Billionaire Cocktail Recipe

Billionaire Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:25%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Billionaire Cocktail is a luxurious and sophisticated drink that was first created in the early 20th century by a wealthy socialite who wanted to impress her guests. This cocktail quickly gained popularity among the elite and has since become a symbol of wealth and extravagance.

  • The drink is often associated with lavish parties and high society events
  • It is said to have been a favorite of famous billionaires such as John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie
  • The Billionaire Cocktail has also been featured in various movies and TV shows, further cementing its status as a symbol of opulence

How Billionaire Tastes?

The Billionaire Cocktail is a rich, complex, and well-balanced drink. It has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of bitterness, and a smooth, velvety texture. The combination of flavors creates a luxurious and indulgent experience that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Interesting facts about Billionaire

  • The name 'Billionaire' is believed to have been inspired by the extravagant ingredients used in the cocktail, as well as the wealthy clientele who enjoyed it
  • The original recipe called for a rare and expensive type of cognac, which has since been replaced with more accessible alternatives
  • Some variations of the Billionaire Cocktail include the addition of gold flakes or gold dust, further enhancing its luxurious appeal

Ingredients

Bourbon

  • Why 2oz: This is the backbone of the cocktail, providing enough spirit to carry the other flavors. Too much and it overpowers, too little and the drink is unbalanced.
  • Flavor: Adds sweetness, vanilla, and toasty oak notes that are pivotal to the drink's character.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

  • Why 1oz: This amount provides a sharp tartness to contrast the bourbon's sweetness, creating a harmonious balance.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

  • Why 0.5oz: Sweetness to balance the tartness from the lemon, but not too much to avoid overshadowing the complexities of the other ingredients.

Emma Rose

Grenadine

  • Why 0.5oz: For a hint of pomegranate sweetness and a blush color. Too much could make the drink cloyingly sweet.

Mary Mitkina

Absinthe

  • Why 1 tsp: A small amount to impart its herbal anise flavor without dominating (it's potent stuff!).

Alex Green

Egg White

  • Why 1: Adds a silky texture and creates a foamy top layer which complements the bitters' aromatic garnish.

Emma Rose

Angostura Bitters

  • Why 2 dashes: To add a layer of spiced complexity and a botanical kick. Plus, it looks striking on the egg white foam.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Twist

  • Why for garnish: Provides aromatic oils that enhance the drink's citrus notes and offers a zesty visual appeal.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Billionaire Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, grenadine, and absinthe
  2. Add the egg white and shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled
  4. Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam
  6. Garnish with a lemon twist

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly emulsify the egg white and create a smooth, frothy texture
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie: The salty flavors of cured meats bring out the sweetness of the bourbon and grenadine.
  • Smoked Salmon: The richness of smoked salmon complements the cocktail's complexity.
  • Spicy Nuts: The spiciness synergizes with the cocktail's bitters and absinthe.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Pork Chop: Bourbon's smoky notes pair well with grilled meat.
  • Roast Duck: The sweetness from the grenadine can balance gamey flavors.
  • Cajun-style Shrimp: Matches the kick from the bitters and the acidity from the lemon.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: Echoes the citrus notes from the lemon juice.
  • Dark Chocolate: Contrasts and complements the cocktail's richness and depth.
  • Cheesecake: A classic, creamy backdrop for the complexity of this cocktail.

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What you could change in Billionaire

  • Bourbon: Can be substituted with another type of whiskey or cognac
  • Absinthe: Can be substituted with Pernod or another anise-flavored liqueur
  • Simple Syrup: Can be substituted with honey or agave syrup

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Billionaire

  • Ingredients: Replace bourbon with mezcal and Angostura bitters with smoky bitters.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, substituting the spirits.
  • Taste change: Adds a smoky punch, tingeing the cocktail with a more assertive edge typically found in a mezcal.

Raspberry Billionaire

  • Ingredients: Substitute grenadine for raspberry syrup.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, using raspberry syrup to add fruitiness.
  • Taste change: The cocktail will have a berry twist, giving a fresher and slightly tarter profile compared to the original.

Green Fairy Billionaire

  • Ingredients: Double the amount of absinthe and skip the egg white.
  • Recipe: Follow the original but with more absinthe, shaken without an egg white.
  • Taste change: Brings out the anise flavor and makes the drink less creamy, for those who prefer a sharper, liquor-forward cocktail.

In case you forgot basics how to make Billionaire

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Billionaire

What glassware works best for serving the Billionaire Cocktail?

The Billionaire cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass. However, any small stemmed glass will work.

Is it possible to make a mocktail version of the Billionaire Cocktail?

Yes. You can replace the bourbon with non-alcoholic whiskey and skip the absinthe. Replace the egg white with aquafaba for a vegan option.

Is it mandatory to garnish the cocktail?

No, but the garnish typically enhances the cocktail's presentation and sometimes its flavor. The lemon twist in the Billionaire cocktail adds a touch of brightness.

What is the best time to serve the Billionaire Cocktail?

The Billionaire Cocktail can be served anytime, but it's particularly suitable for evening social gatherings or cocktail hours.

Can pre-made mixes be used for the cocktail?

Pre-made mixes can be used, but they may alter the taste and authenticity of the Billionaire. It's always recommended to use fresh ingredients.

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