Messer Special Cocktail recipe
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Messer Special is a modern, high-volume mixed drink that sits firmly in the “party pint” tradition: built for easy drinking, big refreshment, and a bold, anything-goes attitude rather than classic cocktail pedigree. With vodka as the backbone and a full pint-glass serve, it reads more like a nightlife hybrid of beer, cider, and mixer than a bar-era staple. If you’re looking for a drink with a neat origin story, this one is more about the moment than the mythology.
You’ll find the vodka adds clean, neutral strength while cider brings crisp, fruity sweetness that softens the edges of the lager’s grainy bitterness. Blackcurrant cordial pushes a deep, jammy fruit note through the middle, tinting the whole drink with a sweet-tart accent. The energy drink layers in bright sweetness and a sharp, fizzy lift, making the overall profile lively, sweet-forward, and lightly bitter at the finish.
Serve Messer Special in a pint glass when you want something long, cold, and unapologetically punchy—ideal for house parties, pre-drinks, or late-night sessions. It suits you if you like fruitier alcopops, cider mixes, or beer cocktails, and you’re after maximum refreshment with a noticeable kick.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Vodka lays a clean base under fizzy cider and lager, while blackcurrant cordial brings jammy tang and a deep berry edge that rides over the whole pint; the energy drink adds sharp sweetness and a caffeinated, citrusy bite that keeps it loud and brisk. It works because the lager’s bitterness and cider’s acidity rein in the cordial and energy drink sugar, suiting party-minded drinkers who want maximum volume and buzz over nuance.
Method
How to make a Messer Special
- Vodka 60ml, Cider 280ml, Lager 280ml, Blackcurrant cordial 30ml, Energy drink 250ml
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- Make up a pint from the lager, cider and blackcurrant and serve
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- Once the drink has been drunk down to the bottom of the knuckle of the pint glass, add double vodka with ice
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- Fill to top with Red Bull and serve again
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FAQ's
What is the recommended way to serve the Messer Special?
The Messer Special should be served cold in a pint glass. Given its unique combination of ingredients, it's best not to dilute it with ice. Serve immediately after mixing the ingredients to maintain its fizz and ensure the best taste experience.
Can I substitute the blackcurrant cordial in the Messer Special?
Yes, you can substitute the blackcurrant cordial with another fruit cordial of your preference, such as raspberry or blueberry, to tweak the flavor profile to your liking. However, ensure that the substitute complements the other ingredients, particularly the energy drink and the cider.
How does the alcohol content in the Messer Special compare to a standard beer?
The Messer Special has an alcohol content of 5.78%, which is comparable to many standard beers, which typically range from 4% to 6% alcohol by volume. However, due to its larger volume (900ml), the overall alcohol intake would be higher if the entire cocktail is consumed.
What occasions are best suited for serving the Messer Special?
Given its unique mix and relatively high volume, the Messer Special is best suited for casual gatherings or parties where the focus is on fun and experimentation. Its energetic components from the energy drink make it a good choice for lively events or as a novelty drink at adult celebrations.
Is the Messer Special suitable for those on a gluten-free diet?
The Messer Special might not be suitable for individuals on a strict gluten-free diet due to the presence of lager and cider, which can contain gluten. However, it's possible to make a gluten-free version of this cocktail by ensuring that the cider and lager used are certified gluten-free.
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