London Calling Cocktail Recipe
London Calling Nutrition Facts
Calories:~150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~10g
Alcohol %:~15
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 London Calling cocktail is a relatively recent addition to the cocktail scene, believed to have been created in the early 2000s. It's a twist on the classic sour formula, with a nod to the British influence through the use of Sherry and gin.
- Who Would Like It?
- Fans of gin-based cocktails
- Those who appreciate a balance of citrus and sweet flavors
- Cocktail enthusiasts looking for a modern classic
How London Calling Tastes?
The London Calling cocktail offers a harmonious blend of nutty and dry notes from the Sherry, complemented by the botanical complexity of the gin. The lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity, while the sugar syrup provides a subtle sweetness. The orange bitters give a citrusy depth, and the grapefruit twist contributes a fragrant zestiness.
Interesting facts about London Calling
- The cocktail's name is likely a nod to the famous song 'London Calling' by The Clash.
- Sherry Cask Gin is not a common ingredient and brings a unique flavor profile to the drink.
- The use of Fino Sherry, a dry and pale wine, adds complexity and a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
- Sherry cask gin: 1.35 oz(41ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Fino sherry: 0.34 oz(10ml)
- Sugar syrup: 0.34 oz(10ml)
- Orange bitters: 2 dashes
- Ruby grapefruit twist: 1 garnish
A few good options for London Calling are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Sherry Cask Gin
This unique gin brings a dry, oaky complexity that's the backbone of the 'London Calling'. Why 1.35oz? It's the perfect measure to ensure the gin's presence without overshadowing the other ingredients. No gin, no glory: Omit this and you'll lose the cocktail's heart. A possible alternative is a classic London Dry Gin which will make it crisper.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Essential for that kick of acidity that balances the sweetness. Why 0.5oz? Just enough to add a citrusy zing without puckering your lips. When life gives you lemons: Substitute with lime juice for a slightly different kind of tartness.
Fino Sherry
It adds a hint of nuttiness and dry depth to the drink. Why 0.34oz? This keeps it in a supporting role, complementing the gin rather than competing. A grape decision: Swap for a dry white wine if sherry's not your jam, though you'll lose some complexity.
Sugar Syrup
Sweetness to offset the citrus and bring harmony. Why 0.34oz? Precision is key for balance; too much sweet or sour could send you off-kilter. Sugar, we're going down: Miss this and the citrus will dominate; agave syrup could be a healthier swap.
Orange Bitters
A dash adds a layer of aromatic citrus complexity. Why 2 dashes? It's the accent, not the main event. Think of it as the spice in your cocktail curry. Bitter truth: Without it, you'll miss some depth. No orange bitters? Try Angostura for a spicier kick.
Ruby Grapefruit Twist
Adds a lively, fragrant pop to the nose before you sip. Why a twist? It's the fragrant hello as you go in for a taste. Twist and shout: Omit it, and the drink simply won't smile back the same way.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make London Calling Drink
- Shake Ingredients
- Combine 1.35oz of Sherry Cask Gin, 0.5oz of fresh lemon juice, 0.34oz of Fino Sherry, 0.34oz of sugar syrup, and 2 dashes of orange bitters in a shaker.
- Ice
- Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake
- Shake the mixture vigorously.
- Strain
- Fine strain into a chilled coupette.
- Garnish
- Garnish with a twist of ruby grapefruit.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Glass: Always start with a chilled coupette to keep the cocktail at the perfect temperature.
- Balance is Key: Adjust the sweetness or sourness according to your taste, but aim for balance.
- Express the Twist: When garnishing, make sure to twist the grapefruit peel over the drink to release the essential oils.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
The 'London Calling' cocktail has a complex profile with dry, fruity, and citrus notes, making it versatile for pairing with various foods.
Tapas
Bold and zesty, this cocktail can slice through the richness of Spanish olives, marinated anchovies, or Ibérico ham. Its citrus notes complement seafood well.
Cheese
The nuttiness of Manchego or aged Gouda can be beautifully offset by the dryness of the Sherry and the vibrant citrus from the cocktail.
Desserts
Opt for citrus-based desserts like lemon tart or something with a bit of zest to echo the cocktail's profile. Avoid overly sweet treats to maintain balance.
Nuts
For a simpler pairing, salty marcona almonds work nicely to contrast the cocktail's tartness.
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What you could change in London Calling
- Sherry Cask Gin: If unavailable, use a good quality London Dry Gin and add a bar spoon of Sherry to mimic the flavor.
- Fino Sherry: Manzanilla Sherry can be used as an alternative for a slightly different nutty profile.
- Sugar Syrup: Honey syrup can be used for a richer sweetness.
Explore all drinks starting with L here
And of course - twists🍹
Sherry Cask Whiskey Twist
Substitute the gin with a similar amount of sherry cask whiskey for a warmer, richer take on the classic.
The Bitter Sunset
Add an extra dash of grapefruit bitters and a splash of cranberry juice for a fruitier and slightly more bitter edge.
Fizz of London
Top it off with sparkling wine instead of adding ice to the shaker for a festive, bubbly version.
In case you forgot basics how to make London Calling
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 London Calling
What type of glass is best suited for a London Calling cocktail?
A chilled coupette or a martini glass is typically used for serving a London Calling cocktail to best present its aroma and taste.
How can I tell if my Sherry Cask Gin is of high quality?
High-quality Sherry Cask Gin usually has a complex flavor profile, combining the botanicals of gin with the nutty, oaky notes derived from the sherry casks. It should be well-balanced and smooth.
What's the importance of using fresh lemon juice in cocktails?
Fresh lemon juice is critical in cocktails for its bright and zesty flavor, which bottled juice often lacks due to processing and preservatives. It provides a lively freshness that can't be replicated with concentrate.
Is the London Calling cocktail suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the London Calling cocktail is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no animal products.
Can I make the London Calling cocktail in larger batches for parties?
Yes, you can scale up the ingredients proportionally to make larger batches. However, ensure you maintain the balance of flavors, and consider adding the grapefruit twist to individual glasses when serving.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the London Calling cocktail?
While there isn't a standard non-alcoholic version, you can experiment with non-alcoholic gin alternatives, non-alcoholic sherry or a sherry-flavored syrup, and the other non-alcoholic components to create a mocktail version.
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