Independence Cocktail Recipe
Independence Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol %:12%
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 Independence cocktail was created to celebrate the spirit of freedom and independence. It is a popular choice for national holidays and patriotic events. This cocktail is enjoyed by those who appreciate bold flavors and a touch of history.
- Originated in the United States
- Inspired by the American Revolution
- Often served at Fourth of July celebrations
How Independence Tastes?
The Independence cocktail offers a refreshing, citrusy taste with a hint of sweetness. It has a strong, yet balanced flavor profile, making it a satisfying choice for both casual and experienced cocktail enthusiasts.
Interesting facts about Independence
- The Independence cocktail is sometimes called the 'Freedom Fizz'
- It is often garnished with a small American flag
- The cocktail's red, white, and blue colors represent the American flag
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Blue curacao: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Club soda: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice: As needed
A few good options for Independence are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The foundation of many a classic cocktail. At 1.5oz, it's the workhorse here, providing a strong base without overshadowing accompanying flavors. Go light, you'll miss the kick; pour heavy, and you'll drown the subtle whispers of the other ingredients.
Alex Green
Blue Curacao
This 0.5oz splash of vibrant blue gives a hint of orange flavor and a pop of color that screams 'celebration!' Without it, you lose both the patriotic palette and the citrusy undertone—it's a non-negotiable for the 'Independence' moniker.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
This 0.5oz of sweet, red syrup creates a beautiful gradient while adding a touch of fruity sweetness, embodying the stripes of ol' glory itself. No grenadine? No striking red layer, no sweet nod to the fruits of freedom.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Tart and fresh, this 1oz is the zing the 'Independence' requires, a nod to the bright sparks of fireworks. Skipping this would be like a night of celebration without the bangs and crackles.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
At 0.5oz, this is the sweet mediator, ensuring balance in a world of tang and spirit. Forget this, and the revolution might just get a little too radical on your taste buds.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
The 2oz fizz of freedom adds sparkle and lifts the spirit, like the stars lifting on a crisp, clear night. Miss out on this, and you'll snuff out the sparkle, the very essence of celebration.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
The unsung hero, ice keeps it all chill, just like the cool demeanor needed in the heat of celebration. No ice? Expect a lukewarm reception to your 'Independence'.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Independence Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
- Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon to create a red layer at the bottom
- Top with club soda
- Gently stir to create a white layer in the middle
- Garnish with a small American flag
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more authentic flavor.
- Pour the grenadine slowly to achieve the perfect layering effect.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Shrimp Cocktail: The clean, zesty taste of the lemon and the sweetness of the cocktail complement the seafood perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: Goes well with a variety of cheeses, especially milder ones like mozzarella or Swiss, as the cocktail might overpower more delicate flavors.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken: The lemon in the cocktail pairs nicely with herby and lightly seasoned poultry.
- Fish Tacos: The citrus notes in the cocktail help to cut through the richness of the fish and the taco toppings.
Desserts
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The simplicity of vanilla will balance the cocktail's complexity without overwhelming the palate.
- Fruit Tarts: The sweetness of the fruits and the tartness of the lemon juice complement each other beautifully.
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What you could change in Independence
- You can substitute Blue Curacao with blueberry syrup if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Grenadine can be replaced with any red fruit syrup.
- If you don't have Club Soda, sparkling water can be used instead.
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And of course - twists🍹
Berry Burst Independence
Add a handful of muddled fresh berries (like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries) into the shaker before adding the other ingredients. The berries will add a natural sweetness and a fruity explosion that ties in with the patriotic colors.
Tropical Independence
Swap out the club soda for coconut water and add a splash of pineapple juice. This twist provides a tropical flair and the coconut water subtly infuses the cocktail with a creamy, nutty flavor, perfect for imagining a firework-lit beach.
Spiced Independence
Include a dash of cinnamon and a small amount of ginger syrup to the shaker. This version will spice up the traditional recipe, hinting at the warmth of a mid-summer's night and the sparklers lighting up the evening sky.
In case you forgot basics how to make Independence
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 syrupAdd 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 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 Independence
Does this cocktail taste sweet due to its layers?
No, the presence of layers doesn't determine sweetness. The sweetness comes from the simple syrup and grenadine mixed in the cocktail.
What are some events besides the 4th of July, where Independence cocktail can be served?
This cocktail can also be served at other national holidays, military events, and sporting events where America is being represented. It's also a perfect choice for a themed party or event.
Why use a highball glass for this cocktail?
Highball glasses are generally used for cocktails that include a large proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, and allow enough room for both the mix and plenty of ice. In this case, it also allows for the layers of color to be visible.
Can I serve the Independence Cocktail to children since it has a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can prepare a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail using the substitutes provided. However, always ensure to present it in a way so it's clear which cocktails contain alcohol and which do not.
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