Red October Cocktail Recipe
Red October Nutrition Facts
Calories:~150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~10g
Alcohol:~40%
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
The Red October cocktail is a fiery blend inspired by the cold war era, named after the famous fictional submarine in Tom Clancy's novel. It's a favorite among those who appreciate a strong, spicy kick in their drink, often enjoyed during fall or winter seasons.
- Inspiration: The name and the robust nature of the drink are nods to the intensity and suspense of espionage thrillers.
- Popularity: It gained a following in bars that specialize in bold, themed cocktails.
- Audience: Best suited for those who enjoy potent, cinnamon-infused concoctions.
How Red October Tastes?
The Red October is a potent, fiery concoction with a pronounced cinnamon spice flavor, underpinned by herbal notes from the Jagermeister. It's a bold, warming drink with a complex flavor profile that includes sweet, spicy, and slightly minty undertones.
Interesting facts about Red October
- The cocktail's name is often associated with the autumn season due to its warming spices.
- The 151 Proof Rum gives it a high alcohol content, making it a very strong drink.
- The Goldschlager contains real gold flakes, adding a luxurious touch to the cocktail.
Ingredients
- 151 proof rum: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Goldschlager: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Jagermeister: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Cinnamon liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Rumple minze: 0.5 oz(15ml)
151 Proof Rum
The 151 Proof Rum is a powerhouse that brings a high-octane kick to the Red October. Why this much? 0.5 oz is enough to ignite the potency without setting you ablaze. Less, and you might not feel the boost; more, and you risk turning the cocktail into a fireball.
Alex Green
Goldschläger
Goldschlager adds a spicy yet sweet cinnamon layer with a touch of luxury from its real gold flakes. Skipping it will take away the signature glitter and the warming sensation, which cannot be completely replicated, but cinnamon schnapps could be a cozy alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Jägermeister
This herbal liqueur is like the composer of an orchestra, bringing harmony with its complex blend of herbs. If left out, you'd miss the depth it offers. No Jäger? Try a similar herbal liquer, like Becherovka, for a twist on the herbal notes.
Emma Rose
Cinnamon Liqueur
Cinnamon Liqueur pumps up the heat in the Red October. It's sweet, it's spicy, it's the party in your mouth. Miss out on it, and the drink loses some zeal. A possible swap? Fireball Whisky, for more of a cinnamon kick with a smooth whiskey backdrop.
Alex Green
Rumple Minze
Lastly, the Rumple Minze whips in a cool breeze of peppermint, contrasting with the heat of the other ingredients. It's like a minty slap in the face—in a good way. No Rumple Minze? Go for another peppermint schnapps, but brace for a less intense minty touch.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Red October Drink
To craft the Red October, you'll need to:
- Chill a cocktail glass.
- Pour 0.5 oz of each ingredient into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh ice when shaking to ensure the drink is properly chilled without being watered down.
- Serve immediately after shaking to maintain the integrity of the flavors and the drink's temperature.
- Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra decorative and flavorful touch.
Perfect Pairings
Cheese Platter
A robust cheese platter, featuring aged cheddar and blue cheese, can balance the intense flavors of the Red October cocktail by offering both creamy and sharp notes.
Dark Chocolate
Indulge in some dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. The bitterness of the chocolate complements the spicy and herbal notes of the cocktail.
Grilled Meats
Go for grilled meats like barbecue ribs or a spicy sausage. The charred flavors marry well with the warmth and spice that Red October delivers.
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What you could change in Red October
- If 151 Proof Rum is too strong, consider using a lighter overproof rum.
- In place of Goldschlager, a cinnamon whiskey can be used for a similar flavor profile.
- Peppermint schnapps can substitute Rumple Minze if needed.
Explore all drinks starting with R here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Red October
Replace Goldschläger with Hot Cinnamon Schnapps for an extra kick. The rest remains the same, but prepare for a spicier voyage. This twist is for those who seek a little more fire in their belly and a warm hug to their taste buds.
Minty Red October
Swap out Rumple Minze for Crème de Menthe for a fresher, sweeter mint experience, but less of the peppermint punch. This variation offers a gentle mint wave rather than a tsunami, creating a delightfully different dynamic.
Caribbean October
Exchange 151 Proof Rum with Coconut Rum and transport yourself to tropical shores. The nutty, tropical sweetness of the coconut will soften the sharp edges of the cocktail. This twist adds a vacation vibe, perfect for those who dream of sandy beaches and sunscreen scents.
In case you forgot basics how to make Red October
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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Red October
How should I serve the Red October to best enjoy the flavor profile?
The Red October is best served in a chilled cocktail glass. No additional dilution from ice in the glass is recommended to preserve its strong and spicy flavors.
Can I batch make Red October for a party?
Yes, the Red October can be batched by multiplying the ingredient measures by the number of desired servings, mixing it in a large container. Serve it chilled and ensure you stir it well before serving.
Is Red October a suitable drink for summer?
While typically favored in colder seasons due to its warming properties, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy it year-round. Be mindful that it is quite strong and may not be as refreshing as other summer cocktails.
Is the Red October cocktail suitable for those who prefer sweet over spicy?
The Red October has a notable spicy profile due to its cinnamon and herbal ingredients, and may not be the first choice for those who prefer sweet flavors. However, the cocktail can be modified to suit sweet palates with adjusted ingredients.
What kind of food pairs well with the Red October?
Its bold flavors would pair well with savory appetizers such as smoked meats, nuts, or cheeses that can stand up to its strong and spicy notes.
How can I customize the Red October if I find it too strong?
You could dilute the cocktail slightly with a splash of club soda, or adjust the ratio of the stronger spirits downward, replacing the volume with a milder ingredient like apple cider for a less intense drink.
Is it safe to consume Goldschlager given it contains gold flakes?
Yes, the gold flakes in Goldschlager are a food-grade gold leaf, which is considered safe to consume in the small amounts found in the drink.
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