Old FlameCocktail recipe
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Old Flame shines with its harmonious blend of dry gin and citrusy triple sec, which meld beautifully with red vermouth and bittersweet Aperol for an adventurous twist. The fresh orange juice adds a refreshing brightness that complements the botanical notes, creating a cocktail that's both sophisticated and delightfully complex.
Method
How to make a Old Flame
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- Start by pre-chilling a cocktail glass
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- Prepare an elegant garnish with an orange zest twist
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- Next, combine all the ingredients with ice in a shaker and give them a vigorous shake
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- Strain the mixture carefully into your chilled glass and finish by expressing a flamed orange zest twist over the drink, then use it as your garnish
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality London Dry Gin to allow the botanical notes to shine through. The gin's complexity is crucial in balancing the citrus and bittersweet flavors from the other ingredients.
- Instead of just any orange juice, opt for freshly squeezed blood orange juice. Its richer color and deeper, slightly sweeter flavor can add a luxurious depth to the cocktail.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
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What is the origin or history of the Old Flame cocktail?
The Old Flame cocktail is a delightful concoction that showcases the innovation in traditional mixology by combining elements from classic cocktails to form something unique and refreshing. The drink is characterized by its use of Dry Gin, Triple Sec, Red Vermouth, Aperol, and Orange Juice, making it a modern take on a classic favorite. Rooted in the timeless charm of mixology, the Old Flame balances bright, botanical flavors with a hint of citrus and bittersweet notes, making it both compelling and sophisticated. Its name likely evokes the nostalgic allure of past pleasures, and it captures the essence of reinventing classic flavors for modern tastes without losing integrity.
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Can I substitute any ingredients in the Old Flame cocktail?
Substituting ingredients in the Old Flame cocktail, while possible, could alter the distinct flavor profile that the original ingredients genuinely embody. However, for those looking to experiment or accommodate personal preferences, there are alternatives. For instance, if you don't have Dry Gin on hand, a botanical gin can work, albeit it might affect the herbal notes. Cointreau can replace Triple Sec for a subtler orange flavor, and Campari could substitute Aperol for a more pronounced bitter edge. Meanwhile, red vermouth variations like sweet vermouth can be interchanged depending on the desired sweetness level. Ensure any swaps maintain the core essence of bittersweet citrus balanced with gin's herbal depth to preserve this cocktail's charm.
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How should the Old Flame cocktail be prepared?
The Old Flame cocktail, as its recipe suggests, is to be shaken, not stirred—a technique that enhances the cold, refreshing nature of the drink by integrating the ingredients thoroughly. The key to preparing this cocktail with finesse lies in the shaking method. Start by adding the measured amounts of Dry Gin, Triple Sec, Red Vermouth, Aperol, and Orange Juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to achieve a well-chilled and slightly frothy mixture. Strain the contents into a chilled cocktail glass to ensure clarity and clean presentation. This method helps marry the botanical and citrus elements with aplomb, yielding a cocktail that beckons with brightness and complex flavor interplays.
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What is the best way to serve an Old Flame cocktail?
Serving the Old Flame cocktail in an elegant and aesthetically pleasing manner elevates the drinking experience. Traditionally presented in a cocktail glass, also known as a coupe glass, this drink benefits from being well-chilled beforehand. To achieve this, one might chill the glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or by filling it with ice water while the cocktail is being prepared. Once the cocktail is ready, it's strained into this chilled glass, ensuring the drink remains refreshingly cold. For an additional touch of elegance and aroma, consider garnishing with a twist of orange peel gently expressed over the top to release its essential oils, or an orange slice perched on the rim. This honestly encapsulates its intricate play of botanicals and citrus notes.
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For what occasions is the Old Flame cocktail best suited?
The Old Flame cocktail is a versatile drink that lends itself beautifully to a variety of occasions. Its sophisticated yet balanced flavor profile makes it an impressive choice for upscale events like cocktail parties, intimate dinners, and celebratory soirees. The blend of botanical and citrus notes works equally well as an aperitif to stimulate the palate as it does during social gatherings where a refreshing, yet complex beverage is desired. Its classic undertone with a modern twist makes it perfectly suitable for warming up during a cozy evening with close friends or family gatherings in informal settings. Whether for a leisurely brunch gathering or a sophisticated dinner party, the Old Flame's charm never fails to evoke elegance and novelty, making it a timeless choice for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
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