Humdinger Cocktail Recipe
Humdinger Nutrition Facts
Calories:~170
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~14g
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
Contents
History
The Humdinger is a cocktail that hails from the creative minds of mixologists who appreciate the unique flavors of South American spirits. It's a drink that's found its way into the hearts of those who enjoy a balance of herbal and citrus notes, with a touch of sweetness to round it out.
- Origin: The cocktail's roots are not well-documented, but it's believed to have been inspired by the classic Pisco Sour.
- Popularity: It has gained a following among cocktail enthusiasts who are looking for something a bit different from the usual offerings.
- Ideal Consumer: The Humdinger is perfect for someone who enjoys a complex drink with multiple layers of flavor.
How Humdinger Tastes?
The Humdinger offers a symphony of flavors. It's a harmonious blend of the floral and fruity notes from the Pisco, the earthy bitterness of the gentian liqueur, and the bright acidity of the lemon juice. The rich sugar syrup adds a velvety sweetness that balances the drink, while the orange bitters provide a subtle spiced undertone.
Interesting facts about Humdinger
- The Mosto Verde Italia Pisco used in the Humdinger is a premium variety of Pisco, distilled from partially fermented grape must, which gives it a distinctive aromatic profile.
- Gentian liqueur, a key ingredient, is made from the roots of the gentian plant and is known for its bitter taste, which adds depth to cocktails.
- The name 'Humdinger' suggests something outstanding or extraordinary, which is fitting for a cocktail with such a unique combination of ingredients.
Ingredients
- Barsol mosto verde italia pisco: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Gentian liqueur: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sugar syrup 'rich': 0.33 oz(10ml)
- Orange bitters: 3 dashes
BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco
BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco brings a luxurious grape base with aromatic floral notes to this cocktail, perfect for delivering depth and complexity. Using 1.5 oz is just enough to let it shine without overpowering the other notes. Omitting Pisco is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower - the foundation of your drink experience would just crumble! An alternative could be a clear brandy, but expect a stronger, maybe less floral element.
Alex Green
Gentian Liqueur
With 0.75 oz, the Gentian liqueur adds a botanical bitterness that offers the perfect counterbalance to the sweetness - think of it as the Yin to Pisco's Yang. Too much could make your taste buds go skydiving without a parachute. Using less, you might miss the herbal embrace. A swap could be Aperol for a sweeter, more citrusy profile.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is the zesty splash in any cocktail it graces, 1 oz here is your golden ratio providing tang and brightness. Forgo it, and your cocktail becomes a shy wallflower at the flavor dance. If lemons are scarce, try lime juice; just brace for a tarter edge.
Emma Rose
Sugar Syrup 'rich'
Ah, the sweet symphony of rich sugar syrup - a mere 0.33 oz but like adding the right amount of sugar to your coffee; it's essential. Using less may leave your Humdinger too tart, while more might dress it in an overly sweet coat. If you're adventurous, swap it for maple syrup and watch your cocktail get all autumnal on you.
Alex Green
Orange Bitters
These little dashes are like the fairy dust of the cocktail world, transforming your drink with a mysterious hint of citrus spice - three dashes are just enough to cast the spell. Without it, you might find your potion lacking in character. No orange bitters? Angostura could work, but it's like changing the lead actor - familiar yet different.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Humdinger Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add 1.5 oz of BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco.
- Pour in 0.75 oz of Gentian liqueur.
- Squeeze in 1 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Measure and add 0.33 oz of rich sugar syrup.
- Dash in 3 dashes of orange bitters.
- Shake all the ingredients well.
- Fine strain into a chilled glass.
- Optionally, garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a sprig of fresh herb.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Glass: Before you start making the cocktail, put the glass in the freezer. A chilled glass will keep your Humdinger colder for longer.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can't compare to the brightness of fresh.
- Balance: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If the drink is too tart, add a bit more sugar syrup.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Charcuterie: The savory flavors of cured meats will complement the herbal notes of the Gentian liqueur.
- Roasted Nuts: A handful of almonds, cashews or walnuts make a great companion, enhancing the nutty undertones of the Pisco.
- Citrus-Driven Dishes: Accompany with a citrusy salad - the lemon in the dish will echo the lemon juice in the cocktail.
Drink Parings
- Champagne: If you fancy another drink on the side, a glass of bubbly could be quite the luxurious accompaniment.
- Sparkling Water: To keep things non-alcoholic and refreshing, sparkling water is a perfect palate cleanser.
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What you could change in Humdinger
- Pisco: If BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco is not available, another high-quality Pisco can be used as a substitute.
- Gentian Liqueur: Suze or Salers are both excellent choices, but if they're not available, another bitter aperitif can be used, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- Orange Bitters: While Angostura Orange Bitters are recommended, other brands of orange bitters can also be used.
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And of course - twists🍹
Pisco Sour Humdinger
For a creamy twist, add an egg white into the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Shake without ice (dry shake) to emulsify, then add ice and shake again. Instead of 3 dashes of orange bitters, use only 2. This will give you a frothy, smooth texture on top with a slightly toned down orange scent, providing a silkier mouthfeel and adding a classic Pisco Sour vibe.
Ingredients:
- BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco: 1.5 oz
- Gentian Liqueur: 0.75 oz
- Lemon Juice: 1 oz
- Rich Sugar Syrup: 0.33 oz
- Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
- Egg White: 1
Herbal Humdinger
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the shaker before you mix the ingredients. After shaking, this will infuse the cocktail with herbaceous notes. It's like your drink decided to put on a green bow tie! Substitute the sugar syrup with honey syrup to accompany the herbal addition for a more garden-fresh spin.
Ingredients:
- BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco: 1.5 oz
- Gentian Liqueur: 0.75 oz
- Lemon Juice: 1 oz
- Honey Syrup: 0.33 oz
- Orange Bitters: 3 dashes
- Fresh Herb Sprig: 1
Spicy Humdinger
For a bold touch, muddle a slice of jalapeño or a piece of ginger in the bottom of the shaker before adding the rest. This kick will make the Humdinger snap, crackle, and pop in your mouth. If you're using ginger and feeling extra daring, swap the lemon juice for yuzu juice for an exotic Asian flare.
Ingredients:
- BarSol Mosto Verde Italia Pisco: 1.5 oz
- Gentian Liqueur: 0.75 oz
- Yuzu Juice (or Lemon Juice): 1 oz
- Rich Sugar Syrup: 0.33 oz
- Orange Bitters: 3 dashes
- Jalapeño or Ginger Slice: 1
In case you forgot basics how to make Humdinger
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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 Humdinger
What type of glass is recommended for serving a Humdinger cocktail?
A Humdinger cocktail is typically served in a chilled coupe glass to enhance the drinking experience and highlight the drink's aromas.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Humdinger?
Yes, you can create a 'mocktail' version using non-alcoholic substitutes for Pisco and gentian liqueur, such as seedlip or a non-alcoholic aperitif, and omitting the sugar syrup if you prefer a less sweet taste.
What is the best time to serve a Humdinger cocktail?
The Humdinger, with its balance of herbal and citrus notes, makes it an excellent choice for an aperitif or for enjoying on a relaxing evening with friends.
Is the Humdinger cocktail suitable for vegans?
Yes, the ingredients listed in the Humdinger cocktail are typically vegan-friendly, but it's always recommended to check individual product labels to be sure.
How long should I shake the ingredients for the optimal flavor of a Humdinger?
Shake the ingredients vigorously in the shaker for about 10-15 seconds to properly chill, mix the ingredients, and achieve a slight dilution for the perfect flavor balance.
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