Southern Comfort Cocktail Recipe

Southern Comfort Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

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

History

The Southern Comfort cocktail, also known as SoCo, is a classic American liqueur with a rich history dating back to the 1870s. It was created by bartender Martin Wilkes Heron in New Orleans, Louisiana. He aimed to create a smoother, more palatable whiskey by adding fruits and spices to the mix. The result was Southern Comfort, a unique and flavorful cocktail that has been enjoyed by many generations.

  • Originally created in New Orleans
  • Popular during the Prohibition era
  • A favorite among American whiskey lovers

How Southern Comfort Tastes?

The Southern Comfort cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of spice. It is smooth, warming, and has a full-bodied flavor that is both rich and satisfying.

Interesting facts about Southern Comfort

  • Southern Comfort is not a whiskey, but a whiskey-flavored liqueur
  • The original recipe was lost, and the current version is based on a recreated formula
  • The brand was acquired by the Sazerac Company in 2016

Ingredients

  • Southern comfort: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Orange slice: 1
  • Maraschino cherry: 1
  • Ice cubes: as needed

Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort is the soul of this cocktail, providing a unique blend of fruit, spice, and whiskey flavors. Using 2oz ensures the cocktail has a robust base without overpowering the other components. Less could leave you with a limp handshake, more might be like hugging a bear.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Freshness in a bottle, 1oz lemon juice adds the right amount of pucker-up sourness. Skip it, and the drink loses its zesty edge, like a guitar hero without a pick.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

The sweet mediator, 0.5oz simple syrup keeps the peace between bold Southern Comfort and tart lemon juice. Go without, and you might find your taste buds in a civil war.

Alex Green

Orange Slice

Not just a pretty face, the orange slice garnish adds a hint of citrus aroma which can make your nostrils flare with delight. Forget it, and your cocktail is like a star without its entourage.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

This little red gem is the cocktail's crown, providing a burst of color and a sweet finish. No cherry would be like having a sundae minus the cherry on top—acceptable, but why settle for less?

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes

The unsung heroes keeping everything cool. No ice means sweating through a southern summer in a wool suit.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Southern Comfort Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes
  2. Add 2oz of Southern Comfort
  3. Add 1oz of lemon juice
  4. Add 0.5oz of simple syrup
  5. Shake well until chilled
  6. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice
  7. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before serving for a better experience
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor
  • Try adding a dash of Angostura bitters for an extra kick

Perfect Pairings

Food

  • Barbecue: The sweetness of Southern Comfort pairs well with the smoky flavors of barbecued meats.
  • Spicy Foods: The cooling lemon can help tone down the heat, making it a good partner for spicy dishes.
  • Desserts: Try it with lemon meringue pie to complement its citrus notes.

Drinks

  • Iced Tea: Serve as a non-alcoholic option which harmonizes with the cocktail's southern charm.
  • Coffee: After dinner, a strong coffee can be a nice counterpoint to the sweet and tart flavors of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Southern Comfort

  • Bourbon can be used as a substitute for Southern Comfort
  • Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice
  • Agave syrup can replace simple syrup for a different sweetness profile

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

The Smooth Southern Gentleman

Swap Southern Comfort for peach-infused bourbon. Add muddled mint before shaking. This genteel twist brings a minty freshness and a peachy keen punch that whispers 'howdy' in the most genteel way.

The Spicy Belle

Introduce a dash of hot sauce and a splash of ginger beer in place of simple syrup. Spice it up, sugar! It’ll tickle your fancy and your tonsils with a fiery Southern kick.

The Jazzed-Up Julep

Think Southern Comfort meets Mint Julep. Muddle mint leaves and swap the simple syrup for brown sugar syrup. It's like the cocktail decided to take a stroll down Bourbon Street in its Sunday best.

In case you forgot basics how to make Southern Comfort

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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 Southern Comfort

What glassware is best suited for serving the Southern Comfort cocktail?

The Southern Comfort cocktail is best served in a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass.

How do I properly store Southern Comfort?

Southern Comfort should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it is not necessary to refrigerate it.

Is Southern Comfort suitable for people under a certain age?

As Southern Comfort is an alcoholic beverage, it is not suitable for those under the legal drinking age in their respective country.

Can I make a large batch of Southern Comfort cocktail for parties or events?

Yes, you can scale up the recipe to make a large batch. Just ensure that you maintain the right proportions of the ingredients.

What are some cocktails similar to Southern Comfort?

Cocktails that are similar to Southern Comfort include the Whiskey Sour and the Old Fashioned, which also have a base of whiskey or bourbon, mixed with fruit juices.

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