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Basketball
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.54 / 5
This recipe for a Basketball is one I found whilst being a cocktail barman in the bars and clubs of Hong Kong around 1990ish. The mix of vapour and liquid alcohol really gives you an amazing hit, coupled with the fun of all playing “basketball” together. This really is a great party starter. ~ R. Whitehead
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Cognac
Calories
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290 calories
Alcohol content
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39.33% | 7.08 units *

Tags

Cognac ingredient icon
Cognac cocktails

Brandy glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Basketball

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Put the Cointreau, cognac and sambuca into the brandy glass
Slowly heat the glass with the lighter, keeping a steady heat to the bulb part of the brandy glass which you keep rotating
When the liquid is warm it will give off an alcohol vapour
Lick your palm, then light the contents of the glass and put your licked palm quickly over the top
With the glass covered the flames will slowly burn up all the oxygen creating a vacuum inside the glass
Now turn the glass upside down and do a basketball basket shot movement
The glass will be firmly attached to your palm! Slide the rim of the glass off your hand near your thumb and forefinger
Sniff the vapour from the glass and then down the shot in one hit
~ It's best to use a brandy snifter glass as they come in different sizes to fit different people’s sizes of hands! To check, turn the glass upside-down and see that its circumference fits within your palm. When heating the glass with the lighter, the outside will become black but don’t worry about it. When you place your hand on the hot glass the saliva will stop you getting burned. ~

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FAQ's

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of Basketball compare to that of a standard cocktail?

The Basketball cocktail has an alcohol content of 39.33%, which is significantly higher than the average cocktail, typically ranging from 20% to 30% alcohol by volume. Its trio of strong spirits - Cointreau, Cognac, and Sambuca - contributes to its higher potency.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the best way to serve a Basketball cocktail?

A Basketball cocktail is best served in a brandy glass, ideally chilled but not diluted by shaking or stirring. This method preserves the strong flavors and aromas of the spirits used, offering a pure tasting experience.

Ingredient specifics icon

Can you use any type of Cognac in a Basketball cocktail?

While any quality Cognac can be used in a Basketball cocktail, for an optimal tasting experience, a VSOP or XO Cognac is recommended. These offer a deeper, more complex flavor profile that can enhance the overall taste of the cocktail.

Customization ideas icon

Are there any popular variations of the Basketball cocktail?

Variations of the Basketball cocktail might include adjusting the ratios of the three spirits to suit personal taste preferences or incorporating a dash of bitters for added depth. However, due to its specific combination of ingredients, the classic version remains the most recognized.

Food pairings icon

What food pairs well with a Basketball cocktail?

Given its strong and complex flavor profile, the Basketball cocktail pairs well with equally robust foods. Charcuterie, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts can complement the rich and aromatic qualities of the Cointreau, Cognac, and Sambuca in the drink.

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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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