The SpaniardCocktail recipe
Rating
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.
The Spaniard is an elegant cocktail that draws inspiration from the rich heritage of European spirits and flavors. This sophisticated drink combines the fruity notes of sloe gin with the botanical complexity of Old Tom gin, creating a harmonious base that's both approachable and intriguing.
Enhanced by the nutty depth of Palo Cortado sherry and the herbal sweetness of Bénédictine, this cocktail achieves a remarkable balance between fruit, spice, and subtle sweetness. The addition of orange blossom water elevates the flavor profile, bringing brightness and enhancing the overall complexity.
Perfect for those seeking a refined drinking experience, The Spaniard offers a modern interpretation of classic flavor combinations while paying homage to the traditional spirits of the Old Continent. Its balanced profile makes it an excellent choice for both special occasions and sophisticated evening enjoyment.
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.
Tags
Cocktail glass
Ingredients
.svg){kind=icon}
Cocktail Colin says:
The Spaniard cocktail masterfully unites the red-fruit allure of sloe gin with the botanical whisper of Old Tom gin, setting a backdrop that feels like a cordial invitation to a grand European soirée. Its stellar supporting cast of Palo Cortado sherry contributes nutty undertones, while Bénédictine lends a luscious herbal edge, together weaving a tapestry of flavor that whispers elegance. Orange blossom water ties the composition with a delicate floral bow, infusing a citrusy radiance that enhances its depth. This cocktail is a testament to the art of balance, where fruity, nutty, and exotic notes dance harmoniously, ushering in a drink that’s as intriguing as it is refined.
Method
How to make a The Spaniard
- Sloe Gin 45 ml, Gin 20 ml (Hayman's Old Tom Gin), DOM Benedictine 10 ml, Sherry (Dry) 15 ml (Palo Cortado Sherry), Orange Blossom Water 0.3 ml (Orange blossom water)
-
- Add all ingredients to a chilled mixing glass
-
- Fill with ice and stir gently for approximately 30 seconds until properly chilled
-
- Strain into a pre-chilled Nick & Nora glass
-
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the surface of the drink, then garnish with the peel
Power tips
Elevate the The Spaniard 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- To enhance the depth of the Sloe Gin, macerate some fresh or dried sloe berries in the gin for a few days before preparing the cocktail. This will accentuate the fruity undertones and add complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg over the top just before serving. The subtle spice complements the sherry and Bénédictine, adding an extra layer of aromatic complexity to your cocktail.
- Upgrade to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
Featured in
FAQ's
What role does the Palo Cortado sherry play in The Spaniard cocktail?
Palo Cortado sherry is an integral ingredient in The Spaniard cocktail, imparting a distinct nutty and slightly savory character to the drink. This unique sherry undergoes a dual maturation process, giving it a rich and layered flavor profile that complements the other components of the cocktail. Its dryness balances the sweeter notes from the sloe gin and Bénédictine, while adding complexity and depth to the overall taste. The inclusion of Palo Cortado sherry in The Spaniard highlights the cocktail's European roots and enhances its sophisticated palate, making it a focal point for those who appreciate a refined drinking experience.
What is the best method to prepare and serve The Spaniard cocktail?
The Spaniard cocktail is best prepared by shaking, rather than stirring, to perfectly blend the diverse flavors of its ingredients. Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice, and then add the measured ingredients: sloe gin, Hayman's Old Tom gin, Palo Cortado sherry, DOM Bénédictine, and a touch of orange blossom water. Shake vigorously to ensure the flavors are fully integrated and the drink is properly chilled. Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass to maintain the ideal serving temperature. This technique ensures that The Spaniard is served cold and crisp, enhancing the sophisticated complexity of its layered taste profile.
Are there any suitable substitutions for the sloe gin in The Spaniard cocktail?
While sloe gin is a traditional component of The Spaniard cocktail, there are a few alternatives that can be used if you're unable to find it. Regular gin with a touch of fruit-based liqueur, such as a blackberry or raspberry liqueur, can mimic the fruity profile of sloe gin. However, this will slightly alter the original taste intended in The Spaniard. If you desire to stay true to the cocktail's character, consider sourcing artisanal sloe gins that are often available at specialty liquor stores or online. Substitutions can provide an interesting twist, but they might not fully capture the classic harmony of The Spaniard.
What occasions are best suited for serving The Spaniard cocktail?
The Spaniard cocktail, with its sophisticated blend of European spirits and nuanced flavors, is perfect for a range of occasions where elegance and refinement are appreciated. It serves as an excellent choice for formal gatherings, dinner parties, or cocktail hours where a complex and intriguing drink can be showcased. The cocktail's balanced profile and distinctive flavor make it well-suited for intimate evenings or sophisticated social gatherings. Its elegance also shines during holidays, where its rich taste can be paired with festive dishes, providing an elevated drinking experience that complements the celebratory spirit of the season.
What types of food pair well with The Spaniard cocktail?
Given its intricate flavor composition, The Spaniard cocktail pairs excellently with foods that have a complementary richness and depth. Consider serving it alongside tapas dishes such as jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, or olives for a classic Spanish touch. The cocktail's complexity is also well-matched with savory items like roasted nuts, charcuterie boards, or dishes featuring mushrooms and truffles. For those who enjoy seafood, smoked salmon or grilled prawns can bring out the herbal and spicy notes in the drink. These pairings enhance the overall tasting experience, allowing the cocktail to shine alongside the flavors of European cuisine.
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.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- 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
Try this fizz of sloe gin and grapefruit
Sloe Gin Fizz
Sloe Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Soda water, Sugar / simple Syrup, Egg
Try this complex blend of vodka, gin, and Galliano.
Slow Comfortable Screw Against The Wall
Vodka, Galliano, Whiskey, Sloe Gin, Orange juice
Dive into this citrusy almond and berry blend
Alabama Slammer
Whiskey, Sloe Gin, Amaretto, Orange juice
Savor this luscious blend of sloe gin and Prosecco.
Hedgerow Royale
Cherry Brandy, Sloe Gin, Champagne / prosecco, Rosemary
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
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments