Good Cork Cocktail Recipe
Good Cork Nutrition Facts
Calories:175
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:11g
Alcohol:22%
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 Good Cork cocktail is a modern twist on classic Irish and Mexican spirits, combining the smoothness of single pot still Irish whiskey with the smoky depth of mezcal. It's a drink that pays homage to the art of distillation and the cultural fusion of flavors.
- Origins
- The cocktail is believed to have been created by a visionary bartender who wanted to merge the distinct profiles of Irish and Mexican spirits.
- Popularity
- This cocktail has found favor among those who appreciate a complex, layered drink.
- Audience
- It's particularly popular with adventurous drinkers looking to explore new taste horizons.
How Good Cork Tastes?
The Good Cork cocktail offers a harmonious blend of smoky and herbal notes, with a touch of sweetness from the Benedictine. The Irish whiskey provides a smooth, mellow base, while the mezcal introduces a subtle smokiness. The Peychaud’s bitters add a hint of floral and anise flavors, creating a complex and satisfying sip.
Interesting facts about Good Cork
- The Good Cork is a testament to the global cocktail culture, where the blending of spirits from different countries creates something unique and new.
- The name 'Good Cork' could be a nod to the quality of the whiskey, as Cork is a county in Ireland known for its whiskey production.
- The cocktail's garnish, an apple slice, not only adds to the aesthetic but also complements the drink's flavors with its crisp, fruity notes.
Ingredients
- Irish whiskey: 1 oz(30ml)
- Mezcal: 1 oz(30ml)
- Benedictine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Peychaud’s bitters: 2 dashes
- Apple slice: 1
Irish Whiskey
This smooth spirit brings warmth and a slight hint of vanilla and caramel to the 'Good Cork'. It's a comforting base that nods to tradition. Using less might make you miss that warmth, while more could overpower the delicate balance. Skip it, and you'll lose the cocktail's soul. As for the alternatives, think Scotch for a smokier profile, or Bourbon for a sweeter note.
Mary Mitkina
Mezcal
Ah, mezcal - the bad boy of the cocktail. It adds a mysterious smokiness that plays seductively with the whiskey. If we skimp here, the drink lacks its signature edge, and too much could turn it into a smokefest. If you're not into smoke, try substituting it with tequila for a cleaner agave kick.
Mary Mitkina
Benedictine
This herbal liqueur is the cocktail's secret handshake. It introduces complexity and a whiff of sweet spice. Too little and the cocktail is underdressed; too much, and it's like being in a perfume shop. No Benedictine at hand? Sub it with a touch of Drambuie for a slightly different but just as intriguing spice profile.
Alex Green
Peychaud’s Bitters
It's the dash of pizzazz the 'Good Cork' needs. Think of them as the cocktail's sparkly earrings, accenting without overshadowing. Miss out on this, and your cocktail may feel a bit dull. There's no perfect substitute here, though Angostura could work in a pinch for a different kind of spice.
Mary Mitkina
Apple Slice
It's not just for looks! The apple slice provides a crisp, fresh contrast to the drink's deep flavors, and who doesn’t love a boozy snack? Leave it out, and you'll miss out on that refreshing crunch. Instead of apple, try a pear slice for a softer, floral touch.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Good Cork Drink
- Chill the Glass
- Place a rocks glass in the freezer to chill.
- Mix Ingredients
- In a mixing glass, combine 1 oz of Irish whiskey, 1 oz of mezcal, 1/2 oz of Benedictine, and 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters.
- Stir
- Add ice to the mixing glass and stir the mixture until well-chilled.
- Serve
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish
- Cut a fresh apple slice and place it on the rim of the glass as a garnish.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch of elegance, chill the mixing glass before preparing the cocktail.
- When stirring, aim for 30-40 seconds to ensure the drink is properly chilled without over diluting.
- Always use fresh ice when serving to maintain the integrity of the flavors.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Cheese Plate: The smokiness of the mezcal and the herbal notes of Benedictine make this cocktail excellent with a robust cheese plate. Think of aged cheddar, smoky gouda, or a creamy blue.
- Grilled Meats: Whether it's a juicy steak or some barbecued ribs, the robust flavors of the 'Good Cork' can stand up to the char and smokiness of grilled meats.
- Seafood: The iodine notes of mezcal and the sweetness of Benedictine complement seafood remarkably well, especially if it's grilled or has a smoked element.
Snacks
- Spiced Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts, tossed with rosemary and cayenne, can highlight the spicy-sweet balance of the cocktail.
- Dark Chocolate: Try a piece of dark chocolate with a high cocoa content as it pairs well with the rich, bold flavors of the cocktail.
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What you could change in Good Cork
- If single pot still Irish whiskey is not available, a smooth blend of Irish whiskey can be used as a substitute.
- For a less smoky profile, a reposado tequila can replace mezcal.
- If Benedictine is hard to find, a herbal liqueur like Chartreuse could be used, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
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Good Cork on the Beach
- Substitute Apple Slice with a Pineapple Wedge
- Add a Splash of Coconut Water Recipe shake the whiskey, mezcal, Benedictine, and bitters with ice. Include a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist. Serve in a chilled glass with a pineapple wedge as garnish. The coconut water will make the drink more refreshing and give a hint of the tropics.
Spicy Cork
- Substitute Peychaud’s Bitters with Chocolate Bitters
- Add a Thin Slice of Jalapeño Recipe mix the ingredients as usual but include chocolate bitters for an earthy depth and add a jalapeño slice for a spicy kick. Stir it gently to infuse the spice without overpowering the drink.
Autumn Cork
- Substitute Apple Slice with a Cinnamon Stick
- Add a Dash of Maple Syrup Recipe follows the original but with the sweetness of maple syrup to complement the changing leaves and a cinnamon stick for that autumnal aroma. This will give your cocktail a warm and cozy feeling, perfect for chilly evenings.
In case you forgot basics how to make Good Cork
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 strainInsert 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 stirGarnishing 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 Good Cork
What glassware is best suited for the Good Cork cocktail?
A rocks glass is traditionally used for the Good Cork cocktail to enhance the drinking experience of its rich flavors.
Can I make the Good Cork cocktail in large batches for parties?
Yes, you can mix all the ingredients except the ice in a large container and chill it before serving. Add ice and garnish individually in glasses when ready to serve.
What is the best type of ice to use for cocktails?
For cocktails, clear and dense ice cubes made from filtered water are often recommended as they melt slower and dilute the drink less.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitution for the Good Cork?
For a non-alcoholic version, you can use non-alcoholic whiskey and mezcal alternatives along with a herbal syrup instead of Benedictine, though the taste will differ significantly.
How do I properly store leftover Benedictine?
Benedictine should be stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed to maintain its flavor.
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