Kopstootje KocktailCocktail recipe
Rating
The Kopstootje Kocktail is a unique and invigorating drink that combines the boldness of gin with the lightness of lager, all further enhanced by the distinctive flavor of aniseed liqueur. The addition of lemon juice brings a tartness to the mix, balancing the sweetness imparted by the sugar syrup.
Tapping into the tradition of a Dutch "kopstootje" or "little headbutt," which typically pairs a beer with a shot of jenever, this cocktail offers a similar experience with a more sophisticated, blended taste. Served in a highball glass, this concoction is a delightful fusion of herbal, citrus, and sweet notes with an underlying beer crispness, making it a refreshing choice for those who appreciate complex, layered beverages.
Microbadges
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.

Cocktail Colin says:
The Kopstootje Kocktail intriguingly balances the crisp, herbal notes of gin with the smoothness of lager, creating a harmonious sip reminiscent of the Dutch tradition of enjoying a beer with a spirited shot. The aniseed liqueur lends a subtle spiciness that complements the tanginess of the lemon juice, while the sugar syrup delicately rounds out the drink's profile, ensuring each element is perceptible yet perfectly integrated.
Method
How to make a Kopstootje Kocktail
-
- Combine all the ingredients in a highball glass
-
- Fill the glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a long strip of lemon zest before serving
Power tips
Elevate the Kopstootje Kocktail 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- Use a high-quality, dry gin to keep the balance between the herbal and citrus notes without adding extra sweetness.
- For an aromatic touch, lightly mist the inside of the highball glass with an aniseed liqueur before mixing the drink to enhance the fragrance.
- Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
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.
Featured in
FAQ's

Why is the Kopstootje Kocktail stirred and not shaken?
The Kopstootje Kocktail is stirred instead of shaken to gently integrate the ingredients without overly diluting the drink with water from melted ice. Stirring helps maintain the clarity and texture of the cocktail, which is especially important with the inclusion of lager to preserve its carbonation and unique mouthfeel.

What is the ideal way to serve a Kopstootje Kocktail?
The ideal way to serve a Kopstootje Kocktail is in a highball glass, chilled to ensure the drink remains cold. It's also recommended to pour the cocktail over ice to keep it well-chilled throughout consumption. Garnishing with a slice of lemon or a twist can add a visual flair and a hint of additional citrus aroma.

Can I substitute the aniseed liqueur in the Kopstootje Kocktail with something else?
Yes, if you don't have aniseed liqueur or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with other herbal or spice-flavored liqueurs. Absinthe or a mild pastis could work if you still want a hint of anise. However, keep in mind that the substitution will alter the original flavor profile of the cocktail.

How does the alcohol content of the Kopstootje Kocktail compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 14.86%, the Kopstootje Kocktail is moderately strong, similar to other classic cocktails like the Margarita or the Cosmopolitan. It's stronger than light cocktails such as the Mojito or Pimm's Cup, but not as strong as cocktails with a higher proportion of spirits like the Martini or Manhattan.

What food would pair well with a Kopstootje Kocktail?
Considering its unique blend of aniseed, lemon, and the refreshing quality of lager, the Kopstootje Kocktail pairs well with seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters or clams. The herbal and citrus notes can also complement light salads, grilled vegetables, or mild cheeses, making it versatile for a range of appetizers or light meals.
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...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Zombie
The Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink that originated in the 1930s and has become a staple in tiki...
Pan Galactic Gargle Buster
The Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster was invented by Zaphod Beeblebrox, a major character in Douglas Adams' novel The Hitchhiker's Guide...
Red Devil
The Red Devil is an intriguing cocktail that combines the distinct flavors of aniseed liqueur and gin, tied together with...
Hand Grenade
The Hand Grenade cocktail is a potent mix that combines the distinct flavors of aniseed liqueur and whiskey, often using...

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 creatingBuild 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
Comments
No comments yet…
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register