Huckleberry Hooch Cocktail Recipe

Huckleberry Hooch Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

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 Huckleberry Hooch is a delightful cocktail that originated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, where huckleberries are abundant. It's a favorite among those who appreciate fruity cocktails with a hint of tartness. The cocktail was first introduced in the late 1990s by a bartender who was inspired by the local huckleberry harvest.

  • Who would like it? Anyone who enjoys a sweet and tart cocktail with a fruity flavor would love the Huckleberry Hooch. It's perfect for summer evenings or any time you want a refreshing drink.

How Huckleberry Hooch Tastes?

The Huckleberry Hooch is a sweet and tart cocktail with a fruity flavor. It has a refreshing taste with a hint of citrus from the lemon juice. The huckleberry syrup gives it a unique berry flavor that is both sweet and slightly tart. The vodka adds a bit of a kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Interesting facts about Huckleberry Hooch

  • The Huckleberry Hooch is named after the huckleberries that are used to make the syrup for the cocktail.
  • Despite its sweet and fruity flavor, it's a strong cocktail due to the vodka.
  • The cocktail is most popular in the Pacific Northwest, but it's enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Huckleberry syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Club soda: Top up
  • Ice: As needed
  • Lemon wheel: 1 for garnish

A few good options for Huckleberry Hooch are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

  • Why 2 oz? Just the right kick – not too much to overpower, not too little to be unnoticed. If you're planning an escape to the spirit world, this is your trusty vehicle.
  • Flavor Impact: It's the anchor, giving the cocktail its strength and a clean backdrop for the other flavors.
  • No Vodka? Blasphemy! But if you must, you could swap it out with a neutral grain spirit or even gin for a botanical twist.

Mary Mitkina

Huckleberry Syrup

  • Why 1 oz? It's the sweet spot. More, and you're sipping syrup; less, and you'll wonder if the huckleberries hightailed it out.
  • Flavor Impact: The heart of the drink. Sweet, tart, and as vital as a biker's leather jacket.
  • Replace It? Well, you could try blueberry or raspberry syrup, but that's like trading your Harley for a scooter.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

  • Why 1 oz? It's the zing that wakes up your taste buds without causing a pucker apocalypse.
  • Flavor Impact: The tangy twist, giving your sips high-fives.
  • Ditch the Lemon Juice? You'd lose the balance, but lime juice could sort of save the day. Different citrus, but same zesty spirit.

Alex Green

Club Soda

  • Top Up: This isn't a swimming pool, but just the right amount to make the other ingredients feel like they're at a bubbly spa.
  • Flavor Impact: The effervescence that lifts the cocktail from flat to fantastic.
  • No Club Soda? Still tasty, but more like a berry lemonade than a refreshing highball. Tonic water could pinch-hit for a sweeter, more complex bubble bath.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

  • As Needed: We're chilling, not ice sculpting. Enough to cool, but not to water down your masterpiece.
  • Flavor Impact: Like the cool friend who doesn't say much but makes everything better.
  • No Ice? You're playing hot potato with your cocktail, and that's not as fun as it sounds.

Emma Rose

Lemon Wheel

  • Garnish: It's the cocktail's selfie – looks good, and yes, taste matters too.
  • Flavor Impact: Adds a fresh aroma and gives a hint of what's inside. Plus, it smiles back at you.
  • Skip the Lemon Wheel? The drink still tastes the same but dresses down from fabulous to meh.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Huckleberry Hooch Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, huckleberry syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Top up with club soda.
  6. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to fully mix the ingredients.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The acidity from the lemon juice and the berry flavor will complement the smokiness of grilled chicken or pork.
  • Cheese Platters: Opt for softer, creamier cheeses that will harmonize with the sweet and tart notes of the huckleberry syrup.
  • Fruit Desserts: Echo the huckleberry component by pairing with fruit tarts or berry compotes.
  • Fresh Salads: A light garden salad with vinaigrette dressing can balance the cocktail's sweetness.

Drink Pairings

  • Light White Wines: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to stay within the tart flavor profile.
  • Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, a side of sparkling water can cleanse the palate between sips.

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What you could change in Huckleberry Hooch

  • You can substitute the huckleberry syrup with blueberry or blackberry syrup.
  • If you don't have club soda, you can use any clear, carbonated beverage.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Huckleberry Gin Fizz

  • Swap the vodka for gin to give a botanical kick.
  • Use huckleberry syrup, but add a sprig of thyme or rosemary in the shaker.
  • Follow the same steps and you’ll have a herby cousin that plays well with the huckleberries.
  • The new flavor is like hiking through a forest and finding a berry patch.

Sparkling Huckleberry Martini

  • Skip the club soda and shake with ice-cold sparkling wine instead.
  • Strain into a chilled martini glass for a sophisticated twist.
  • The result? A cocktail that's dressed to impress and ready to sparkle at any party.

Huckleberry Lemonade

  • Go non-alcoholic with a lemonade base instead of vodka.
  • Add the huckleberry syrup and a splash of soda for that fizz.
  • A family-friendly drink that invites everyone to the huckleberry huddle.

In case you forgot basics how to make Huckleberry Hooch

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 Huckleberry Hooch

Can I use any other berries in place of huckleberries?

Yes, you can also make this cocktail using blueberries or blackberries, which will still give it a sweet and tart flavor.

Is there an alcohol-free version of the Huckleberry Hooch?

Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the vodka with extra club soda or a clear non-alcoholic beverage of your choice.

Can I make my own huckleberry syrup for this cocktail?

Yes, making your own huckleberry syrup is a great idea! To do so, cook huckleberries with sugar and water in a saucepan, then strain. This will give your cocktail a truly fresh and authentic flavor.

What food pairs well with this cocktail?

The Huckleberry Hooch pairs well with a wide range of dishes, especially those with a hint of citrus or tartness, like grilled chicken with lemon.

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