Eclipse Cocktail Recipe

Eclipse Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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

History

The Eclipse cocktail is a delightful blend of tequila, Aperol, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and a hint of mezcal. This cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate a balance of sweet and sour flavors with a smoky undertone. The Eclipse is a modern cocktail, born out of the craft cocktail movement, and it's a great choice for those who enjoy complex, layered drinks.

How Eclipse Tastes?

The Eclipse cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The añejo tequila provides a rich, oaky base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness. The Heering cherry liqueur imparts a sweet, fruity note, and the lemon juice brings a refreshing tang. The mezcal, although used sparingly, adds a distinctive smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.

Interesting facts about Eclipse

  • The Eclipse cocktail is a modern creation, born out of the craft cocktail movement.
  • The name 'Eclipse' likely refers to the layered look of the cocktail, which can resemble an eclipse when poured correctly.
  • Despite its complex flavor profile, the Eclipse is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Añejo Tequila

Quantity: 1.5 oz - The leading spirit, delivering depth with its aged oak and vanilla notes. Not too much because we don't want to overpower other flavors, not too little because it's the cocktail's backbone. Without it, you'll miss the Eclipse's soul. An alternative could be bourbon for a different kind of woody sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

Aperol

Quantity: 1 oz - It brings a bittersweet, herbal quality and a vibrant color, giving the drink a beautiful glow like an actual eclipse. A little less might make the cocktail too strong, and more could make it too bitter. Swap it with Campari for a similar profile but with an extra bitter kick.

Emma Rose

Heering Cherry Liqueur

Quantity: 1 oz - Introduces a fruity sweet-tart contrast, creating a sophisticated complexity. It's like the mystery guest at the party, without which the gathering feels incomplete. Swap with Maraschino for a drier fruitiness.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Quantity: 1 oz - Offers that necessary citrus tang to cut through the sweetness and balance the cocktail. Lemon juice is like the referee in a game; without it, other ingredients might play unfairly. Lime juice can be an alternative, but with a slightly sharper, more tropical edge.

Mary Mitkina

Mezcal

Quantity: 0.5 oz - A whisper of smokiness, making the cocktail dance with an earthy flair. You don't want too much to avoid a smokestorm; you're making a cocktail, not a bonfire. Skip mezcal, and you'll lose the 'eclipse' part: the intriguing shadow over the flavors. A dash of liquid smoke could mimic the smokiness if in a pinch.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Eclipse Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the añejo tequila, Aperol, Heering cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and mezcal.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass beforehand for a colder drink.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The smoky notes from mezcal and the robustness of añejo tequila can stand up to the rich flavors of grilled steak or barbecue ribs.
  • Seafood Dishes: The citrus brightness from lemon juice complements seafood like grilled shrimp or fish tacos.
  • Spicy Foods: Aperol and cherry liqueur provide a sweet balance that goes well with spicy Asian or Latin dishes.
  • Cheese plates: Choose aged cheese like Manchego to complement the complex flavors of the Eclipse cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Cold Brew Coffee: With its rich and slightly bitter profile, it would make a nice non-alcoholic contrast to the sweet and smoky Eclipse.
  • Sparkling Water: A palate cleanser to enjoy between sips of this potent drink.

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What you could change in Eclipse

  • Añejo tequila can be substituted with any aged tequila.
  • Aperol can be replaced with another bitter aperitif like Campari.
  • Heering cherry liqueur can be substituted with another cherry liqueur.
  • Mezcal can be replaced with a smoky scotch if desired.

Explore all drinks starting with E here

And of course - twists🍹

Twilight Eclipse

Replace Aperol with Creme de Violette for a floral touch and a deeper hue, like the sky shaded by twilight. The switch creates a cocktail with a more perfume-like aroma and an elegant yet mysterious personality.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Añejo Tequila
  • 1 oz Creme de Violette
  • 1 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Mezcal

Lunar Luster

Add egg white to the original recipe before shaking to introduce a silky texture and a frothy top, like a crescent moon crowned with clouds. The resulting drink has a creamier mouthfeel and a visual appeal that's out of this world.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Añejo Tequila
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Mezcal
  • 1 Fresh Egg White

Solstice Sunburst

Introduce a slice of jalapeño to the shake for a spicy kick that feels like the sun awakening on the solstice morning. The added heat contrasts with the sweet and smoky flavors, offering an exciting new dimension to the drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Añejo Tequila
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz Mezcal
  • 1 Slice Jalapeño

In case you forgot basics how to make Eclipse

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 Eclipse

What are some classic cocktails that use gin?

In addition to the Eclipse, gin is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Martini, Tom Collins, Negroni, and the Gimlet.

Can I make my own orange liqueur at home?

Yes, you can make your own orange liqueur at home using a combination of orange peels, sugar, alcohol, and water. However, the process can take several weeks.

What is grenadine made out of?

Grenadine is traditionally made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water. Some versions may also contain lemon juice or other ingredients.

What is the best way to twist an orange peel for garnish?

Use a peeler or a knife to thinly slice a section of the orange peel. Then twist the peel over the cocktail to release the oils before adding it to the drink.

Do I need a special shaker for making cocktails?

While a cocktail shaker is certainly useful for making cocktails, if you don't have one you can also use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or even two cups, one slightly larger than the other.

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