Palm Beach Cocktail Recipe

Palm Beach Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:14%

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: August 23, 2024

History

The Palm Beach cocktail has its origins in the glamorous and luxurious Palm Beach, Florida. Known for its beautiful beaches, high-end shopping, and upscale dining, Palm Beach has been a playground for the rich and famous since the early 20th century.

  • The cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1920s during the Prohibition era
  • It was popular among the wealthy socialites who frequented the area
  • The Palm Beach cocktail is a refreshing and sophisticated drink, perfect for enjoying on a warm, sunny day

How Palm Beach Tastes?

The Palm Beach cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle hint of tartness from the grapefruit juice, and a smooth, velvety finish from the gin and vermouth.

Interesting facts about Palm Beach

  • The Palm Beach cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Florida Martini'
  • It is often served at high-end events and parties in Palm Beach
  • The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the growing interest in classic cocktails

Ingredients

A few good options for Palm Beach are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the spirit backbone of the Palm Beach cocktail, providing a complex botanical flavor foundation. Stray too far north of 2oz and you might just drown in a juniper jungle, stray too south and the cocktail becomes a wimpy shadow of its potential. Skipping it? You're no longer making a Palm Beach, my friend, you're making a soft mocktail.

Emma Rose

Dry Vermouth

Dry Vermouth adds sophistication and depth, balancing the boldness of the gin with its herbaceous whisper. Imagine skipping it? The cocktail would lose its cool, complex character—like a beach without the ocean breeze. Substitute with sweet vermouth for a sweeter, more aromatic variant.

Alex Green

Grapefruit Juice

The citrus pop of grapefruit juice brings a bright and slightly bitter tang to the party, keeping your sips as refreshing as a dip in the ocean. Less juice, and the drink becomes too stiff; more, and you're brunching with a fruit salad. Leave it out and say goodbye to the 'Palm' in Palm Beach.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Bitters

A couple dashes of orange bitters are like the sunglasses of the cocktail—just a hint of shade to cool it down. Without those dashes, it's like squinting at the sun—something's missing in the blend of flavors. Swap for aromatic bitters for a spicier twist.

Emma Rose

Grapefruit Twist

A grapefruit twist isn't just a pretty garnish; it's that sea breeze wafting through your sipping experience. Without it, the cocktail loses a layer of citrus aroma that adds to the drink's charm. No twist is like a postcard without the stamp—it looks good, but it's not going anywhere exciting.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Palm Beach Drink

  1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin, dry vermouth, grapefruit juice, and orange bitters
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture until well-chilled
  4. Discard the ice from the chilled cocktail glass
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass
  6. Garnish with a grapefruit twist, expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim of the glass

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh grapefruit juice for a more vibrant and refreshing flavor
  • Stir the cocktail for at least 30 seconds to ensure it's well-chilled and properly diluted
  • Express the grapefruit twist over the drink to release the oils, adding an extra layer of flavor

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp - The crisp citrus notes of the Palm Beach cocktail complement the smokiness of grilled shrimp.
  • Ceviche - This cocktail's crisp and refreshing taste is a great match for the light, acidic flavors of ceviche.

Main Courses

  • Roasted Chicken - A classic roasted chicken with herbal seasoning pairs well with the botanicals in gin.
  • Grilled White Fish - Pair with a delicate white fish to highlight the cocktail's grapefruit and citrus notes.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart - The tartness of lemon balances the bitter and sweet elements of the cocktail.
  • Fruit Sorbet - A light and fruity sorbet will complement the lively citrus flavors in the Palm Beach.

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What you could change in Palm Beach

  • Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less botanical flavor
  • Dry Vermouth: Can be replaced with sweet vermouth for a sweeter cocktail
  • Grapefruit Juice: Can be replaced with orange juice for a less tart flavor

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Palm Beach Sunrise

  • Ingredients: 2oz Gin, 0.5oz Dry Vermouth, 1oz Grapefruit Juice, 0.5oz Grenadine
  • Recipe: Stir gin, vermouth, and grapefruit juice with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Slowly pour grenadine to create a 'sunrise' effect.
  • Description: This twist adds a sweet sunrise layer, bringing a new dawn to your taste buds with the grenadine's lush sweetness contrasting the gin's botanicals.

Beachside Negroni

  • Ingredients: 2oz Gin, 1oz Campari, 1oz Sweet Vermouth, Grapefruit Twist
  • Recipe: Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with ice in a mixing glass. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grapefruit twist.
  • Description: An Italian twist on the Palm Beach, where the bitter Campari dances with sweet vermouth, giving your coastal cocktail a bold, international flair.

Tropical Palm

  • Ingredients: 2oz White Rum, 1oz Dry Vermouth, 1oz Pineapple Juice, 2 dashes Orange Bitters, Pineapple Wedge
  • Recipe: Mix rum, vermouth, pineapple juice, and bitters with ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with pineapple wedge.
  • Description: Swapping gin for rum and adding pineapple juice turns the Palm Beach cocktail into a tropical getaway, perfect for daydreaming about your next beach vacation.

In case you forgot basics how to make Palm Beach

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

Insert 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 stir

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 Palm Beach

What type of gin works best in a Palm Beach cocktail?

A London Dry Gin typically works well in this cocktail, owing to its robust, straightforward botanical flavor.

Can I make the Palm Beach cocktail without any bitters?

Yes, you can make it without bitters. However, bitters add depth and complexity to the drink, so it's recommended to use them if possible.

What is an alternative garnish for the Palm Beach cocktail?

If you don't have a grapefruit for the twist, you can also garnish the cocktail with a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon.

Can I batch-make the Palm Beach cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe. Just make sure you keep the ratios the same and chill the batch well before serving.

What should I pair with a Palm Beach cocktail?

The refreshing, fruity profile of a Palm Beach cocktail pairs well with seafood, particularly dishes like grilled shrimp or fish tacos.

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