Scarface Cocktail Recipe

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Scarface Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:40

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 Scarface cocktail is a classic drink with a strong personality, much like the iconic character it's named after. It's a cocktail for those who appreciate a robust, full-bodied drink with a kick. This cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1920s, during the Prohibition era, and was named after the infamous gangster Al Capone, who was often referred to as 'Scarface'.

  • Prohibition Era: The cocktail was created during a time when alcohol was illegal, leading to the rise of speakeasies and the creation of many classic cocktails.
  • Al Capone: The drink is named after the notorious gangster, reflecting its strong and bold flavors.

How Scarface Tastes?

The Scarface cocktail is a potent mix of sweet and sour, with a strong, boozy backbone. The sweetness of the rum is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice, while the grenadine adds a touch of fruity sweetness. The bitters add a layer of complexity, creating a cocktail that is bold, robust, and full of flavor.

Interesting facts about Scarface

  • The Scarface cocktail is named after the infamous gangster Al Capone.
  • It was created during the Prohibition era, a time when many classic cocktails were born.
  • Despite its strong flavors, the Scarface is a surprisingly balanced cocktail, with the sweetness of the rum and grenadine balancing the tartness of the lime juice.

Ingredients

Rum (2oz)

Rum is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a warm, tropical base that reminds you of wild summer nights. Use less and you'll be sailing in a dinghy, use more and you'll capsize from the booze. If you swap it out for a spiced variant, you'd get a punchier, more aromatic Scarface.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice (1oz)

Lime juice is like that zesty friend who brightens up the party. Too little and the cocktail feels flat, too much and it's like sucking on a lime wedge. Want to stir things up? Try lemon juice for a different kind of citrus kick.

Emma Rose

Grenadine (0.5oz)

Grenadine brings the sweet and sassy to this fiesta. It's like the cherry on top — without it, the drink loses its color and fun. If it's MIA, you might try a splash of simple syrup and a touch of cherry juice for a DIY hack.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters (2 dashes)

Think of bitters as the spice rack of the cocktail world. Just a couple of dashes and you've added mystery and depth you didn't know you needed. Leave it out and the drink is like a beach without sun — still good, but why miss out on the greatness?

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Scarface Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the rum, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality rum for the best flavor.
  • Always use fresh lime juice for the best taste.
  • Shake the cocktail until the shaker is frosty to ensure it's well-chilled.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Spicy Tapas: The cocktail's sweetness and acidity can cut through the heat, making for a refreshing counterbalance.
  • Seafood: Particularly dishes with a citrusy element, such as ceviche, to complement the lime juice in the cocktail.
  • Grilled Meats: The char on the meat pairs nicely with the sweetness of the grenadine and the depth of the rum.

Drink Pairings

  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.
  • Light Beers: Such as pilsners or lagers, that won't compete with the flavors of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Scarface

  • Rum: You can substitute the rum with bourbon for a different flavor profile.
  • Lime juice: If you don't have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice, but the flavor won't be as fresh.
  • Grenadine: If you don't have grenadine, you can use a cherry syrup or a raspberry syrup.

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And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Scarface

  • Swap the rum for a chili-infused rum.
  • Add a small slice of fresh jalapeño to the shaker.

Shake up the classic with a kick — expect a nice burn that'll have you saying hello to a little spice!

Tropical Retreat

  • Replace the grenadine with passion fruit syrup.
  • Add a splash of coconut water.

Imagine a Scarface with a lei around its neck — this tropical mix will bring the beach to your taste buds.

Old School Cool

  • Use bourbon instead of rum.
  • Add a splash of cola.

It's like the Scarface decided to wear a fedora and hang out at a speakeasy — bringing a Prohibition twist to the classic.

In case you forgot basics how to make Scarface

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 Scarface

What's the origin of the name 'Scarface'?

The name 'Scarface' comes from the infamous gangster Al Capone, who was often referred to as 'Scarface'. The cocktail embodies the character's strong personality with its robust flavors.

What type of rum is best for a Scarface cocktail?

A high-quality dark rum or golden rum is usually chosen for Scarface cocktail to give it a strong, robust flavor.

Can the Scarface cocktail be batched for parties?

Yes, the Scarface cocktail can certainly be batched. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings desired, chill, and serve.

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