London Calling Cocktail recipe
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London Calling is a gin-forward sour that nods to classic British drinking through its pairing of dry gin and dry sherry. While it isn’t a universally codified “heritage” cocktail with a single agreed origin story, it sits comfortably in the modern revival style: familiar structure, a small twist, and a name that signals crisp, city-sharp refreshment. You’ll find it reads like a dressed-up gin sour, with sherry adding a subtle, wine-like sophistication.
On the palate, dry gin brings clean botanical backbone, while dry sherry layers in a gently nutty, dry-fruit depth without turning the drink sweet. Lemon juice provides the bright, bracing acidity, and simple syrup smooths the edges so the citrus feels rounded rather than sharp. A couple of dashes of orange bitters tie it together, lending a fragrant orange lift that bridges the gin’s botanicals and the sherry’s dryness.
Serve it up in a chilled cocktail glass when you want something brisk, elegant, and not overly sweet. It suits aperitif moments, pre-dinner catch-ups, or any time you’d normally reach for a classic sour but want a little extra complexity. If you like gin cocktails with a dry finish and a citrus snap, this one lands squarely in your wheelhouse.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dry gin leads with crisp botanicals, while dry sherry adds a nutty, saline dryness; lemon juice brings bright snap, simple syrup rounds the edges, and orange bitters layer in pithy citrus and spice. It works because the sherry’s savory depth and bitters’ orange lift keep the sweet-sour balance from feeling flat, ideal for gin lovers who want a drier, more complex sour.
Method
How to make a London Calling
- Dry gin 30ml, Sherry (dry) 15ml, Orange bitters 2 dashes, Lemon juice 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml
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- Begin by combining all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice
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- Ensure you shake the mixture vigorously for 10-15 seconds, or until the exterior of the shaker feels cold and frosted
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- Next, grab a fine strainer to help remove any small ice chips as you pour
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- Pour the contents smoothly into a glass that has been chilled beforehand for an extra refreshing touch
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- Enjoy your perfectly strained cocktail, ready to be savored with every sip
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality dry sherry to add depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- A drop of saline solution can help to enhance the citrus and botanical notes of the drink.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the London Calling cocktail?
The London Calling cocktail, despite its name suggesting a British origin, is actually a modern classic cocktail that gained popularity among craft cocktail bars around the world. Its exact origins are murky, but it's named after the famous song by The Clash, symbolizing a blend of traditional British elements with a modern twist.
Can I substitute another type of gin in the London Calling cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute the dry gin with another type of gin in the London Calling cocktail. Each type of gin has its own unique botanicals and flavor profile, which can slightly alter the taste of the cocktail. For a twist, try using an Old Tom Gin for a slightly sweeter flavor or a London Dry Gin for a more classic interpretation.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the London Calling cocktail?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the London Calling can be created by substituting the dry gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative and the dry sherry with a non-alcoholic aperitif or sherry alternative. The key is to maintain the balance between the bitterness, acidity, and sweetness of the drink.
What food pairings would complement the London Calling cocktail?
The London Calling cocktail, with its balance of dryness from the gin and sherry, acidity from the lemon juice, and sweetness from the sugar syrup, pairs well with light appetizers, seafood dishes, or tapas. Try it with oysters, ceviche, or a cheese and charcuterie board for a delightful combination.
How should I serve the London Calling cocktail to best enjoy its flavors?
To best enjoy the flavors of the London Calling cocktail, serve it cold in a cocktail glass. You can enhance the presentation and aroma by garnishing with a lemon twist or a small sprig of rosemary. The key is to ensure the cocktail is well chilled without diluting it, so consider chilling the glass before serving.
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