KGB
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

KGB
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4 / 5
The KGB is a cocktail that presents a rich blend of fruit flavors set against the crisp backdrop of gin. The foundation of the drink relies on a generous pouring of gin which is then sweetened and complexed with the fruity notes of apricot brandy and cherry liqueur. The ingredients harmonize to create a depth of flavor that is at once bold and nuanced, likely offering a sweetly aromatic sip with a sophisticated edge. Traditionally served in a cocktail glass, this drink encapsulates the elegance of classic cocktails while delivering a potent fruity punch. Its name might stir a sense of intrigue, reminiscent of the infamous Russian secret service agency, which could suggest this cocktail has a mysterious or powerful character.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gin
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
258 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lemon
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.13% | 3.34 units *

Tags

Gin ingredient icon
Gin cocktails
Apricot Brandy ingredient icon
Top ten Apricot Brandy cocktails
Cherry liqueur ingredient icon
Top ten Cherry liqueur cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the KGB cocktail
Gin
Apricot Brandy cocktail ingredient icon for the KGB cocktail
Apricot Brandy
Cherry liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the KGB cocktail
Cherry liqueur
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

KGB offers a striking balance of botanical gin with sweet apricot brandy and cherry liqueur, blending fruitiness with a sharp, spirit-forward base. The result is a sophisticated cocktail that intrigues with both its name and its rich, layered flavors.

Method
How to make a KGB

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Combine all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Add a twist of lemon to garnish and serve

Power tips
Elevate the KGB with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.

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

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Twist  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute a different type of brandy if I don’t have apricot brandy for the KGB cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute apricot brandy with another fruit-flavored brandy, such as peach or apple brandy, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile of the cocktail. If you're looking for a non-brandy alternative, a fruit-flavored liqueur in a similar taste profile could also work, but be mindful of the sweetness it may add.

Preparation techniques icon

What’s the best method to chill the cocktail glass for serving the KGB?

The best method to chill a cocktail glass for serving the KGB is by placing the glass in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. If you're short on time, filling the glass with ice and cold water and letting it sit for a few minutes will also effectively chill the glass.

Serving suggestions icon

What garnish would best complement the flavors of the KGB cocktail?

A lemon twist or a cherry can be used as garnishes for the KGB cocktail. Both complement its flavors well, with the lemon twist adding a zesty aroma that balances the sweetness of the apricot brandy and cherry liqueur, and the cherry enhancing the cocktail's fruity components.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content in the KGB compare to a standard cocktail?

With an alcohol content of 34.13%, the KGB cocktail is slightly stronger than many standard cocktails, which typically range from 20% to 30% alcohol by volume (ABV). Its content is boosted by the presence of gin as the primary spirit, making it a stronger choice for those who prefer a more potent drink.

Customization ideas icon

Can the KGB cocktail be made sweeter or less sweet according to personal preference?

Yes, the sweetness of the KGB cocktail can be adjusted by varying the amount of cherry liqueur and apricot brandy. For a sweeter drink, you can slightly increase the amounts of these liqueurs. Conversely, for a less sweet version, reduce the amounts of cherry liqueur and apricot brandy, or consider adding a splash of club soda or lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Singapore Sling

Classic

The iconic cocktail, Singapore Sling, is believed to have originated in Singapore's Raffles Hotel in the early 20th century. Its...

Monkey Gland

The Monkey Gland is a classic cocktail that harks back to the Roaring Twenties. It's a vibrant mix, notably combining...

Lavender French 75

The Lavender French 75 is a fragrant twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, renowned for its sophisticated blend of...

Aunt Roberta

Known colloquially as 'The Worlds Deadliest Cocktail', The Aunt Roberta cocktail is a potent concoction that blends the warming notes...
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image