Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20
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: January 7, 2024
The Navel Cocktail is a classic drink, believed to have originated in the 19th century. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The name 'Navel' is thought to be inspired by the orange garnish that often accompanies the drink, resembling a belly button.
It's a versatile cocktail, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
The Navel Cocktail is often associated with summer due to its refreshing citrus notes.
The Navel Cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors. The sweetness of the orange liqueur is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice. It's a refreshing, citrusy drink with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Navel Cocktail is often garnished with an orange slice, resembling a navel.
It's a versatile drink that can be enjoyed year-round, but is especially popular in the summer months.
The Navel Cocktail is often served in a martini glass, but can also be served in a highball glass.
A few good options for Navel are:
Orange liqueur adds a sweet and zesty citrus flavor that is foundational to the 'Navel' shot. Without it, you'd miss the bright orange essence that plays so well with the rest of the flavors. Using too much might overpower the balance, making it too sweet, while too little may leave your shot tasting flat.
Alternative: Grand Marnier or Cointreau can be used for a richer flavor; Triple Sec for a lighter note.
Fresh lemon juice brings a tangy acidity that balances out the sweetness of the liqueur and adds a refreshing sharpness to the drink. If you skimp on the lemon juice, the shot could end up too sweet, but too much could make it mouth-puckeringly sour.
Alternative: Lime juice for a slightly different citrus profile, or a splash of citric acid solution if in a pinch.
Vodka is the backbone of the shot, providing the alcoholic kick without overwhelming the other flavors with its neutral taste. If you use less, you might end up with a weak shot, while too much can make the drink too boozy and disrupt the flavor harmony.
Alternative: Use a flavored vodka, like orange or lemon, to boost the shot's citrusy character.
Not just a pretty garnish, the orange slice adds fragrance and a hint of fresh fruitiness when squeezed into the shot. Skipping the garnish would not drastically affect the taste but it enhances the sensory experience.
Alternative: A twist of orange peel for garnish can add a stronger aroma.
Citrus-flavored dishes: This shot has a significant citrus component, so it will pair nicely with appetizers that have a lemon or orange glaze.
Salty Snacks: Try pairing with salty snacks, such as nuts or pretzels, to complement the sweetness of the liqueur and the acidity of the lemon.
Seafood: The crisp citrus notes in the 'Navel' shot make it a great companion for seafood dishes, especially those with a lemony touch.
Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate can be a delightful match for the sweet and tart flavors of the shot.
Sorbet: A light, fruity sorbet will pair wonderfully with the refreshing citrus notes of the 'Navel' shot.
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Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe. This twist will bring a warm, spicy kick that contrasts with the citrus, creating a lively and piquant shot.
Top the shot with a splash of soda water after pouring it into the shot glass. This will add a fizzy dimension to the drink, making it feel lighter and even more refreshing.
Instead of plain vodka, use a vanilla-flavored vodka or add a splash of cream. This variation yields a creamier and smoother shot, with a hint of vanilla that adds a comforting sweetness to the mix.
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).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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The type of vodka doesn't matter much in this recipe. You can use a premium brand if you want a smoother taste, or a regular priced one if you're on a budget. What matters most is that you enjoy it.
Yes, the amount of ice is important. Too much ice could dilute the drink, while too little might not chill it enough. Fill up about two-thirds of the shaker with ice for optimal chilling.
Yes, you can prepare the cocktail a few hours in advance without the ice. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add ice only when you're ready to serve.
Navel Cocktail pairs well with a variety of snacks like cheese and crackers, bruschetta, or lightly seasoned grilled seafood.
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