Plymouth Cocktail Recipe

The Plymouth cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is named after the city of Plymouth in England, where the famous Plymouth Gin is produced. This cocktail was particularly popular among British sailors and officers during the 18th and 19th centuries, and it remains a favorite among gin enthusiasts today.

• The Plymouth cocktail has a rich maritime history, as it was often enjoyed by sailors during long voyages.
• The drink is named after the city of Plymouth, which is home to the famous Plymouth Gin distillery.
• The Plymouth cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the growing interest in classic cocktails and gin-based drinks.

The Plymouth cocktail is a well-balanced and refreshing drink, with a slightly sweet and fruity taste. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note. The sugar syrup and orange liqueur contribute a subtle sweetness, and the bitters add a touch of complexity and depth.

• The Plymouth cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'Gin Sour' due to its combination of gin, lemon juice, and sugar.
• The original recipe for the Plymouth cocktail called for Plymouth Gin, which has a unique, slightly sweeter taste compared to other types of gin.
• The Plymouth cocktail is often garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry, adding a pop of color and a touch of visual appeal.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Plymouth Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, orange liqueur, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake well until chilled and well-mixed.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.

• Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
• Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer.
• Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Appetizers

• Ceviche: The citrus from the lemon juice complements seafood, providing a refreshing balance to the dish.
• Cheese platter: Soft and creamy cheeses like Brie can counter the sharpness of the lemon and enhance the botanicals from the gin.

Main Courses

• Grilled chicken: With a light seasoning, grilled chicken’s simplicity won’t clash with the complexity of the Plymouth cocktail.
• Salmon: The oily texture and rich flavor of salmon pairs beautifully with the acidity in the cocktail.

Desserts

• Lemon tart: Echoing the lemon notes in your drink, a lemon tart is a sweet choice that will synergize with the cocktail's flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream: Simple, creamy vanilla ice cream can help mellow the gin's bite and balance the sourness from the lemon.

• Plymouth Gin: Can be substituted with any other gin, but it will slightly alter the taste.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
• Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey can be used as a natural sweetener substitute.
• Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be used as a substitute.

Herbal Hawthorn

• Swap Plymouth Gin for a hawthorn-infused gin
• Add a sprig of thyme
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, using hawthorn gin and adding thyme with the shake. It introduces an earthy, herbaceous layer that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a secret garden party.

Spicy Citrus

• Substitute Lemon Juice with Yuzu Juice
• Add a tiny slice of jalapeño
• Recipe: Use yuzu juice and infuse the shaker with a slice of jalapeño. It offers a zesty, picante kick—a globetrotting twist that’s as daring as it is delicious.

Berry Bonanza

• Add a dash of raspberry syrup
• Garnish with fresh raspberries
• Recipe: Include a dash of raspberry syrup in the shaker. Upon sipping, you’ll ride a berry merry-go-round, with each taste an invitation to a summer’s eve.