Nuclear Daiquiri Cocktail Recipe

The Nuclear Daiquiri is a potent concoction that's a riff on the classic Daiquiri. It was created by Gregor de Gruyther while working at the LAB bar in London. This cocktail is not for the faint of heart and is favored by those who enjoy a strong, vibrant drink with a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

• Origin: The drink was born in the early 2000s.
• Popularity: It quickly became a hit among cocktail aficionados seeking a powerful yet balanced drink.
• Audience: Best suited for those with a penchant for high-proof spirits and bold flavors.

The Nuclear Daiquiri is an intense and lively cocktail. It's a harmonious blend of the strong, grassy notes of overproof rum with the herbal complexity of green Chartreuse. The lime juice adds a sharp tartness, while the falernum brings in a touch of sweetness and spice, resulting in a robust and invigorating drink.

• The Nuclear Daiquiri is named for its explosive strength and vibrant color.
• It's often served as a warning to those who underestimate its potency.
• Despite its strength, it has a complex flavor profile that's appreciated by cocktail enthusiasts.

1. Chill your glass: Place a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz overproof unaged Jamaican rum, 1 oz lime juice, 0.75 oz green Chartreuse, and 0.25 oz falernum.
3. Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately, savoring the complex flavors and potent kick.

• Ice Quality: Use large, dense ice cubes for shaking to achieve optimal dilution and chill.
• Shake Time: Shake for at least 10 seconds to ensure the drink is properly chilled and mixed.
• No Overpouring: Be precise with your measurements to maintain the balance of flavors.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Tapas: The high alcohol content and robust flavors of the Nuclear Daiquiri can handle the kick from spicy small plates.
• Grilled Seafood: Such as shrimp or calamari, they'll harmonize nicely with the lime and herbal notes.
• Fruit-Forward Desserts: Especially those with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango, can complement the sweet and tart balance of the cocktail.

Recommended Drinks

• Mineral Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of this potent drink.
• Iced Green Tea: The herbal notes will pair nicely with the green Chartreuse.

• Rum: If Wray & Nephew is not available, any high-proof white rum can be used as a substitute.
• Green Chartreuse: Yellow Chartreuse can be used for a milder herbal flavor.
• Falernum: A homemade falernum or a different brand can be used if the typical one is not available.

Smoky Daiquiri

• Replace the overproof rum with a smoky mezcal.
• Recipe remains largely the same.
• The smokiness of the mezcal will lend an intriguingly earthy contrast to the brightness of the other ingredients, creating a cocktail with a different kind of nuclear reaction - think of it as a controlled burn rather than an explosion.

Herbal Remix

• Use equal parts of lime and lemon juice (0.5 oz each).
• Add a sprig of fresh thyme or basil to the shaker.
• This twist brings a garden-fresh vibe to the cocktail, mellowing out the intense Chartreuse with earthy undertones and a fragrant herbal bouquet. It's like inviting Mother Nature to the party.

Sweet Fallout

• Increase falernum to 0.5 oz and decrease Chartreuse to 0.5 oz.
• Add a dash of honey syrup.
• The additional sweetness will make the cocktail more approachable for those intimidated by the original's intensity, resulting in a drink that's explosive in flavor but with a gentle landing.