Dog's Nose Cocktail Recipe

Dog's Nose Nutrition Facts

Calories:260

Fat:0g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:10%

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 Dog's Nose cocktail has its origins in Victorian England, where it was a popular drink among the working class. It is said to have been a favorite of Charles Dickens, who mentioned it in his novel 'The Pickwick Papers'. The name 'Dog's Nose' comes from the frothy appearance of the drink, which resembles a dog's wet nose.

  • Origin: Victorian England
  • Connection to Charles Dickens
  • Popular among the working class

How Dog's Nose Tastes?

The Dog's Nose cocktail has a unique taste that combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the bitterness of stout beer, and the warmth of gin. It is a well-balanced drink with a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly tangy aftertaste.

Interesting facts about Dog's Nose

  • The cocktail is mentioned in Charles Dickens' novel 'The Pickwick Papers'
  • The name 'Dog's Nose' comes from the frothy appearance of the drink
  • It was a popular drink among the working class in Victorian England

Ingredients

  • Stout beer: 12 oz(360ml)
  • Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Brown sugar: 1 tsp
  • Nutmeg: 1 pinch

A few good options for Dog's Nose are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Stout beer

Usually the backbone of the Dog's Nose cocktail, stout beer adds a rich, malty flavor with chocolate and coffee notes. It's robust and can stand up to the gin's botanicals. Imagine drinking a meadow, with less grass and more chocolate. What a brew-tiful world! Without the stout, you would lose the hearty soul of the cocktail.

Mary Mitkina

Gin

The gin provides a sharp contrast to the stout's sweetness, adding botanical complexity with its juniper and herbal notes. It's like the cool uncle who has seen the world and has tales to tell. No gin would make this a plain sweet beer soup. Too much gin, and it's like being punched by a pine tree.

Emma Rose

Brown sugar

Brown sugar brings a touch of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the stout and warmth of the gin. It's the peacemaker of the flavor battle. Without it, the brew might be too bitter for some. Too much sweetness, however, and you're in Candyland.

Alex Green

Nutmeg

A pinch of nutmeg adds a hint of spice and warmth, rounding out the flavor profile. It's the secret handshake of ingredients—just a flutter, and it's like magic. Miss out on the nutmeg, and the cocktail lacks its finishing touch, like a sentence without punctuation

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Dog's Nose Drink

  1. Pour 12 oz of stout beer into a saucepan and heat gently until warm
  2. Add 1 tsp of brown sugar and stir until dissolved
  3. Add 2 oz of gin and stir to combine
  4. Pour the mixture into a glass or mug
  5. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top
  6. Serve and enjoy

Pro Tips

  • Stout beer: Choose a high-quality stout for the best flavor.
  • Gin: A London dry gin works best in this cocktail.
  • Serving: Serve in a traditional beer mug for an authentic experience.

Perfect Pairings

Foods

  • Cheese Plate: A selection of sharp cheeses, such as cheddar or blue cheese, complements the rich flavors of the Dog's Nose cocktail.
  • Roasted Meats: Slow-roasted beef or pork, with their savory and slightly caramelized profiles, will pair nicely.
  • Chocolate Desserts: The bitterness of dark chocolate can be a good match for the deep flavors of the stout and the warmth of the gin.

Drinks

  • Coffee: A strong cup of coffee can be a great non-alcoholic pairing for those who wish to enjoy the depth of flavors without additional alcohol.
  • Water: Always have some water on the side to cleanse the palate between sips.

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What you could change in Dog's Nose

  • Stout beer: Can be replaced with a dark ale.
  • Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a milder flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener.

Explore all drinks starting with D here

And of course - twists🍹

Dog's Tail

  • Replace the stout with a porter for a slightly less intense but still deeply flavored beer base.
  • Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness.
  • Add a cinnamon stick while heating for an additional spiced note.
  • Serve with an orange peel garnish. This version would have a sweeter, spicier profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more aromatic journey.

The Fizzy Hound

  • Use cold stout beer and skip the heating part.
  • Add a splash of club soda for some fizz.
  • Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness.
  • Serve over ice. This twist turns the Dog's Nose into a refreshing beverage, perfect for warmer days or an effervescent experience.

Ginger Snout

  • Warm the stout as usual, but infuse it with a few slices of fresh ginger while heating.
  • Replace the gin with a spicy rye whiskey.
  • Use demerara sugar instead of brown sugar for a more toffee-like sweetness.
  • Serve with a lemon twist garnish. The ginger and rye twist turns the Dog's Nose into a zesty and warming concoction, great for chilly evenings.

In case you forgot basics how to make Dog's Nose

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Dog's Nose

What is the best time to enjoy a Dog's Nose cocktail?

While it can be enjoyed any time, it is particularly suited to colder months due to its warming properties.

What kind of dishes can be paired with the Dog's Nose cocktail?

It aligns well with robust meals such as steak, roast beef, or a hearty stew.

Is there a difference in taste between using different gins for this cocktail?

Yes, the type of gin used can affect the overall flavour of the cocktail. A London dry gin works best, but experimenting with different brands and flavours can give a unique twist to your cocktail.

Was this cocktail enjoyed by both men and women during Victorian times?

While historical accounts do not specifically mention the gender of those enjoying the Dog's Nose, it was noted to be a favourite among the Victorian working class, which would likely include both men and women.

Why do some variations add citrus to this recipe?

The addition of a citrus element such as lemon or orange can add a different dimension to the taste, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the stout beer.

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