Opera Cocktail Recipe

The Opera cocktail has its origins in the early 20th century, and is said to have been created in Paris, France. It is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by many over the years, including famous artists, writers, and musicians.

• The name 'Opera' is believed to have been inspired by the glamorous world of opera performances, which were popular during the time of its creation.
• The cocktail was particularly popular during the 1920s and 1930s, and was often enjoyed by the elite and sophisticated crowd.
• The Opera cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as modern bartenders rediscover and reinterpret classic cocktails.

The Opera cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and fruity flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture and a complex taste profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.

• The Opera cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'French Manhattan' due to its similarities in flavor and ingredients to the classic Manhattan cocktail.
• The original recipe for the Opera cocktail called for Dubonnet, a French aperitif wine, but it is now more commonly made with sweet vermouth.
• The Opera cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled martini or coupe glass, which adds to its elegant presentation.

1. Chill the glass: Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters.
3. Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds, until well chilled and diluted.
4. Strain: Remove the chilled glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Garnish: Express a lemon twist over the cocktail to release its oils, then discard the twist or place it on the rim of the glass.

• Use high-quality ingredients: The taste of your cocktail will largely depend on the quality of the ingredients you use. Opt for high-quality gin and vermouth for the best results.
• Chill your glass: This will help keep your cocktail cold for longer, enhancing its taste.
• Don't rush the stirring: Stirring the cocktail for the right amount of time is crucial for achieving the perfect dilution and temperature.

Cheese

• Hard cheeses: The botanicals in gin and the complexity of vermouth can complement the nuttiness of aged cheeses such as Parmesan or Gruyere.

Charcuterie

• Cured meats: The saltiness of cured meats like prosciutto can balance the sweetness of the maraschino liqueur and the bitterness of the orange bitters.

Seafood

• Grilled shrimp: The citrus notes from the lemon twist and the orange bitters can enhance the flavors of seafood, particularly lemon-accented dishes.

Desserts

• Chocolate desserts: The sweetness and the slight bitterness of the drink can pair nicely with dark chocolate.

Nuts

• Almonds or hazelnuts: Nuts with a hint of sweetness can be a great complement to the nutty and fruity notes of the cocktail.

• Gin: If you don't have gin, you can use vodka as a substitute. However, this will alter the taste of the cocktail.
• Sweet Vermouth: If you don't have sweet vermouth, you can use dry vermouth, but this will make the cocktail less sweet.
• Maraschino Liqueur: If you don't have maraschino liqueur, you can use a cherry-flavored liqueur instead.

Smoky Opera

• Ingredients: Replace gin with mezcal.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe substituting gin with an equal amount of mezcal.
• Flavor change: Adds a smoky depth which plays against the sweetness of the maraschino.
• How to make it: Just as you would the original, but with mezcal's unique smoky notes, it’s like the difference between a classic romance and a film noir.

Green Fairy Opera

• Ingredients: Use absinthe instead of gin.
• Recipe: Swap out the gin for absinthe, but be careful as absinthe is stronger: maybe use just 1 oz.
• Flavor change: Introduces a potent, herbal complexity.
• How to make it: This is the bohemian cousin of the original - a bit more mysterious and definitely more intense.

Citrus Burst Opera

• Ingredients: Add a splash of fresh orange juice and use a grapefruit twist instead of lemon.
• Recipe: Combine gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters as usual. Add a splash of orange juice. Stir well, strain, and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
• Flavor change: The additional citrus gives a refreshing zing and a more pronounced fruit-forward profile.
• How to make it: Like a sunny day in the park compared to a classy evening at the opera, this version is for those looking for a little extra Vitamin C with their symphony.