Ginger Rogers Cocktail Recipe

Ginger Rogers Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

Alcohol:14%

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 Ginger Rogers cocktail is a classic cocktail named after the famous American actress and dancer, Ginger Rogers. It was created in the 1920s during the Prohibition era, and quickly gained popularity for its refreshing and unique flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of ginger and a hint of mint in their drinks.

  • Origin: 1920s, Prohibition era
  • Named after: Ginger Rogers, American actress and dancer
  • Popular among: Fans of ginger and mint flavors

How Ginger Rogers Tastes?

The Ginger Rogers cocktail offers a refreshing, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet taste. The combination of ginger and mint creates a unique and invigorating flavor, while the gin and lemon juice add a touch of tartness and complexity.

Interesting facts about Ginger Rogers

  • The Ginger Rogers is sometimes referred to as a 'cousin' of the Moscow Mule, due to their shared use of ginger.
  • Ginger Rogers, the actress, was known for her exceptional dancing skills, which may have inspired the cocktail's name.
  • The Ginger Rogers is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round, but it is particularly popular during the warmer months.

Ingredients

A few good options for Ginger Rogers are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of this drink, providing a heady juniper and botanical base. Skimp on the gin, and you'll miss the spirit of Ginger Rogers! Too much, and your taste buds might tap dance right off your tongue.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Lemon Juice

This citrus superstar brightens up the drink, adding a zesty zing that's sure to put a spring in your step! Leave it out, and the cocktail would lose its fresh, tangy kick—akin to dancing without music!

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

Sweetness to balance our zesty friend, lemon juice. This is not the place to be heavy-handed unless you prefer a sweeter rhythm on your palate.

Alex Green

Fresh Mint Leaves

Mint adds a cooling, aromatic component, like a gentle breeze through Rogers' flowy dresses. Forget it, and you lose the refreshing choreography that complements the Ginger Ale's warmth.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

A couple of dashes of this potion add complexity and depth. It's like the perfect dance partner—without it, the cocktail performs a solo act that's slightly less spectacular.

Mary Mitkina

Ginger Ale

Brings effervescence and a spicy kick that gives this cocktail its name. Without it, Ginger Rogers would just be... Rogers, lacking the snap and flair of its namesake.

Alex Green

Ice

A chilly character that ensures our cocktail stays cool under the spotlight. No ice, and you have a lukewarm performance that could bring down the curtain quickly.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Ginger Rogers Drink

  1. In a shaker, combine the following ingredients:
    • 2 oz gin
    • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
    • 0.5 oz simple syrup
    • 6 fresh mint leaves
    • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Top with 2 oz of ginger ale and gently stir to combine.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can greatly affect the taste of your cocktail. Always use fresh lemon juice and mint leaves for the best results.
  • Shake well: Make sure to shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix all the ingredients and release the flavors of the mint leaves.
  • Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie Board: The gingery and minty notes can cut through the richness of cured meats and cheeses.
  • Sushi Rolls: The freshness of the mint and the zesty lemon balance out the flavors of sushi, especially those with avocado or cucumber.
  • Fried Calamari: The crispness of the cocktail complements the crunchy, fried texture while the citrus notes refresh the palate.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: The cocktail's brightness pairs well with lighter proteins. The citrus can act as an additional 'seasoning'.
  • Curry Dishes: Its gingery hint enhances the spices in Thai or Indian curry dishes.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: To complement the citrus in the drink.
  • Ginger Cookies: To echo the ginger profile and add a sweet-spicy balance.

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What you could change in Ginger Rogers

  • Gin: If you're not a fan of gin, you can substitute it with vodka. It will give the cocktail a smoother taste.
  • Simple Syrup: If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar-free sweetener instead.
  • Ginger Ale: If you don't have ginger ale, you can use ginger beer. It will give the cocktail a stronger ginger flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Rogers Twist

  • Use cucumber-infused gin for a garden-fresh take on the classic.
  • Additionally, muddle a few slices of cucumber in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • The result is a cooling, crisp version that enhances the summertime vibe.

Spicy Rogers Twist

  • Infuse the simple syrup with fresh ginger for an extra kick of spice.
  • Rim the glass with chili salt for an adventurous sip that dances on the edge.
  • This version is for those who want to turn the heat up on the dance floor.

Crimson Rogers Twist

  • Swap out the simple syrup for a homemade hibiscus syrup, introducing a floral note and vibrant color.
  • Top with cranberry ginger ale instead of the regular ginger ale for a tart twist.
  • It's the Ginger Rogers cocktail dressed in its finest red, ready for a gala event.

In case you forgot basics how to make Ginger Rogers

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

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

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 Ginger Rogers

What's the best type of gin to use in a Ginger Rogers?

The best type of gin to use really depends on your personal preference. However, a London Dry gin is known for its crisp, clean flavor which absorbs the combined flavors of the ginger and mint very well.

Who was Ginger Rogers?

Ginger Rogers was an American actress, singer, and dancer, best known for her stellar performances in musical films in the 1930s. She remains an icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood and won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 1940's Kitty Foyle.

Can I make a batch of Ginger Rogers ahead of time?

Yes, a batch of Ginger Rogers can be made ahead of time. It's recommended to mix all the ingredients except the ginger ale and garnishes. Just before serving, add the ginger ale for its effervescence and garnish for final touch.

What other cocktails are named after celebrities?

There are quite a few cocktails named after celebrities. Some of them are Mary Pickford, named after a famous silent film actress, Charlie Chaplin, named after the renowned silent film actor, and the Arnold Palmer, a non-alcoholic drink named after the famous golfer.

What are the key factors making Ginger Rogers a Prohibition era's cocktail?

During the Prohibition era, people often created cocktails to mask the taste of poorly made homemade spirits. The Ginger Rogers could be considered a Prohibition style drink because it has a heavy focus on mixer ingredients like ginger ale, lemon juice, and simple syrup, which would mask the flavors of potentially harsh alcohol.

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