Copperhead Cocktail Recipe
Copperhead Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:20%
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
Contents
History
The Copperhead cocktail is a modern twist on the classic gin-based cocktail, created by mixologist Jörg Meyer in 2008. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing and slightly sweet drink with a hint of herbal complexity.
- Jörg Meyer is the owner of Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany
- The Copperhead cocktail was inspired by the classic gin-based cocktails, such as the Martini and the Gimlet
- It has gained popularity among gin enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike
How Copperhead Tastes?
The Copperhead cocktail has a refreshing, slightly sweet, and herbal taste. It is well-balanced, with a hint of citrus and a subtle spicy kick from the ginger.
Interesting facts about Copperhead
- The name 'Copperhead' is derived from the copper-colored shaker used to mix the cocktail
- The Copperhead cocktail is often garnished with a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint
- This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or as a pre-dinner aperitif
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ginger liqueur: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Mint leaves: 4-6
- Fresh ginger: 1 slice
- Lemon twist: 1
- Garnish: Mint Sprig
A few good options for Copperhead are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The backbone of the Copperhead is a smooth 2 oz of gin. This clear spirit brings herbal notes and a dry base, setting the stage for other flavors. Too much gin could overwhelm, too little and it's lost in the mix.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
At 0.75 oz, lemon juice brings bright acidity and citrus zing, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the cocktail's refreshment factor. Skip it, and the drink falls flat, deprived of its tart counterpart.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
Sweet simplicity, 0.5 oz, to counterbalance the sour lemon juice. It's crucial for harmony in a cocktail. Too much, you're drinking syrupy lemon gin, too little and you'll pucker up more than if you were playing Spin the Bottle with a lemon itself!
Emma Rose
Ginger Liqueur
A tiny yet mighty 0.25 oz adds a unique warm, spicy kick, playing off the botanicals in the gin. Without it, you're missing the 'Copperhead' bite!
Alex Green
Mint Leaves
4-6 leaves for a fresh, cool aroma that complements the gin and ginger. Use too many and you're in mouthwash territory; too few and it's just a hint on the breeze.
Mary Mitkina
Fresh Ginger
A slice to muddle for that spicy edge. Leaving it out? The cocktail loses its spicy soul. It's like eating pizza without cheese - sure, you can, but why would you?
Emma Rose
Lemon Twist
The final flourish, 1 lemon twist, releases oils to kiss the surface of the drink with citrus. Without it, you're not dressing your cocktail up to the nines - it's still good, but it could have been great.
Alex Green
Garnish: Mint Sprig
Because who doesn't want their drink to wear a little green hat? It adds aroma, allure, and a touch of class. No mint sprig, no final ooh-la-la.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Copperhead Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves and fresh ginger slice
- Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger liqueur
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of fresh mint
Pro Tips
- Muddle the mint leaves and ginger gently to release their flavors without making the drink bitter
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Sushi: The clean flavors of sushi, especially with a touch of ginger, complement the fresh and zesty notes of the Copperhead cocktail.
- Spring Rolls: These light and herby rolls, particularly if they have a touch of mint, will pair delightfully with the herbal nature of the cocktail.
Main Courses
- Grilled Seafood: Lemon and ginger are classic accompaniments to seafood, making the Copperhead a perfect cocktail to sip alongside.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: The bright citrus notes in the cocktail will enhance chicken seasoned with lemon and herbs.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: The refreshing and slightly sweet nature of lemon sorbet mirrors the balance of the Copperhead, making for a harmonious end to a meal.
- Ginger Cookies: Spicy ginger cookies would echo the ginger notes in the cocktail, creating a delightful pairing.
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What you could change in Copperhead
- Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less botanical flavor
- Ginger Liqueur: Can be replaced with a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer
- Mint Leaves: Basil can be used as an alternative for a different flavor profile
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Copperhead
- Replace ginger liqueur with cucumber juice: The result? A more refreshing, spa-like quality. It still maintains its herbal profile, but now with a cooling, garden-fresh twist. Perfect for summer sips on the porch!
Spicy Copperhead
- Add a small slice of jalapeño: Want to turn up the heat? Add the jalapeño to the muddle at step 1. The heat from the pepper will provide a fantastic contrast to the cool mint and sweet citrus. It's the ginger's spicy cousin joining the party.
Elderflower Copperhead
- Use elderflower liqueur instead of ginger liqueur: This creates a sweeter, more floral cocktail that's perfect for those who prefer a gentler sip. The elderflower brings an elegant twist to the botanical dance.
In case you forgot basics how to make Copperhead
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 syrupAdd 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 shakePlace 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 strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Copperhead
What is the best type of gin to use in a Copperhead cocktail?
While any type of gin can be used, a London Dry gin is often recommended due to its botanical flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh is always better. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and additives that can change the flavor of your cocktail.
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the gin and ginger liqueur. Replace them with non-alcoholic substitutes like ginger ale or a non-alcoholic gin. However, the taste will not be exactly the same.
How can I make this cocktail if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
You can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute for a cocktail shaker.
What can I substitute for a coupe glass?
If you don't have a coupe glass, you can use a martini glass or any other type of stemmed cocktail glass.
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