Lone Tree Cocktail Recipe

The Lone Tree cocktail is a classic drink that originated in the early 20th century. It was named after the famous Lone Tree bar in New York City, which was known for its elegant atmosphere and sophisticated clientele. The Lone Tree cocktail quickly gained popularity among the city's elite and became a staple at high-end gatherings and events.

• The Lone Tree bar was a favorite among famous authors, actors, and politicians
• The cocktail was created by the bar's head bartender, who was known for his innovative and unique drink recipes
• The Lone Tree cocktail is often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink, setting the tone for a refined and elegant evening

The Lone Tree cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It has a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of citrus and herbal notes. The drink is medium-bodied, with a pleasant warmth from the alcohol and a lingering, slightly bitter aftertaste.

• The Lone Tree cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Gentleman's Martini' due to its refined and sophisticated flavor profile
• The original recipe called for a specific brand of gin, but modern variations often use other high-quality gins to achieve a similar taste
• The cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass, which helps to maintain its temperature and enhance the drinking experience

1. Chill the coupe glass: Place the coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill
2. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters
3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until well chilled
4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass
5. Garnish: Express the orange peel over the drink and discard. Place a cherry on a cocktail pick and lay it across the rim of the glass

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and high-quality gin for the best taste
• Shake well: Make sure to shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix all the ingredients
• Chill the glass: Chilling the glass before serving helps to keep the cocktail cold for longer

Appetizers

• Charcuterie Board: The botanical notes of gin along with the tartness of lemon juice and the sweetness of maple syrup, make the Lone Tree cocktail a perfect companion for a variety of cured meats and cheeses.

Main Courses

• Roasted Duck: The citrus and sweetness of the cocktail cut through the fattiness of the duck, enhancing the dining experience.

Desserts

• Lemon Tart: The tartness of both the cocktail and the dessert will play well together, creating a harmonious lemon-profile pairing.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate in between sips and bites, a refreshing glass of sparkling water complements the cocktail's complexity.

• Gin: If you don't have gin, you can substitute it with vodka
• Maple Syrup: If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup
• Angostura Bitters: If you don't have Angostura bitters, you can use orange bitters or omit it altogether

Honey Bee Tree

• Replace maple syrup with honey syrup: The honey will introduce a floral sweetness that is less woodsy than maple.
• Recipe: Swap out the 0.5oz maple syrup for honey syrup. Shake and serve as usual.
• Taste: You'll find a more floral cocktail with a lighter, yet arguably more nuanced, sweetness.

Spiced Lone Tree

• Add a cinnamon stick: Adding a cinnamon stick into the shaker brings a warm spice, perfect for cooler nights.
• Recipe: Include a cinnamon stick while shaking the ingredients. Remove before serving.
• Taste: The presence of cinnamon provides a warm, spicy edge that compliments the existing botanical and sweet notes.

Lone Tree Fizz

• Top with club soda: Bringing effervescence to the mix lengthens the drink and adds a refreshing twist.
• Recipe: After straining into the glass, top with a splash of club soda.
• Taste: A bubbly edition that lightens the denser flavors, creating a more sessionable cocktail.