Something RedCocktail recipe
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Something Red is a bright, spirit-forward sour that leans into a classic cocktail-glass serve: gin at the core, brandy adding depth, and a flash of aniseed liqueur for intrigue. It doesn’t sit in the well-documented canon of named classics, but it reads like a modern, home-bar style creation built around the familiar “strong + citrus + sweet” balance, with a deliberately bold aromatic twist.
You’ll find the gin’s crisp botanicals lead the way, while brandy brings a rounder, warmer backbone that stops the drink feeling too sharp. Lemon juice supplies a clean, direct tartness, and the strawberry syrup adds a small but noticeable red-fruit sweetness that softens the edges. The aniseed liqueur—used sparingly—threads a licorice-like note through the middle, lifting the aroma and giving the finish a distinctive snap against the citrus.
Serve it when you want a cocktail that feels both refreshing and a little daring—ideal as a pre-dinner opener or a change-up for gin-sour fans. If you enjoy bright citrus drinks but also like herbal, aromatic accents, this one hits the spot, especially when you’re in the mood for something that tastes as vivid as it looks.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with crisp botanicals sharpened by lemon juice, while brandy adds warm, rounded fruit depth; strawberry syrup brings a small, jammy sweetness and the aniseed liqueur threads a faint licorice snap through the finish. The lemon’s acidity keeps the strawberry and brandy from feeling heavy, and the aniseed accent lifts the gin, making it ideal for sour lovers who want a bright drink with a slightly exotic edge.
Method
How to make a Something Red
- Brandy 15ml, Gin 45ml, Aniseed liqueur Half Teaspoon, Lemon juice 30ml, Strawberry syrup Teaspoon
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a strawberry slice and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- For added depth, use a quality aged brandy that has rich caramel and vanilla notes, enhancing the complexity of your cocktail.
- Incorporate a few dashes of Peychaud's Bitters to amplify the aniseed flavor and add a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the best way to serve the Something Red cocktail to enhance its flavor?
The best way to serve the Something Red cocktail is chilled in a cocktail glass. Ensure the drink is well shaken with ice before straining it into the glass to retain its crispness and to fully blend the unique flavors of brandy, aniseed liqueur, lemon juice, gin, and strawberry syrup. A cold serving temperature highlights the cocktail's refreshing and complex flavor profile.
What garnish complements the Something Red cocktail?
A fresh strawberry slice or a lemon twist makes an excellent garnish for the Something Red cocktail. The vibrant color of the strawberry enhances the visual appeal of the drink, while a lemon twist adds an aromatic zest that complements the citrus notes from the lemon juice, balancing the sweet and fragrant qualities of the drink.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Something Red cocktail, and how can it be prepared?
Yes, you can prepare a non-alcoholic variation of the Something Red cocktail by substituting the alcoholic components with non-alcoholic alternatives. Use a non-alcoholic spirit in place of gin and brandy, and omit the aniseed liqueur or replace it with an aniseed-flavored syrup. Maintain the proportions of lemon juice and strawberry syrup to retain the cocktail's signature flavor profile. This variation allows everyone to enjoy the refreshing taste of Something Red without the alcohol content.
How does the alcohol content in the Something Red cocktail compare to other classic cocktails?
The Something Red cocktail has an alcohol content of 25.71%, which places it in the mid-range compared to other classic cocktails. For example, a Margarita typically has an alcohol content around 26%-30%, while a Manhattan has an alcohol content around 30%-35%. Therefore, the Something Red is slightly lighter in terms of alcohol content, making it a milder choice suitable for occasions when you prefer a less potent drink.
What is the best season to enjoy the Something Red cocktail?
The Something Red cocktail, with its refreshing lemon juice and sweet strawberry syrup, is perfectly suited for the spring and summer seasons. Its cold, refreshing nature, combined with the fruity and floral notes, makes it an ideal choice for warmer weather, outdoor gatherings, or as a refreshing drink to enjoy on a sunny afternoon.
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