Pillow Talk Cocktail Recipe

Pillow Talk Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol %:20%

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

History

The Pillow Talk is a modern cocktail, invented by the renowned mixologist, Ryan Chetiyawardana. It's a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and floral notes, making it a favorite among those who appreciate complex flavors. This cocktail is often enjoyed by those who like to unwind after a long day, hence the name 'Pillow Talk'.

How Pillow Talk Tastes?

The Pillow Talk cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and floral notes. The sweetness of the honey is balanced by the tartness of the lemon, while the gin adds a strong, botanical flavor. The lavender garnish adds a subtle floral note, making this cocktail a complex and enjoyable experience.

Interesting facts about Pillow Talk

  • The Pillow Talk was created by Ryan Chetiyawardana, a world-renowned mixologist.
  • The cocktail's name, 'Pillow Talk', is a nod to its relaxing and soothing qualities.
  • Despite its complex flavor profile, the Pillow Talk is relatively easy to make at home.

Ingredients

A few good options for Pillow Talk are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone, providing a complex base of botanical flavors. Choose a smooth, floral gin for harmony with the lavender. Too much gin, you'll overpower the subtleties; too little, and why call it a cocktail?

Alex Green

Honey Syrup

Sweet and smooth, honey syrup binds the drink seamlessly, offering a golden touch. Without it, the drink's balance tips, and it becomes too sharp. Maple syrup could be a fascinating stand-in, bringing a woody note.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

The zing of fresh lemon juice adds vivacity, cutting through the sweetness and refreshing the palate. Replace it with lime for a tarter sip, but miss it out, and the cocktail loses its bright edge.

Emma Rose

Lavender Sprig

It's not just for show—the lavender brings a fragrant nose and invites a calm sip. Minus the sprig, the drink is just a bit duller. No lavender? Rosemary would add a distinct, herbaceous twist.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Pillow Talk Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of honey syrup, and 1 oz of lemon juice.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of lavender.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
  • Use a high-quality gin for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for an extra-cold cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plates: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or a creamy brie are a delightful match.
  • Smoked Salmon: The oily fish complements the botanicals in the gin.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: The lemon in the cocktail cuts through the richness of the meat.
  • Seared Scallops: A light seafood dish to balance the cocktail's floral notes.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: Accentuates the lemon in the drink.
  • Lavender Honey Ice Cream: Echoes the sweet and floral components of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Pillow Talk

  • If you don't have honey syrup, you can use simple syrup or agave nectar.
  • If you can't find a lavender sprig, you can use a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Pillow Talk with a Rose Whisper

Replace the lavender sprig with a rose petal for a touch of romance. The rose's subtle perfume pairs beautifully with gin's botanicals, creating a sophisticated floral note in the sip.

Ingredients: Gin, Honey Syrup, Lemon Juice, Rose Petal Recipe: Follow the original, simply garnish with a rose petal.

Sleepy Time Tipple

Infuse the gin with chamomile for a calming effect, creating a laid-back version of 'Pillow Talk'.

Ingredients: Chamomile-infused Gin, Honey Syrup, Lemon Juice, Lavender Sprig Recipe: Infuse the gin with chamomile flowers, then follow the original recipe.

Sparkling Pillow Talk

Add a splash of sparkling water or champagne for a refreshing fizz, turning 'Pillow Talk' into a celebratory drink.

Ingredients: Gin, Honey Syrup, Lemon Juice, Lavender Sprig, Sparkling Water/Champagne Recipe: Shake the original ingredients, strain into a glass and top with sparkling water or champagne.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pillow Talk

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 shake

Place 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 strain

Garnishing 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 garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Pillow Talk

What type of glass is best for serving the Pillow Talk cocktail?

While the specific glass isn't mentioned in the recipe, the Pillow Talk cocktail is often served in a chilled coupe glass to maintain its temperature longer and enhance its presentation.

Is there a specific brand of gin recommended for this cocktail?

The kind of gin used can significantly impact the flavor of the Pillow Talk cocktail. While a high-quality gin is suggested, the preference can be subjective. Some might prefer a classic London Dry Gin, while others might enjoy a more contemporary, floral gin.

Can I prepare the honey syrup at home?

Yes, you can easily make honey syrup at home by gently heating equal parts of honey and water until the honey dissolves. Allow it to cool before using.

What other cocktails can I make with these ingredients?

The ingredients of the Pillow Talk cocktail are quite versatile. Gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup are also used in cocktails like the Bee's Knees and the Gold Rush. Experimenting with these components can help you create your unique concoctions.

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