Princeton Cocktail Recipe

The Princeton cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was named after the prestigious Ivy League university, Princeton, and was a popular drink among the students and faculty. The cocktail is known for its elegant and sophisticated taste, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a well-crafted drink.

• The drink is believed to have originated at the university's eating clubs, where students would gather for meals and social events.
• The cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era, as it was easy to make with the limited ingredients available at the time.
• The Princeton cocktail has experienced a resurgence in recent years, as modern bartenders rediscover and reinterpret classic cocktails.

The Princeton cocktail has a smooth, balanced taste with a hint of citrus. It is slightly sweet, with a touch of bitterness from the gin and dry vermouth. The orange bitters add a subtle, zesty kick, while the port float gives the drink a rich, velvety finish.

• The Princeton cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'Princeton Tiger' in honor of the university's mascot.
• The drink is traditionally served in a chilled martini glass, but can also be served in a coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
• The port float is an optional addition to the cocktail, but it adds a layer of complexity and depth to the drink.

1. Chill the glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Measure out the gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Mix the cocktail: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. Stir well for 20-30 seconds.
4. Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
5. Add the port float (optional): Carefully pour the port over the back of a spoon to create a float on top of the cocktail.
6. Garnish: Express the lemon twist over the drink and place it on the rim of the glass.

• Use high-quality ingredients: The taste of your cocktail will greatly depend on the quality of the gin, vermouth, and bitters you use.
• Chill your glass: This will help keep your cocktail cold for longer.
• Stir, don't shake: Stirring the cocktail will ensure it's well mixed without diluting it too much.

Seafood

• The herbal notes of gin complement many seafood dishes, particularly those with a citrus or herbaceous element. Try pairing with grilled shrimp or seared scallops.

Cheese

• Cheeses with nutty or subtly sweet profiles, such as Gruyère or aged Gouda, balance the botanicals in gin and the slight sweetness of the port.

Desserts

• Light, fruity desserts such as lemon tarts or berry sorbets echo the citrus notes and work well against the richness of the port float.

Nuts

• A bowl of roasted almonds or cashews can be a simple and satisfying nibble that complements the nutty complexity of the dry vermouth.

• Gin: If you don't have gin, you can use vodka as a substitute. It will give the cocktail a different taste, but it will still be delicious.
• Dry Vermouth: If you don't have dry vermouth, you can use sweet vermouth. Just keep in mind that this will make your cocktail sweeter.
• Orange Bitters: If you don't have orange bitters, you can use Angostura bitters. It will change the flavor profile a bit, but it will still work.

Earl Grey Infused Gin Princeton

• Infuse 2oz gin with Earl Grey tea. Mix with the usual 1oz dry vermouth, 2 dashes orange bitters. Stir, strain, and serve with a float of 0.5oz Earl Grey tea syrup instead of port. The taste? A tea-party twist with a bergamot scent that'll remind you of sipping cocktails in a blooming English garden.

The Ruby Princeton

• Swap the dry vermouth for red sweet vermouth and use a ruby port for the float. Everything else stays the same. This twist is richer, with a deeper flavor profile, perfect for those who prefer a touch more sweetness and fruitiness in their drink.

The Smoky Princeton

• Use a peated gin or add a drop of liquid smoke to the standard recipe. Then follow the usual steps, and consider a grapefruit twist instead of lemon. This drink has a campfire twist, with a smoky, mysterious vibe tailored for the adventurous soul.