynamics. Too much falernum, and the balance tips; too little, and the rhythm falters. No falernum? Consider a ginger syrup as a stand-in to maintain some of the spice.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice is the reactor moderator, it chills everything down to make the drink palatable and dilutes it just enough to make it dangerous but drinkable. No ice, and you'll have an uncontrolled reaction on your hands. The type of ice can vary, but in a shaker, using cubes typically provides the right tempo for cooling and dilution.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Nuclear Daiquiri Drink

  1. Chill your glass: Place a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz overproof unaged Jamaican rum, 1 oz lime juice, 0.75 oz green Chartreuse, and 0.25 oz falernum.
  3. Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  4. Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  5. Serve: Enjoy immediately, savoring the complex flavors and potent kick.

Pro Tips

  • Ice Quality: Use large, dense ice cubes for shaking to achieve optimal dilution and chill.
  • Shake Time: Shake for at least 10 seconds to ensure the drink is properly chilled and mixed.
  • No Overpouring: Be precise with your measurements to maintain the balance of flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Spicy Tapas: The high alcohol content and robust flavors of the Nuclear Daiquiri can handle the kick from spicy small plates.
  • Grilled Seafood: Such as shrimp or calamari, they'll harmonize nicely with the lime and herbal notes.
  • Fruit-Forward Desserts: Especially those with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango, can complement the sweet and tart balance of the cocktail.

Recommended Drinks

  • Mineral Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of this potent drink.
  • Iced Green Tea: The herbal notes will pair nicely with the green Chartreuse.

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What you could change in Nuclear Daiquiri

  • Rum: If Wray & Nephew is not available, any high-proof white rum can be used as a substitute.
  • Green Chartreuse: Yellow Chartreuse can be used for a milder herbal flavor.
  • Falernum: A homemade falernum or a different brand can be used if the typical one is not available.

Explore all drinks starting with N here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Daiquiri

  • Replace the overproof rum with a smoky mezcal.
  • Recipe remains largely the same.
  • The smokiness of the mezcal will lend an intriguingly earthy contrast to the brightness of the other ingredients, creating a cocktail with a different kind of nuclear reaction - think of it as a controlled burn rather than an explosion.

Herbal Remix

  • Use equal parts of lime and lemon juice (0.5 oz each).
  • Add a sprig of fresh thyme or basil to the shaker.
  • This twist brings a garden-fresh vibe to the cocktail, mellowing out the intense Chartreuse with earthy undertones and a fragrant herbal bouquet. It's like inviting Mother Nature to the party.

Sweet Fallout

  • Increase falernum to 0.5 oz and decrease Chartreuse to 0.5 oz.
  • Add a dash of honey syrup.
  • The additional sweetness will make the cocktail more approachable for those intimidated by the original's intensity, resulting in a drink that's explosive in flavor but with a gentle landing.

In case you forgot basics how to make Nuclear Daiquiri

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Nuclear Daiquiri

What type of glass is preferred for serving a Nuclear Daiquiri?

A coupe glass is typically used for serving a Nuclear Daiquiri to showcase its vibrant color and to concentrate the aroma, enhancing the drinking experience.

How can I make my Nuclear Daiquiri less potent?

If you find the drink too strong, you can lower the alcohol content by reducing the amount of overproof rum or by adding a bit more falernum for sweetness, being mindful to maintain the overall balance of flavors.

Is the Nuclear Daiquiri suitable for a casual drink?

Due to its high proof and bold flavors, the Nuclear Daiquiri is often considered a cocktail for more experienced drinkers or for those looking for a drink with a considerable kick, making it less suitable for casual drinking occasions.

Can I use bottled lime juice for the cocktail?

While fresh lime juice is highly recommended for its bright, acidic flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Be aware that the quality of the cocktail could be affected, as bottled juices tend to be less vibrant.

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