Tango Cocktail Recipe

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Tango Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:20%

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 Tango cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created in Argentina, the birthplace of the Tango dance. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among dancers and socialites, who enjoyed its refreshing taste and elegant presentation.

  • The Tango cocktail was named after the famous Argentine dance
  • It became popular among dancers and socialites in the early 20th century
  • The drink is known for its refreshing taste and elegant presentation

How Tango Tastes?

The Tango cocktail has a well-balanced, slightly sweet and tangy taste. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle citrus flavor and a hint of bitterness from the Campari.

Interesting facts about Tango

  • The Tango cocktail is often associated with the Argentine Tango dance
  • The drink is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a twist of orange peel
  • The Tango cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Dancer's Delight'

Ingredients

A few good options for Tango are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

GIN: 2oz

The gin is the backbone, providing the strength and complex botanical flavors that elevate the drink beyond a simple fruit punch. Skimp on the gin, and the cocktail could become cloyingly sweet; too much, and the nuances of the other ingredients could be bulldozed.

Emma Rose

ORANGE JUICE: 1oz

Orange juice adds a fresh, citrus sweetness that is essential to balance the bitterness of Campari. Without it, the drink might be too bitter for some. You could switch to other citrus juices, but expect a tangier or less sweet flavor profile.

Alex Green

CAMPARI: 0.5oz

Campari brings a bittersweet complexity and a vibrant red hue, giving the Tango its distinctive punch. Drop it, and you lose the cocktail's balancing act. A potential substitute could be Aperol for a lighter bitterness and sweeter taste.

Mary Mitkina

TRIPLE SEC: 0.5oz

Triple sec, an orange-flavored liqueur, delivers additional citrus notes and subtle sweetness, tying together gin and orange juice. Without this, the cocktail loses a layer of depth. Cointreau could be used as an upmarket alternative with a smoother texture.

Emma Rose

ORANGE PEEL: 1

The final flourish. The expressed oils add an aromatic citrus zing that complicates the finish beautifully. Missing it won't ruin your drink, but it's like skipping the cherry on top of a sundae - why would you do that?

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Tango Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the gin, orange juice, Campari, and triple sec
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
  5. Garnish with a twist of orange peel

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled shrimp: The citrus notes of the cocktail blend well with seafood, especially when there's a touch of char.
  • Bruschetta: The acidity of the cocktail cuts through the richness of the tomato and mozzarella.

Main Courses

  • Roasted Chicken: The botanicals in the gin complement the savory flavors of the chicken.
  • Pork Tenderloin with a fruity glaze: The sweetness of the glaze pairs nicely with the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of the orange juice and triple sec.

Desserts

  • Lemon tart: The tartness of lemon syncs with the citrus profile of the Tango.
  • Orange-flavored dark chocolate: Chocolate and orange are a classic pair; the richness of chocolate contrasts with the bright notes of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Tango

  • Vodka can be used instead of gin for a smoother taste.
  • Lemon juice can replace orange juice for a more tart flavor.
  • Aperol can be used in place of Campari to reduce bitterness.

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Tropic Tango

Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut cream. The exotic twist of pineapple juice and a hint of coconut cream transports the Tango to a tropical paradise. Expect a creamier, more tropical taste that might just make you feel like you are sipping it on a beach.

Spicy Tango

Add a small slice of jalapeño or dash of chili powder to the shaker. Spice things up with a slice of jalapeño or a hint of chili. The warmth of the chili cuts through the sweetness, offering a tantalizingly spicy and sweet experience.

Herbal Tango

Muddle a few basil leaves in the shaker before adding the ingredients. The addition of basil brings an herbaceous freshness that pairs wonderfully with the botanicals in gin. Expect a more savory and complex cocktail that intrigues with every sip.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tango

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 Tango

Can I make the Tango cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, you can. You can use non-alcoholic substitutes such as non-alcoholic gin for gin, and orange juice extract for triple sec. However, the taste may vary.

What other cocktail glasses can I use if I don't have a chilled, elegant cocktail glass?

While the Tango cocktail is best served in a traditional cocktail glass, you can also use a martini glass, a Nick and Nora glass, or any kind of stemmed glass that helps to keep the drink cold.

Is it possible to batch make the Tango cocktail?

Yes, the Tango cocktail can easily be batched. Just make sure to multiply each of the recipe's ingredients by the number of servings you'd like to make.

What food pairings would go well with the Tango cocktail?

The Tango cocktail pairs well with light and zesty foods. Try tapas like olives and almonds, or a light seafood dish.

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