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Ideal
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.54 / 5
The Ideal cocktail is a classic concoction that blends the botanical complexity of gin with the herbal notes of red vermouth, balanced beautifully by the subtle, sweet touch of a maraschino cherry. Though surprisingly devoid of grapefruit juice, which is often mentioned in variations of the Ideal, this particular mix opts for straightforward simplicity, focusing on the harmony between the gin and vermouth. Typically served in a cocktail glass, this drink provides an elegant presentation accompanied by the garnish of a single maraschino cherry, adding both visual appeal and a hint of sweetness to the final sip. The Ideal is a drink that would likely appeal to those who appreciate the interplay of gin and vermouth with a trace of cherry as a rounded off, sophisticated edge.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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120 calories
Garnish
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Cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
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28% | 1.68 units *

Tags

Gin ingredient icon
Gin cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Ideal cocktail
Gin
Grapefruit Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Ideal cocktail
Grapefruit Juice
Red vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the Ideal cocktail
Red vermouth
Maraschino Cherry cocktail ingredient icon for the Ideal cocktail
Maraschino Cherry
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Ideal

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker over ice
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a cherry and serve

Power tips
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Preparation techniques icon

How do I properly shake the cocktail Ideal?

To properly shake the Ideal cocktail, fill a shaker with ice cubes, add 30ml of gin, 30ml of red vermouth, a dash of grapefruit juice, and a dash of maraschino cherry liqueur. Secure the lid or shaker tin on top and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This integrates the ingredients well and chills the mixture effectively.

Garnishing tips icon

What garnish works best with the Ideal cocktail?

Given the ingredient list, a thin slice of grapefruit or a twist of grapefruit peel makes an excellent garnish for the Ideal cocktail. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal of the drink, but the aromatic oils from the grapefruit peel also add a delightful fragrance and taste that complements the cocktail's flavors.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the ideal glassware for serving the Ideal cocktail?

The Ideal cocktail is best served in a chilled cocktail glass. This type of glass, traditionally known for its wide bowl and stemmed design, showcases the drink's elegant color and ensures that it remains cold without the need for additional ice, which could dilute the drink.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of the Ideal cocktail compare to a standard gin martini?

The Ideal cocktail has an alcohol content of 28%, which is slightly lower than a standard gin martini, which typically ranges between 30-32% alcohol by volume (ABV). This difference is primarily due to the addition of non-alcoholic ingredients like grapefruit juice in the Ideal, which dilutes the overall alcohol content.

Food pairings icon

What are some good food pairings for the Ideal cocktail?

The Ideal cocktail, with its unique blend of gin, red vermouth, and citrus from grapefruit juice, pairs well with appetizers like seafood canapés, oysters, or light cheese platters. Its refreshing profile also complements spicy dishes, as the citrus can help balance the heat.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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