Hi-Fi Cocktail Recipe
Hi-Fi Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0.5g
Carbohydrates:15g
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
Contents
History
The Hi-Fi cocktail, also known as High Fidelity, is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1950s. It was popular among music enthusiasts who enjoyed listening to high-fidelity audio recordings, hence the name. The cocktail is simple, refreshing, and easy to make, making it a favorite among home bartenders and party hosts.
- Originated in the 1950s
- Popular among music enthusiasts
- A favorite among home bartenders and party hosts
How Hi-Fi Tastes?
The Hi-Fi cocktail is a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of bitterness from the orange liqueur. It's a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail that's perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.
Interesting facts about Hi-Fi
- The Hi-Fi cocktail is sometimes called the High Fidelity cocktail
- It was popularized during the 1950s, when high-fidelity audio recordings were becoming more common
- The cocktail is often served in a highball glass, which is where it gets its name
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Club soda: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orange slice: 1
- Garnish: 1 Maraschino Cherry
A few good options for Hi-Fi are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The vodka is the backbone of the Hi-Fi, providing a clean canvas that lets the other ingredients shine. With a 1.5 oz serving, it delivers just enough kick without overpowering the drink. Vodka's subtle flavor means if you forget it, you're basically left with a fizzy orange juice—not a cocktail.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Liqueur
We use 0.5 oz of orange liqueur to add depth and a hint of sweetness. It complements the orange juice and ties the drink together. Without it, you'd lose complexity and that special zing. A substitute could be triple sec or Cointreau, changing the sweetness or punch Alcohol-wise.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Juice
At 3 oz, orange juice brings the main flavor theme: citrus! It's the sunny heart of this cocktail. Less juice, and it becomes an awkward vodka soda; too much, and it's just boozy OJ. The quality of the juice matters a lot, too—freshly squeezed makes a world of difference.
Alex Green
Club Soda
1 oz of club soda lightens the Hi-Fi up, adding bubbles that deliver a satisfying fizz. It keeps the cocktail from being too heavy, so omitting it would yield a denser and flatter drinking experience. Sparkling water could be a substitute, which might actually make the drink even lighter.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Slice & Maraschino Cherry
An orange slice as garnish reinforces the drink's citrus theme, while the cherry adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness when you reach the end of the drink. They're also delightful nibbles!
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Hi-Fi Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Add 1.5 oz of vodka
- Add 0.5 oz of orange liqueur
- Pour in 3 oz of orange juice
- Top with 1 oz of club soda
- Stir gently to combine
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry
Pro Tips
- Use fresh orange juice for a more refreshing and natural taste.
- Chill your glass before serving to keep your cocktail cold for longer.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing the carbonation of the club soda.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Bruschetta: The refreshing citrus flavors from the Hi-Fi cocktail complement the tomato and basil in bruschetta.
- Shrimp Cocktail: A classic pairing— the acidity of the orange juice cuts through the richness of the shrimp.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken Salads: Light and citrusy flavors in the salad will dance well with the Hi-Fi's zesty notes.
- Fish Tacos: The fresh flavors in fish tacos are uplifted by the effervescence and citrus profile of the Hi-Fi.
Desserts
- Lemon Tart: The tartness of lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy aspects of the cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Iced Tea: To maintain the refreshing vibe without overpowering with additional alcohol.
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What you could change in Hi-Fi
- Vodka: Can be replaced with gin for a different flavor profile.
- Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be used as a substitute.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice can be used for a more tart flavor.
- Club Soda: Can be replaced with tonic water or sparkling water.
Explore all drinks starting with H here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Hi-Fi
- Substitute regular vodka with chili-infused vodka
- Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper The Spicy Hi-Fi will kick things up a notch! The heat from the vodka and cayenne pepper will warm you up, while the orange juice and club soda ensure it's still refreshing. Perfect for those who like a little fire in their sip.
Hi-Fi Highbrow
- Replace club soda with champagne
- Use a blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice Give your Hi-Fi a luxurious twist by upgrading to champagne for effervescence and using blood orange juice for a richer citrus flavor. It's a cocktail that's dressed to impress, with deeper flavors and a sophisticated edge.
Herbal Hi-Fi
- Muddle in some fresh basil or thyme with the vodka
- Use a floral liqueur like elderflower instead of orange liqueur The Herbal Hi-Fi introduces an aromatic garden into your glass. The herbs and elderflower bring in a bouquet of flavors that transform this into a more complex, herbaceous drink, leading to a cocktail that invigorates the palate in a whole new way.
In case you forgot basics how to make Hi-Fi
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 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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Hi-Fi
What is the best time to serve the Hi-Fi cocktail?
Being a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly sweet drink, the Hi-fi cocktail is perfect for daytime events like brunch or afternoon gatherings. However, it can also be enjoyed as a palate cleanser during dinner parties.
Is the Hi-fi cocktail suitable for all seasons?
Yes, the Hi-Fi cocktail can be enjoyed all year round. Its citrusy and refreshing taste makes it perfect for summer, and its warm vodka base provides a lovely sipper for cooler months.
Can I prepare the Hi-fi cocktail as a pitcher drink for parties?
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a pitcher of Hi-Fi cocktail for parties. Just maintain the same proportions of the ingredients.
Can kids or persons under the legal drinking age have the Hi-Fi cocktail?
No, the Hi-Fi cocktail contains alcohol, so it's not suited for persons under the legal drinking age or for anyone who chooses not to consume alcohol.
Is the Hi-Fi cocktail strong?
While the strength of alcoholic beverages is subjective to each person, the Hi-Fi cocktail is not generally considered a strong cocktail given that it contains just 2 oz of hard liquor in total.
What does 'High Fidelity' refer to?
The term 'High Fidelity' originated in the music industry in the 1950s to describe the high quality of audio recordings, hence its use here to describe a cocktail of high quality.
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