Nina's Special Cocktail Recipe
Nina's Special Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
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
Nina's Special cocktail was created by a world-renowned bartender named Nina, who worked at the best bar in the world. This cocktail quickly gained popularity among celebrities and high-profile clientele due to its unique taste and presentation. The recipe has been kept secret for years, but now it's finally being shared with the world.
- Origin: Best bar in the world
- Creator: Nina
- Popular among celebrities and high-profile clientele
How Nina's Special Tastes?
Nina's Special cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of fruitiness and a subtle kick of spice. The finish is smooth and refreshing, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
Interesting facts about Nina's Special
- Nina's Special cocktail is rumored to have been a favorite of several A-list celebrities.
- The secret recipe was kept under wraps for years, with only a select few bartenders knowing how to make it.
- The cocktail's unique presentation and garnish have made it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients
- Rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Passion fruit syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Grenadine: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Orchid: 1
- Ginger slice: 1
A few good options for Nina's Special are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Rum
Rum's the heart of the party—it brings the warmth and Caribbean vibe. 2oz is just enough to make you feel like you're on a beach, without knocking you over with a wave of alcohol. Leave it out, and you’re basically stranded at sea with no sails!
Mary Mitkina
Passion Fruit Syrup
This syrup is the exotic twist everyone's after. At 1oz, it's not too overwhelming but refuses to sit quietly in the background. Skip it, and Nina's Special loses its tropical je ne sais quoi.
Alex Green
Lime Juice
Half an ounce, because every party needs a little tang! It balances the sweetness, adds brightness, and keeps the flavors popping. No lime, and the drink's like a song with no rhythm—flat.
Emma Rose
Orange Liqueur
Just 0.5oz to whisper subtle orange hints. It's not a shout—it's more like the intriguing stranger across the room. Ditch it, and you miss out on layered complexity of flavor.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
A dash (0.25oz) of this pomegranate potion sweetens the deal. It's the blush in Nina's cheek; tough to notice missing, but its absence would dim her sparkle.
Alex Green
Angostura Bitters
Two dashes give depth and a hint of herbaceous mystery. No bitters, no bite, and let's face it, a little bite is exciting.
Emma Rose
Orchid
Flowers aren't just to look pretty. An orchid can elevate the tropical feel and draw in the senses before a sip is even taken.
Mary Mitkina
Ginger Slice
Add it if you’re feeling adventurous. This zesty spice gives a cheeky kick, waking up the taste buds and saying 'hello' to that lovely rum.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Nina's Special Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, orange liqueur, and grenadine to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Garnish with an orchid and a slice of ginger.
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Chill the coupe glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The refreshing citrus notes of the lime juice and the tropical flair of passion fruit in Nina's Special make it a perfect pairs with the fresh and zesty flavors of ceviche.
- Spicy Shrimp: The sweetness and fruitiness will complement the heat nicely, creating a balanced taste exploration.
Desserts
- Coconut-based desserts: The rum and tropical notes will harmonize beautifully with coconut.
- Mango Sorbet: Nina's Special's vibrant and fruity nature will enhance the sweet, tart flavor of the sorbet.
Cheeses
- Goat Cheese: The cocktail's acidity and sweetness can cut through the creaminess of the cheese for a delightful contrast.
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What you could change in Nina's Special
- Rum: Can be substituted with vodka or gin for a different flavor profile.
- Passion fruit syrup: If not available, can be replaced with a mix of simple syrup and fresh passion fruit juice.
- Orange liqueur: Triple sec can be used as a substitute.
Explore all drinks starting with N here
And of course - twists🍹
Passion's Heat
- Substitute 0.5oz of the passion fruit syrup with mango syrup and add a thin slice of jalapeño. It gets spicier, hotter, and boldly walks on the wild side, without losing its honeyed soul.
Nina's Garden
- Replace Rum with Gin (2oz), and add a sprig of thyme. This takes Nina's Special from tropical getaway to English garden party, with an herbal and floral profile.
Caribbean Queen
- Float a layer of coconut cream on top and swap orange liqueur with coconut rum. It’s a creamy delight sailing on a sea of tropical flavors, crowned with a touch of island royalty.
In case you forgot basics how to make Nina's Special
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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Nina's Special
Can I adjust the alcohol level of this cocktail?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of rum to make the cocktail stronger or lighter according to your preference. However, keep in mind that it may change the overall taste and balance of the cocktail.
What is the best time to enjoy a Nina's Special?
The Nina's Special is a versatile cocktail and is perfect for any social gathering. However, its tropical flavors make it an especially great choice for summer parties or enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Can I use a non-alcoholic substitute for rum in this cocktail?
Yes, you can replace the rum with a non-alcoholic rum flavored beverage. However, this might affect the overall taste of the Nina's Special.
Are there any specific rum brands that work best in this cocktail?
The choice of rum will affect the overall flavor profile of the drink. White rum tends to yield a lighter, smoother cocktail, while darker rums add a deeper, more complex flavor.
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