The 10 best Gomme syrup cocktails

Introduction

Sweeten Your Sips with Gomme Syrup

Gomme syrup, a bartender's secret to silky-smooth cocktails, is the star ingredient in some of the most beloved drink recipes.

This thick syrup, made from sugar and gum arabic, not only sweetens but also adds a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel to cocktails, enhancing both their flavor and their enjoyment. Ideal for those who appreciate the craft of cocktail making, Gomme syrup is a versatile ingredient that melds seamlessly into a variety of cocktail genres, from the classic to the contemporary. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious newbie, understanding how Gomme syrup complements and elevates the alcohol and other components can greatly expand your cocktail repertoire.

Its unique property of smoothing out the sharp edges of spirits while balancing acidity makes it a favored ingredient in both citrusy and strong, spirit-forward concoctions.

Top 10 Gomme syrup cocktails

  • · · · · · ·   Metropole
  • · · · · · ·   Harvard
  • · · · · · ·   Colombo
  • · · · · · ·   Banana Daiquiri
  • · · · · · ·   Extra strong Whisky sour
  • · · · · · ·   Toronto
  • · · · · · ·   Passion Fruit & Vanilla Cosmopolitan
  • · · · · · ·   The Eccentric
  • · · · · · ·   We could do that.…
  • · · · · · ·   Thompson Tour 75

Conclusion

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1. Metropole

This cocktail is a testament to the elegance of blending rich Cognac with the herbal notes of white vermouth, complemented by a hint of orange and aromatic bitters for complexity. The use of Gomme syrup here is crucial, smoothing out the drink's edges and providing a lusciously silky texture that elevates the experience. Its origin, steeped in history, bridges the gap between classic cocktail craftsmanship and modern tastes, making it a favorite among connoisseurs who appreciate depth and sophistication in their glass.

Ingredients

Method

Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass, ensuring they're fully combined
Aim to stir for about 10-15 seconds
Once the ingredients are well mixed and chilled, strain the mixture into a glass that has been pre-chilled in the freezer or fridge
This helps keep your cocktail cold for a longer period
Enjoy your expertly mixed drink right away for the best taste and experience
Go to recipe

2. Harvard

Here, the traditional appeal of Cognac finds a delightful pairing with red vermouth, creating a lush backdrop for the Angostura bitters' spice. A splash of soda water introduces effervescence, lightening the drink's body without diluting its intricate flavors. Gomme syrup's inclusion melds seamlessly, sweetening subtly while ensuring a smooth mouthfeel. This cocktail not only highlights the harmonious interplay between its components but also demonstrates the timeless appeal of balancing strength with softness.

Ingredients

Method

Begin by stirring the first four ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass until well combined
Once mixed, strain the contents into a glass that has been chilled in advance to keep your cocktail cool
Finally, elevate the flavor of your drink by adding a gentle splash of soda on top, giving it a refreshing finish
Go to recipe

3. Colombo

Combining the tanginess of citrus fruits with the bitter intrigue of Campari, this cocktail is a bold statement of flavor harmony. Gomme syrup plays a pivotal role, its sweetness perfectly counterbalancing the acidity and bitterness, tying all components together in a smooth, cohesive finish. It's a choice for the adventurous palate, offering a sensory journey that highlights the craft of mixing contrasting elements to create something unexpectedly unified and delightful.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a highball glass over ice
Garnish with a couple of slices of orange and serve
Go to recipe

4. Banana Daiquiri

A tropical twist that brings the vibrant flavors of banana and rum together, with a dash of lime juice adding just the right amount of zesty acidity to cut through the sweetness. The use of Gomme syrup in this concoction is key, sweetening the drink while maintaining a perfectly smooth texture that makes each sip as inviting as the last. This cocktail's playful profile and refreshing nature make it a standout choice for those in search of a drink that feels like a getaway in a glass.

Ingredients

Method

In a blender, mix all the ingredients and ice and blend until smooth
Pour straight into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a banana slice and serve
Go to recipe

5. Extra strong Whisky sour

Elevating the classic Whisky Sour, this cocktail variant enhances the traditional by increasing the intensity of the bourbon's warmth while the egg white introduces a silky frothiness that's purely luxurious. The addition of Gomme syrup enriches the texture further, ensuring a velvety smooth sip that's beautifully balanced between sweet and sour. This cocktail's robust character and smooth finish make it a standout for those seeking depth and sophistication in their drink choice.

Ingredients

Method

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
Shake well then strain into chilled lowball glass filled with ice and serve
Go to recipe

6. Toronto

A deeply aromatic experience that marries the richness of whiskey with the herbal complexity of Amaro, accented with a dash of Angostura bitters for layered spice. The minimal addition of Gomme syrup enhances without overwhelming, lending a subtle sweetness that rounds out the drink's bold edges, promising a smooth and refined finish. It's a mature cocktail choice, perfect for sipping slowly and savoring each nuanced flavor.

Ingredients

Method

Combine whisky, fernet, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass and fill with cracked ice
Stir for 20 seconds and strain into chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with an orange slide, then serve
Go to recipe

7. Passion Fruit & Vanilla Cosmopolitan

This imaginative take on the Cosmopolitan delivers a vibrant mix of passion fruit and vanilla against a backdrop of citrus and cranberry, introducing an exotic twist to the familiar. Gomme syrup's role is to harmonize the tart and sweet elements, ensuring a balanced, smooth finish that's irresistibly sippable. Its unique flavor profile and engaging tropical notes offer a fresh perspective on a beloved classic, making it a must-try for enthusiasts looking to explore new tastes.

