Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:25%
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 Waverly cocktail is named after the famous Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky. This historic building is known for its paranormal activity and has been featured on numerous ghost hunting shows. The cocktail was created in the 1920s by a local bartender who wanted to capture the eerie atmosphere of the sanatorium in a drink. It quickly gained popularity among the locals and visitors alike, and has since become a staple at bars around the world.
The Waverly cocktail is a complex and intriguing blend of flavors. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of tartness from the citrus, and a subtle smokiness from the whiskey. The herbal notes from the bitters and the warmth of the ginger liqueur add depth and balance to the drink, making it a satisfying and memorable experience.
A few good options for Waverly are:
Whiskey is the backbone of the 'Waverly,' providing a rich and complex base. If the amount is increased, the cocktail might become too strong and overpower the other flavors. Decreasing it could make the drink too weak and unbalanced. An alternative spirit like bourbon would add a sweeter, more vanilla-rich profile.
This brings a bright acidity to the mix, balancing the sweetness of the syrup and liqueur. Too much could make the cocktail too tart, while too little would make it cloying. Lime juice could be an alternative, offering a slightly different citrus zing.
It adds a sweet and spicy kick, giving the drink a unique edge. More liqueur would increase the ginger’s dominance, possibly overshadowing other flavors. Less would weaken the ginger's impact. A splash of ginger syrup or freshly grated ginger could substitute in a pinch, altering the sweetness and spice level.
The sweetener that balances the acidity of the lemon juice. If overused, the cocktail becomes too sweet, while too little won't balance the tartness of the lemon. Honey syrup could replace the simple syrup for a more floral sweetness.
Bitters are the magic touch, adding depth and complexity. Missing out on the bitters would result in a less nuanced drink. Orange or aromatic bitters can be used as an alternative, slightly altering the flavor profile.
A swath of orange peel expressed over the drink releases oils that add a fragrant citrus aroma, enhancing the sensory experience. Omitting this means missing out on an aromatic dimension. A lemon peel could be used for a different citrus note.
The cherry doesn’t just look pretty; it imparts a subtle fruity finish if you choose to eat it at the end. Without it, the cocktail would lack its iconic garnish, but the overall flavor profile would remain mostly unchanged. An alternative garnish like a lemon twist would provide a different fragrance and aesthetic.
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The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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).
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While any high-quality whiskey can be used, traditionally a Kentucky bourbon is used due to the cocktail's origin from Louisville, Kentucky.
Yes, a Waverly cocktail can indeed be served on the rocks, although traditionally it is served in a chilled coupe glass.
Given its association with the haunted Waverly Hills Sanatorium, the Waverly cocktail could certainly be given a spooky twist for events like Halloween. For instance, you could use black vodka or add a spooky garnish like a gummy worm.
You could use a whiskey-flavoured syrup or a smoky tea as a non-alcoholic substitute for whiskey in a Waverly cocktail.
Yes, the Waverly cocktail recipe can be scaled up to make larger quantities for parties. Make sure to adjust all the ingredients proportionately.
The Ulysses cocktail offers a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The initial taste is citrusy and refreshing, followed by a subtle sweetness from the honey and a hint of bitterness from the herbal liqueur. The finish is smooth and warming, with a lingering spiciness from the ginger.
The Lights Out cocktail is a robust, full-bodied drink. It has a strong whiskey base, balanced by the sweetness of the honey and the tartness of the lemon. The ginger adds a spicy kick, while the bitters provide a complex, layered taste. It's a rich, warm, and slightly spicy cocktail.
This cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and bitter. The ginger liqueur adds a spicy kick, while the sweet vermouth and bourbon balance it out with their sweetness. The bitters add a touch of complexity to the drink.
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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.
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The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
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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.
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