Kopstootje Kocktail Cocktail recipe
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Kopstootje Kocktail is a gin-forward highball that nods to the Dutch “kopstootje” idea of pairing a shot with a beer, but here it’s folded into a single long drink. Rather than leaning on a deep, fixed origin story, it sits comfortably in the modern beer-cocktail lane: brightened with citrus, lightly sweetened, and lengthened with lager for an easy, sessionable feel.
You’ll find crisp gin botanicals leading the way, with lemon juice bringing a clean, zesty snap. Simple syrup smooths the edges and keeps the citrus from feeling too sharp, while a small measure of aniseed liqueur adds a distinct licorice-like lift that threads through the drink. The lager stretches everything out, softening the sweetness and giving the finish a refreshing, lightly bitter beer note.
Serve it in a highball when you want something tall and brisk that still has character—ideal for warm afternoons, casual get-togethers, or as a bridge between “beer people” and “cocktail people.” If you like herbal spirits and aren’t shy about anise, this one lands especially well.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with crisp botanicals brightened by lemon juice, while sugar/simple syrup rounds the edges and aniseed liqueur threads a cool licorice note through the light malt and gentle bitterness of lager. It works because the lager stretches the gin without diluting flavor, and the lemon-sugar balance keeps the anise from dominating; ideal for highball fans who like herbal, slightly funky refreshment.
Method
How to make a Kopstootje Kocktail
- Gin 45ml, Aniseed liqueur 7.5ml, Lager 90ml, Lemon juice 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml
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- Combine all the ingredients in a highball glass
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- Fill the glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a long strip of lemon zest before serving
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality, dry gin to keep the balance between the herbal and citrus notes without adding extra sweetness.
- For an aromatic touch, lightly mist the inside of the highball glass with an aniseed liqueur before mixing the drink to enhance the fragrance.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
Why is the Kopstootje Kocktail stirred and not shaken?
The Kopstootje Kocktail is stirred instead of shaken to gently integrate the ingredients without overly diluting the drink with water from melted ice. Stirring helps maintain the clarity and texture of the cocktail, which is especially important with the inclusion of lager to preserve its carbonation and unique mouthfeel.
What is the ideal way to serve a Kopstootje Kocktail?
The ideal way to serve a Kopstootje Kocktail is in a highball glass, chilled to ensure the drink remains cold. It's also recommended to pour the cocktail over ice to keep it well-chilled throughout consumption. Garnishing with a slice of lemon or a twist can add a visual flair and a hint of additional citrus aroma.
Can I substitute the aniseed liqueur in the Kopstootje Kocktail with something else?
Yes, if you don't have aniseed liqueur or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with other herbal or spice-flavored liqueurs. Absinthe or a mild pastis could work if you still want a hint of anise. However, keep in mind that the substitution will alter the original flavor profile of the cocktail.
How does the alcohol content of the Kopstootje Kocktail compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 14.86%, the Kopstootje Kocktail is moderately strong, similar to other classic cocktails like the Margarita or the Cosmopolitan. It's stronger than light cocktails such as the Mojito or Pimm's Cup, but not as strong as cocktails with a higher proportion of spirits like the Martini or Manhattan.
What food would pair well with a Kopstootje Kocktail?
Considering its unique blend of aniseed, lemon, and the refreshing quality of lager, the Kopstootje Kocktail pairs well with seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters or clams. The herbal and citrus notes can also complement light salads, grilled vegetables, or mild cheeses, making it versatile for a range of appetizers or light meals.
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