Ingredients

Method

Squeeze the lime wedges and passion fruit into a cocktail shaker, then add the vodka, Grand Marnier, gomme syrup and cranberry juice
Fill the shaker with cubed ice
Shake well and double strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass (ensuring there are no passion fruit seeds!) Add half a passion fruit to float on top as a garnish and serve
Go to recipe

8. The Eccentric

This cocktail is a harmonious blend of gin's botanicals with the sweet, deep notes of cassis and the tropical flair of elderflower liqueur. The addition of Gomme syrup not only sweetens but also binds these diverse flavors into a smooth, cohesive whole, accentuating each ingredient's unique character without overpowering. It's an elegant choice for those who appreciate the intricate balance of flavors that can occur when tradition meets innovation.

Ingredients

Method

Pour all the ingredients apart from cassis into a mixing glass and stir for one minute
Double strain into a chilled martini glass, then slowly pour the cassis to reach the bottom of the glass
Garnish with lychee flowers and serve
Go to recipe

9. We could do that.…

A celebratory cocktail that combines the crispness of champagne with the tangy sweetness of citrus liqueurs, all brought together with a generous measure of Gomme syrup for a perfectly rounded sweetness and smoother feel. This drink stands out for its ability to marry the effervescence of bubbly with the depth of layered citrus flavors, creating a lively and sophisticated option suitable for any toast-worthy occasion.

Ingredients

Method

Shake the Limoncello, Grand Marnier, gomme syrup, fresh squeezed lemon and lime juices in a shaker with ice
Strain into a chilled champagne flute
Top up with chilled champagne
Garnish with a double helix of lemon and lime zest spirals and serve
Go to recipe

10. Thompson Tour 75

A spirited festival of flavors, this cocktail combines the tang of lemon with the sweetness of amaretto and apricot brandy, crowned with bubbly for a sophisticated fizzy finish. The Gomme syrup's contribution cannot be overstated, providing a silky linkage that unites the various profiles into one seamless and delightful experience. The complexity and elegance of this drink make it a perfect choice for celebratory moments or when one desires a luxe cocktail experience.

Ingredients

Method

Soak the cherry in maraschino in the bottom of a champagne flute
Add all the other spirits, juice, a little grated lemon zest and syrup with ice into a shaker and shake well
Strain into a chilled champagne flute
Top up with chilled champagne, and serve
Go to recipe

Conclusion

Selecting the top 10 cocktails that utilize Gomme syrup involved delving into the essence of what makes a cocktail stand out: balance, complexity, and the ability to highlight the featured ingredient’s strengths.

Each recipe chosen offers a unique perspective on how Gomme syrup can elevate a drink from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it brings out the brightness in fresh citrus, adds depth to aromatic bitters, or enriches the boldness of quality spirits, Gomme syrup proves to be more than just a sweetener—it's a bridge that unites disparate flavors into a harmonious whole. These top selections showcase the versatility and indispensable nature of Gomme syrup in creating cocktails that are not only memorable but also a testament to the art of mixology.

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More about Gomme syrup

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the historical significance of Gomme syrup in cocktail making?

Gomme syrup, dating back to the 19th century, played a pivotal role in the golden age of cocktails during the pre-Prohibition era. Its unique combination of sugar, water, and gum arabic, not only sweetened drinks but also provided a silky texture that enhanced the overall mouthfeel of cocktails. This made it a cornerstone ingredient for classic cocktails. While it lost its prominence with the rise of simpler syrups, Gomme syrup has seen a resurgence among craft cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders who value its ability to smooth out the flavors and textures in spirit-forward drinks, bringing a touch of historical authenticity and quality to their creations.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

Can simple syrup be used as a substitute for Gomme syrup in cocktails?

Yes, simple syrup can be used as a substitute for Gomme syrup in cocktails if Gomme syrup is unavailable or if a less viscous sweetener is preferred. However, it's important to note that while simple syrup will provide the necessary sweetness, it lacks the gum arabic found in Gomme syrup, which contributes to the silky, smooth texture and enhanced mouthfeel of cocktails. If aiming to replicate the unique properties of Gomme syrup, you might consider adding a small amount of xanthan gum to simple syrup as a makeshift alternative, although the results may vary.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

How do you make Gomme syrup at home?

Making Gomme syrup at home is a straightforward process. Start by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. To this simple syrup, add a small amount of gum arabic powder (typically around 1% of the sugar weight), stirring constantly until the gum arabic is fully dissolved. The mixture should then be reduced on low heat for about 15 minutes to ensure it becomes fully integrated and reaches the desired thickness. Finally, allow the syrup to cool before straining it into a clean bottle. The addition of gum arabic, derived from acacia trees, is what sets Gomme syrup apart, providing a velvety texture to cocktails.

DIETARY_CONSIDERATIONS

Is Gomme syrup suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, Gomme syrup is generally suitable for vegan diets. The primary components of Gomme syrup are sugar, water, and gum arabic. Gum arabic is a natural plant exudate derived from acacia trees, making it an animal product-free ingredient. However, it's important for vegans to consider the source of the sugar used in the syrup, as some sugar processing methods involve animal bone char for bleaching. For those concerned, looking for Gomme syrup made with certified organic or unrefined cane sugar, which does not undergo bone char filtration, is advisable.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What types of cocktails are most enhanced by the use of Gomme syrup?

Gomme syrup, with its smooth texture and enhanced sweetness, is particularly effective in spirit-forward cocktails where the balance of flavors and textures is paramount. Classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour are greatly enhanced by Gomme syrup. Its ability to smoothly integrate diverse ingredients makes it a valuable addition to drinks that feature a sharp spirit base or a complex array of flavors. Additionally, any cocktail that benefits from a silky, slightly viscous mouthfeel or that aims to emulate the luxurious drinking experience of historical recipes will find Gomme syrup to be an indispensable ingredient.