Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol:22%
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 Yale Cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It was named after the prestigious Yale University and was a popular drink among the Ivy League crowd. The cocktail is known for its deep blue color, which is reminiscent of the university's official color.
The Yale Cocktail has a balanced taste, with a hint of sweetness from the maraschino liqueur and a slight tartness from the lemon juice. The gin provides a strong, herbal backbone, while the orange bitters add a touch of citrus and complexity.
A few good options for Yale are:
The Gin is the backbone of the Yale cocktail. At 2 oz, it provides a robust base, carrying juniper and other botanical flavors that define the drink's character. Dial it down, and you risk a timid cocktail; amp it up, and you might overwhelm the delicate dance of the other ingredients. Without it, you simply don't have a Yale — you have confusion in a glass.
Blue Curaçao doesn't just bring a vibrant hue to the party; it also infuses a hint of bitter orange to the mix. The 0.5 oz measure is a tasteful touch - enough to notice but not enough to steal the show. Substitute it with Triple Sec, and you’ll get a similar taste but lose the iconic blue coloring, transforming your Yale into more of an incognito blend.
A sweet liaison, the Maraschino Liqueur at 0.25 oz subtly rounds off any sharp edges from the gin and lemon. Skip it, and you'll miss out on a whisper of cherry that plays hide and seek with your taste buds. An alternative could be a splash of simple syrup if sweetness is what you're after, but you'll be nixing the nuanced depth that maraschino brings.
Lemon Juice is like the cocktail's zesty alarm clock - it wakes you up but isn't loud enough to be obnoxious at a quarter oz. Leave it out, and your cocktail might just hit the snooze button on freshness. Lime juice could step in as a sub, granting a tart, tropical twist.
The Orange Bitters are the secret handshake of this concoction. Two dashes add complexity and a touch of mystery. Forget them, and the cocktail becomes one-dimensional, like a story without a plot twist. No bitters on hand? A tiny grating of orange zest could impart a similar aromatic curiosity but without the bitters' subtle bite.
Lastly, the Lemon Twist garnish isn't just there to look pretty. Twisting it over the drink expresses essential oils that bring a bright aroma to your nose with each sip. It's the finishing touch that ties everything together. Without it, you lose a sensory dimension that elevates the Yale from good to great.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with Y here
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 strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing 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!
Completely free!
Cocktails like the Yale are traditionally served in a coupe glass due to its elegant style. However, it can also be served in a martini glass.
The ABV of the Yale cocktail can vary depending on the specific spirits used, but it is generally around 22% to 25%. Always drink responsibly.
Yes, you can use any type of gin. However, each kind of gin has a unique flavor profile that will somewhat affect the taste of the cocktail. Classic London Dry Gin is a popular choice.
Chilling the glass helps to keep the cocktail at the optimal temperature for a longer time, preserving its taste and quality.
You can also use a cherry liqueur, such as Luxardo or Heering. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness might differ.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
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.
The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.
The Blue Lagoon cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of citrus. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm summer days. The combination of blue curaçao and lemonade gives it a unique, tropical flavor.
The Blue Hawaii cocktail has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The combination of pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curaçao creates a fruity and tropical flavor profile, while the vodka and light rum add a subtle kick.
The Swimming Pool cocktail has a sweet, fruity, and slightly creamy taste. It is not too strong, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter cocktails. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and citrus flavors creates a refreshing and tropical experience.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Aviation cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the maraschino liqueur adds a touch of sweetness. The lemon juice brings a bright, zesty acidity, and the crème de violette imparts a delicate floral note.
The Mary Pickford cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The pineapple juice and grenadine give it a tropical sweetness, while the maraschino liqueur adds a hint of cherry and almond. The rum provides a smooth and slightly warming finish.
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 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.
