Olympic Cocktail Recipe

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Olympic Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:12%

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 Olympic cocktail was created in the early 20th century to celebrate the Olympic Games. It gained popularity during the 1936 Berlin Olympics and has been a favorite among sports enthusiasts ever since. The cocktail is a perfect blend of elegance and athleticism, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a sophisticated yet energetic drink.

  • The Olympic cocktail was first introduced in the early 20th century
  • It gained popularity during the 1936 Berlin Olympics
  • The cocktail is a favorite among sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy a sophisticated yet energetic drink

How Olympic Tastes?

The Olympic cocktail has a refreshing, citrusy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is well-balanced, with a slightly tart edge from the orange juice and a smooth, velvety finish from the brandy. The cocktail is light and easy to drink, making it perfect for a warm summer day or a celebratory toast.

Interesting facts about Olympic

  • The Olympic cocktail is named after the Olympic Games, which date back to ancient Greece
  • The cocktail is often garnished with an orange twist, symbolizing the Olympic flame
  • The Olympic cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed year-round, but it is especially popular during the summer months

Ingredients

Brandy

The brandy serves as the backbone of the cocktail with its rich, oak-aged complexity; 1oz is just enough to establish a solid base without overpowering the other flavors. Skipping the brandy would be like forgetting the tracks on a rollercoaster – there's no ride! Swap with cognac for a posh twist or bourbon for a bolder kick.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

Orange juice at 1oz provides a tangy freshness that cuts through the alcohol, giving the cocktail a sunny disposition. Use too little, and you won't feel the zest; use too much, and you'll drown the boozy notes. Freshly squeezed juice is the golden ticket here.

Alex Green

Triple Sec

0.5oz triple sec lends a sweet, orangey zip and keeps the citrus theme going. It's like the choir supporting a soloist—without it, the performance lacks harmony. An alternative like Cointreau will raise the bar (and the ABV).

Emma Rose

Grenadine

Half an ounce of grenadine is your dash of pizzazz: it sweetens, colors, and ties the drink with a ribbon of berry-like charm. Forget it, and the cocktail loses its Olympic medals. A smidge more can lead to a syrupy fiasco, and less will keep it too tart.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Twist

This garnish is the cocktail's flourish, adding a burst of aroma and flair atop the drink. It's the difference between a tuxedo and one with a bowtie – both elegant, but the latter has that extra edge.

Alex Green

Garnish

As for the garnish, typically meaning the orange twist here, it's the final touch, the signature on the painting. It's not just for looks; the oils from the twist give an olfactory zing that completes the sensory experience.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Olympic Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add 1oz brandy, 1oz orange juice, 0.5oz triple sec, and 0.5oz grenadine
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
  5. Garnish with an orange twist

Pro Tips

  • Brandy: For a smoother taste, use a high-quality brandy.
  • Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the cocktail a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
  • Shaking: Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the drink is properly chilled.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plates: The fruitiness of the cocktail pairs delightfully with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert.
  • Nuts: Almonds or cashews will complement the nutty notes of the brandy and add a satisfying crunch.

Main Course

  • Grilled Chicken: The citrus in the orange juice can echo the zesty flavors in a well-seasoned chicken.
  • Seafood Paella: The sweetness of the cocktail balances the savory and spicy notes of the dish.

Desserts

  • Citrus-Based Desserts: A lemon tart or an orange-infused crème brûlée will harmonize with the orange notes of the cocktail.
  • Chocolate Delights: Dark chocolate desserts can contrast with the sweetness and add a decadent touch.

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What you could change in Olympic

  • Brandy: You can substitute the brandy with cognac or bourbon.
  • Orange Juice: If you don't have orange juice, you can use grapefruit juice or pineapple juice.
  • Triple Sec: If you don't have triple sec, you can use Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Explore all drinks starting with O here

And of course - twists🍹

Brandy Substitution: Olympic Bourbon Twist

  • Substitute brandy with bourbon for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
  • Ingredients: Bourbon:1oz, Orange Juice:1oz, Triple Sec:0.5oz, Grenadine:0.5oz, Orange Twist:1
  • Recipe: Same steps, just swap the brandy with bourbon, and prepare for a cocktail that runs a bit faster and jumps a bit higher, with a distinctly American spirit.

Spicy Olympic

  • Add a dash of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño to the cocktail shaker for a spicy kick.
  • Ingredients: Brandy:1oz, Orange Juice:1oz, Triple Sec:0.5oz, Grenadine:0.5oz, Hot Sauce:1 dash or Jalapeño: 1 slice, Orange Twist:1
  • Recipe: Follow the original steps, but add the hot sauce or jalapeño before shaking. The resulting cocktail throws a javelin of heat into the mix, heating up the competition.

Olympic Sunrise

  • Layer the grenadine instead of shaking it to create a sunrise effect.
  • Ingredients: Brandy:1oz, Orange Juice:1oz, Triple Sec:0.5oz, Grenadine:0.5oz, Orange Twist:1
  • Recipe: Shake all ingredients except grenadine. Strain into glass. Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom for a blushing gradient. It's like the dawn of a new event, with a visual that deserves a medal.

In case you forgot basics how to make Olympic

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

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 Olympic

How did the Olympic cocktail get its name?

The Olympic cocktail got its name as a tribute to the Olympic Games, considered as a symbol of elegance and athleticism.

What makes the Olympic cocktail unique among other cocktails?

The unique blend of brandy, orange juice, triple sec, and grenadine in the Olympic cocktail gives a taste of elegance and athleticism, encapsulating the spirit of the Olympic Games in a glass.

What is the ideal occasion to enjoy an Olympic cocktail?

While the Olympic cocktail can be enjoyed at any time, it is especially popular during sports events, particularly the Olympic Games. It is also an excellent choice for summer parties due to its refreshing citrusy taste.

Can I make an Olympic cocktail without Triple Sec?

Yes, if you don't have Triple Sec, you can use other orange liqueurs such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier. However, the flavor might slightly differ.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Olympic cocktail?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Olympic cocktail by leaving out the brandy and triple sec, and replacing them with non-alcoholic substitutes.

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