Racquet Club Cocktail Recipe

Racquet Club Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:5g

Alcohol:22%

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 Racquet Club cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1930s at the prestigious Racquet Club of Philadelphia. This classic cocktail was a favorite among the club's elite members and was often enjoyed during social events and gatherings. The Racquet Club cocktail is a sophisticated and elegant drink that is perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail.

How Racquet Club Tastes?

The Racquet Club cocktail has a balanced and complex taste, featuring a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the dry vermouth adds a touch of herbal complexity. The orange bitters and lemon juice bring a refreshing citrusy tang, and the maraschino liqueur adds a subtle sweetness to round out the flavors.

Interesting facts about Racquet Club

  • The Racquet Club of Philadelphia, where this cocktail is believed to have originated, was founded in 1889 and is still in operation today.
  • The Racquet Club cocktail is often served in a chilled coupe glass, which was a popular glassware choice during the early 20th century.
  • This cocktail is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry, adding an extra touch of elegance to the presentation.

Ingredients

A few good options for Racquet Club are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The smooth operator of the cocktail world, gin brings a botanical bouquet to the table. Pour 2 oz and you're golden; too little and the drink becomes shy, too much and it might just steal the spotlight.

Emma Rose

Dry Vermouth

Vermouth is like the trusty sidekick, rounding out flavors and adding depth. At 1 oz, it's just enough to harmonize without overpowering the gin's performance.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Liqueur

A quarter ounce of this cherry-based spirit is like that secret hand in the kitchen that makes everything taste better. It's the whisper of sweetness that ties the room together.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

The zesty 0.25 oz is your cocktail's alarm clock—it wakes up all the flavors. Skip it, and you might just miss the whole point of the drink's bright personality.

Emma Rose

Orange Bitters

Two dashes, and it's like adding a pinch of salt to a dish—it enhances everything. It's that little something you can't quite put your finger on but would sorely miss.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish

Final touch! Choose a lemon twist to emphasize the citrusy notes or a cherry for a sweet nod to the maraschino.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Racquet Club Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of dry vermouth, 0.25 oz of maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz of lemon juice, and 2 dashes of orange bitters.
  3. Stir the mixture until well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glassware before serving to keep your cocktail cold longer.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting it too much.

Perfect Pairings

Food pairing

Preparing a cocktail often goes beyond just the drink; it's about creating an experience. When it comes to the Racquet Club cocktail, think light and elegant - this cocktail shimmers with sophistication.

  • Cheeses: A cheese board with mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda can be a good start. The nuttiness of the cheese complements the herbal notes of the gin.
  • Seafood: Try pairing with seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail or oysters. The acidity and the botanicals in the cocktail help cut through the richness of the seafood.
  • Finger Foods: Classic canapés or bruschetta with light toppings won't overpower the delicate balance of the Racquet Club.

Drinks pairing

If you want to extend the cocktail hour into a full experience, consider these drinks:

  • Sparkling water: It's always good to have a palate cleanser, and the fizz can be quite refreshing.
  • White wine: Go for something dry and crisp to stay in line with the cocktail's profile, such as a Sauvignon Blanc.

Remember, a good pairing should complement the drink, not compete with it!

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What you could change in Racquet Club

  • You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less juniper-forward flavor.
  • If you don't have maraschino liqueur, cherry brandy can be used as a substitute.
  • Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a different citrus note.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Honeyed Racquet

Replace the maraschino liqueur with honey syrup for a sweeter take that hums a lullaby to the gin's botanicals. This swap adds a warm hug to the cocktail's profile.

Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 1 oz Dry Vermouth, 0.25 oz Honey Syrup, 0.25 oz Lemon Juice, 2 dashes Orange Bitters, Lemon twist for garnish.

Racquet Club Spritz

Top off the stirred ingredients with a splash of soda water for a bubbly transformation that's like the cocktail's effervescent cousin once removed. It lightens up the dance, making the flavors prance on your tongue.

Spiced Racquet

For something with a bit of a kick, use a ginger liqueur in place of maraschino. It's like switching from ballet to flamenco—the same artistry with an added fire in its step.

Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 1 oz Dry Vermouth, 0.25 oz Ginger Liqueur, 0.25 oz Lemon Juice, 2 dashes Orange Bitters, Orange twist for garnish.

In case you forgot basics how to make Racquet Club

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

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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 Racquet Club

What makes a cocktail a 'Racquet Club' cocktail?

The Racquet Club cocktail is named after its place of origin - the prestigious Racquet Club of Philadelphia. The specific combination of gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and orange bitters, garnished with a lemon twist or cherry, is what gives this cocktail its distinct taste and name.

Can I use a different type of glass to serve the Racquet Club cocktail?

While the traditional way to serve a Racquet Club cocktail is in a chilled coupe glass, it can certainly be served in other types of glassware. A martini glass or a Nick and Nora glass would also be suitable options.

What is the best time to enjoy a Racquet Club cocktail?

The Racquet Club cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time. It's sophisticated and elegant, making it perfect for evening social events or gatherings. However, its refreshing citrusy tang also makes it a delightful choice for a late afternoon drink.

What food pairs well with the Racquet Club cocktail?

Given its balanced and complex flavors, the Racquet Club cocktail pairs well with a variety of dishes. In particular, it goes well with seafood dishes like oysters or shrimp, or with lighter fare like a charcuterie board or a green salad.

Is the Racquet Club cocktail suitable for beginners in cocktail making?

Yes, it's a fairly simple cocktail to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some simple mixing. The recipe also allows for substitutions, making it a flexible choice for those who might not have all the original ingredients at hand.

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