The Humbug
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The Humbug
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.92 / 5
The Humbug cocktail is a simple two-ingredient concoction that combines the warmth of whiskey with the cool, minty flavor of crème de menthe. Served in a shot glass, it presents a stark contrast between the herbal sweetness of the mint liqueur and the complex, robust profile of the whiskey. Due to its minimalistic nature and distinct flavor combination, The Humbug offers a quick, intense sipping experience that invokes the spirit of classic mixology with a mint-infused twist. Its name might suggest a playful or whimsical nod to a term that denotes deception or jest, possibly reflecting the unexpected flavor fusion in this spirited shot.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Whiskey
Calories
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103 calories
Alcohol content
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27.5% | 0.83 units *

Tags

Whiskey ingredient icon
Whiskey cocktails

Shot glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Whiskey cocktail ingredient icon for the The Humbug cocktail
Whiskey
Creme De Menthe cocktail ingredient icon for the The Humbug cocktail
Creme De Menthe
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Humbug presents a stark, yet playful juxtaposition of fiery whiskey with the cool mintiness of crème de menthe. This shot is a bold, brisk experience that offers an intense burst of contrasting flavors, suited for those who crave a quick, spirited, and mint-infused thrill.

Method
How to make a The Humbug

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Mix both the half shots into a shot glass and serve
~ The smoothness depends on the whisky you choose – I prefer the Famous Grouse. ~

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FAQ's

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of whiskey is recommended for The Humbug?

For The Humbug, a smooth, milder whiskey is recommended to complement the sweet mint flavor of the Creme De Menthe without overpowering it. A light Irish whiskey or a smoother bourbon could be ideal choices for this cocktail.

Garnishing tips icon

How can I garnish The Humbug to enhance its presentation?

Given the minty component of The Humbug, a small mint leaf on the rim of the shot glass or floated on top could enhance both its appearance and aroma. Additionally, a tiny candy cane or peppermint stick could play up the 'humbug' theme, especially during the holiday season.

Serving suggestions icon

Is The Humbug best served as part of a specific type of event or gathering?

The Humbug, with its festive name and minty profile, is particularly suited for holiday gatherings or themed parties around Christmas. Its unique flavor and shot glass presentation make it an interesting choice for toasts or as a novel offering to guests.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of The Humbug compare to other typical shot cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 27.5%, The Humbug falls into the moderate range for shot-based cocktails. It is stronger than liqueur-based shots but lighter than straight spirit shots, such as tequila or vodka, making it a middle-ground selection for those looking to enjoy a balanced option.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of The Humbug, and how can it be made?

For a non-alcoholic version of The Humbug, you can substitute the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or a similar flavored syrup, and use a non-alcoholic mint syrup instead of Creme De Menthe. Mix equal parts of these substitutes to mimic the original cocktail's flavor profile, serving it in a shot glass to retain the experience.

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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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