Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:20%
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
The Spencer Cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was named after the famous British actor, Spencer Tracy, who was known for his love of fine cocktails. This drink is perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced and sophisticated cocktail.
The Spencer Cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It has a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of citrus and herbal notes. The overall taste is well-balanced and elegant.
A few good options for Spencer are:
A robust 2oz pour is like the foundation of a house: strong and essential. Gin brings its botanical bouquet to the party, setting the tone with juniper and other herbaceous notes. Too little gin, you're sipping on a weak handshake; too much, and you’re in pine tree territory. No gin? That’s not a Spencer, that's an existential crisis in a glass.
At 0.75oz, lemon juice is the zesty friend who lights up the room. It zips through the richness of the egg white and balances the sweetness. Less juice, and you're missing the spark; more juice, you're puckering more than a grandmother at a family reunion. No lemon juice means flatness and a serious need for some zing.
A sweet 0.5oz of maple syrup is like a hug in liquid form - its rich sweetness speaks of autumnal comfort. Too little, and the cocktail lacks its cozy sweater; too much, and it's like a sugar rush on a brisk fall day. No syrup? It’s like skipping dessert, and who would want that?
The 0.5oz of Aperol slides in with its chic, bitter-orange swag. Lesser quantities will get lost like a tourist without a map, while excess takes over, like an overbearing tour guide. Skipping Aperol is like missing the sun set – the drink loses a layer of complexity and color.
One glorious egg white creates a silky, foamy cap - the foam party of the cocktail world. Skimp on it, and you get a feeble foam; too generous, and the drink is wearing a foam hat that’s too big. No egg white, and it's farewell to the velvety texture that cradles the soul (of the drink, I mean).
Finally, the garnish - a lemon twist isn't just for good looks. It's that final spritz of citrus oil that lights up the whole glass from above. A drink without a twist is like a star without its twinkle, truly a missed opportunity to shine.
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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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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Besides the prominent association with British actor Spencer Tracy, there are no definitive sources that suggest other possible origins. The pivotal role of Hollywood and cinema during the time the cocktail gained popularity suggests that its name may have been a tribute to the actor.
The Spencer Cocktail contains gin and Aperol, both of which are alcoholic. Therefore, it might not be suitable for non-alcohol drinkers. However, mocktail versions of this can be made by leaving out the gin and Aperol.
Yes, the unique flavor profiles from using different types of gin can also contribute to the overall taste of the Spencer Cocktail.
The Spencer Cocktail can be seen as a variant of the sour cocktail, particularly of the whiskey sour. Other variants include the pisco sour or the amaretto sour, all incorporating a spirit, a sweetener and a citrus element.
The Maple Leaf cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The whiskey provides a robust, warming base, while the maple syrup adds a rich sweetness. The lemon juice brings a refreshing tartness, and the overall taste is smooth and satisfying.
The Pride of the Hudson cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of apple brandy, lemon juice, and maple syrup creates a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying. The cocktail has a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the brandy.
The Quebec cocktail has a rich, sweet, and slightly tart taste. The combination of whiskey, maple syrup, and apple cider creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both warming and refreshing. The cocktail has a smooth, velvety texture and a lingering finish that leaves you wanting more.
The Brown Derby cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The bourbon provides a rich, warm base, while the grapefruit juice adds a tangy, citrusy note. The honey syrup brings a touch of sweetness to balance out the sourness of the grapefruit and the strength of the bourbon.
Don's Delight is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy with a hint of bitterness. The combination of fruit juices, rum, and spices creates a refreshing and invigorating taste.
The Honeymoon cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a smooth and velvety texture. The apple brandy adds a fruity and slightly tart note, while the honey and Benedictine liqueur provide a rich sweetness. The lemon juice provides a refreshing citrusy tang, making this cocktail a perfect harmony of flavors.
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Spritz Veneziano has a unique bittersweet taste, with a hint of citrus and herbal notes. It is light, refreshing, and effervescent.
The Archangel cocktail is a harmonious blend of herbal, citrus, and slightly bitter flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness and sweetness. The cucumber and lemon bring a refreshing, crisp, and bright element to the drink.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
The Gin Fizz is a refreshing, light, and effervescent cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The gin provides a subtle juniper and botanical backbone, while the lemon juice adds a bright, zesty acidity. The sugar and egg white create a smooth, frothy texture that complements the bubbly carbonation of the soda water.
The Ramos Gin Fizz has a creamy, frothy texture with a balanced taste of sweet, sour, and floral notes. The gin provides a subtle juniper flavor, while the citrus and egg white create a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
