RapscallionCocktail recipe
Rating
Microbadges
Tags
Cocktail glass
Ingredients
.svg){kind=icon}
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 Rapscallion is a bold blend where the rich smokiness of single malt Scotch melds beautifully with the sweet nuttiness of Pedro Ximénez sherry, creating a seamless dance of flavors. The subtle hint of anise from the pastis rinse adds an aromatic finish that elevates the entire experience, making every sip a masterclass in balance and sophistication.
Method
How to make a Rapscallion
-
- In a mixing glass, combine the Scotch and Pedro Ximénez sherry with ice and stir until chilled
-
- Rinse a chilled Nick & Nora glass with pastis by swirling it around and discarding the excess
-
- Strain the cocktail into the pastis-rinsed glass
-
- Express a lemon peel over the drink and garnish
-
- Optionally, garnish with a chilled olive as an alternative to the lemon peel
Power tips
Elevate the Rapscallion 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 Scotch with a robust character to stand up to the intense flavors of the sherry. A single malt with a slightly peaty note will enhance the smokiness of the cocktail.
- When rinsing the glass with pastis, make sure to coat it evenly but avoid an excessive amount as it can overpower the balance. Rotate the glass slowly and ensure full coverage for a more immersive aromatic experience.
- 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
What is the origin of the Rapscallion cocktail?
The Rapscallion cocktail was created by Adeline Shepherd at Copenhagen’s renowned bar, Ruby, in 2007. This cocktail quickly gained popularity due to its unique blend of flavors and became a modern classic enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the globe. The Rapscallion is known for its sophisticated taste, combining the smokiness of single malt Scotch with the subtle sweetness of Pedro Ximénez sherry. The use of an aniseed liqueur to rinse the glass adds an aromatic finish, making it both a visual and sensory experience. Its creation reflects the bar's innovative approach to cocktail crafting and has helped cement Ruby's reputation as a leader in mixology.
Can you substitute any ingredients in the Rapscallion cocktail?
While the Rapscallion cocktail is crafted to balance specific flavors, there is some flexibility if you need to make substitutions. For the whiskey, you can experiment with different types of Scotch if single malt is unavailable, keeping in mind this might alter the drink's smokiness. If Pedro Ximénez sherry is difficult to find, another type of dry or semi-sweet sherry might suffice, though it could change the cocktail's sweetness. Aniseed liqueur might be substituted with another liqueur with a similar profile, such as absinthe or ouzo, but be cautious, as these can have stronger flavors. Always taste as you go to maintain the intended balance of the drink.
How should the Rapscallion cocktail be prepared?
The Rapscallion cocktail is prepared using a shaking technique, which helps combine and chill the ingredients thoroughly without diluting them as much as stirring might. Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the whiskey, sherry, and a dash of aniseed liqueur. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled. Before pouring, rinse a cocktail glass with a small amount of aniseed liqueur for that aromatic finish unique to the Rapscallion. Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass. This process not only chills the drink but also ensures the ingredients are well-blended, preserving the cocktail's balance and intended flavors.
What food pairs well with the Rapscallion cocktail?
The Rapscallion cocktail, with its robust and smoky flavor profile, pairs excellently with richly flavored dishes, particularly those featuring grilled or roasted elements. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and cheeses, which will complement the cocktail’s smoky notes. Rich stews or dishes with umami flavors, such as mushroom risotto or beef tenderloin, can also stand up to the cocktail’s complexity. The anise notes in the drink could be an intriguing match with Asian dishes that feature similar spices. These pairings not only enhance the cocktail experience but also provide a culinary adventure that highlights both the food and drink.
What occasions are suitable for serving the Rapscallion cocktail?
The Rapscallion cocktail is particularly well-suited to sophisticated gatherings and events where a refined drinking experience is appreciated. Its complex flavor profile and the story behind its creation make it an excellent choice for cocktail parties or dinners where good conversation and an appreciation for mixology are prevalent. Its warming qualities from the whiskey and sherry may also make it a delightful choice for autumn or winter festivities, where guests can savor its depth and warmth. Additionally, it could serve as an intriguing pre-dinner drink, setting the tone for a memorable evening with its balanced blend of flavors.
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
Scotch Whisky Highball
The Scotch Whisky Highball stands as a testament to simplicity and elegance in the world of cocktails. Traditionally served in...
Raspberry Lynchburg
The Raspberry Lynchburg is a tantalizing cocktail that delivers a sweet and sour flavor profile, expertly combining the warmth of...
Blackberry Bramble
I'm part of the eighth generation at Dickie Bros. Orchard in Nelson County, Virginia.After being encouraged by the manager of...
Campfire Crackle
A warming, spiced cocktail combining whisky, crème de cassis, and apple & ginger juice, perfect for chilly evenings by the...
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