Kitty Cocktail Recipe

Kitty Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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 Kitty cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first mentioned in the 1903 book 'New and Improved Bartender's Manual' by Harry Johnson. This cocktail is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, sweeter drink.

  • It's a popular choice among those who enjoy a fruity, refreshing cocktail.
  • The name 'Kitty' is believed to have been derived from the term 'kittenish', referring to its playful and sweet nature.

How Kitty Tastes?

The Kitty cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and sour. The sweetness of the pineapple juice is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lime juice. The gin adds a subtle hint of juniper, making it a light, refreshing, and fruity cocktail.

Interesting facts about Kitty

  • The Kitty cocktail was originally made with Old Tom Gin, a sweeter style of gin that was popular in the 19th century.
  • Despite its sweet taste, the Kitty cocktail is relatively low in sugar.
  • The Kitty cocktail is often garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry.

Ingredients

A few good options for Kitty are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of the Kitty cocktail, providing a botanical complexity that plays well with the fruity flavors. The 2oz measurement offers a robust but not overpowering alcohol base. Using less might make the drink too mild, while more could overshadow the other ingredients. No gin, no Kitty! You could try vodka for a less complex flavor profile.

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

The 1oz of pineapple juice adds a tropical sweetness and tartness, pairing perfectly with the gin. Too much juice could make your Kitty too sweet and too little wouldn't give it enough fruity punch. If pineapple isn't your thing, mango juice could be an interesting alternative.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice

The 0.5oz of lime juice is crucial for adding a crisp acidity to the drink, balancing the sweetness. Absence of lime juice means losing that tangy edge. A lemon could be substituted, but expect a slightly different, more rounded sourness.

Emma Rose

Sugar Syrup

Sugar syrup, about 0.5oz, is used to sweeten and smooth out the flavors, ensuring that no single taste overpowers another. Too much can lead to a cloying cocktail; too little may result in an overly tart drink. Honey syrup could offer a more complex sweetness while altering the drink's profile.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Kitty Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add 2oz of gin, 1oz of pineapple juice, 0.5oz of lime juice, and 0.5oz of sugar syrup.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass before serving to keep your drink colder for longer.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Spicy Dishes: The sweetness of the pineapple and the acidity of the lime juice can help balance spicier foods, such as Thai or Mexican cuisine.
  • Seafood: The botanicals in gin can complement lighter seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktails or a fresh ceviche.
  • Fruit Salad: Pair with a tropical fruit salad to echo the pineapple flavors in the drink.
  • Cheese Platter: Try with a selection of mild cheeses to not overpower the delicate flavors of the cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Aromatic White Wine: Such as Sauvignon Blanc, can follow the cocktail for those who wish to switch to wine without losing the fruity and herbaceous notes.

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What you could change in Kitty

  • If you don't have gin, you can substitute it with vodka.
  • If you don't have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice instead.
  • If you don't have lime juice, lemon juice can be used as a substitute.

Explore all drinks starting with K here

And of course - twists🍹

Citrus Kitty

Ingredients: Use lemon juice instead of lime, add a dash of orange bitters. Recipe: Follow the original recipe but replace lime juice with lemon and add two dashes of orange bitters after shaking. Taste: Expect a more rounded citrus profile with a hint of aromatic bitterness from the bitters. Why: This twist would appeal to those who enjoy a slightly sweeter, more aromatic drink.

Herbal Kitty

Ingredients: Add a few fresh basil leaves to the shaker. Recipe: Muddle the basil leaves gently before adding the rest of the ingredients. Shake as usual. Taste: The basil will infuse the cocktail with a refreshing herbal note. Why: Perfect for herb enthusiasts or those looking for a more complex, garden-fresh cocktail.

Fizzy Kitty

Ingredients: Replace sugar syrup with elderflower liqueur, top with sparkling water. Recipe: Use elderflower liqueur instead of sugar syrup, and gently top the strained cocktail with sparkling water. Taste: The drink will be more floral and effervescent. Why: This twist is for those craving a bubbly, light drink that's ideal for a summer day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Kitty

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 Kitty

Can I use any type of gin for the Kitty cocktail?

Yes, you can use any type of gin you prefer or have on hand; however, the original recipe is made with Old Tom Gin, which is known for its sweeter and lighter flavor compared to other types of gin.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Kitty cocktail?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the gin with non-alcoholic gin or simply omit it. The result will be a fruity and refreshing drink.

Is Kitty cocktail appropriate for all seasons?

While the Kitty cocktail is particularly refreshing in summer, its sweet and sour flavor profile makes it an enjoyable drink for all seasons.

What is the origin of the name Kitty for this cocktail?

The cocktail is believed to have been named 'Kitty' deriving from the term 'kittenish', referring to its playful and sweet nature.

What type of glass should I serve the Kitty cocktail in?

The Kitty cocktail is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, but it can also be served in a highball glass if preferred.

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