Statesman Cocktail Recipe

Statesman Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:30%

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 Statesman cocktail is a tribute to the movie 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle'. It's a sophisticated blend of bourbon, apricot brandy, and lemon juice, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a well-balanced, strong cocktail. The Statesman is a perfect choice for a classy evening or a movie night.

How Statesman Tastes?

The Statesman is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and strong. The bourbon provides a robust, smoky flavor, while the apricot brandy adds a sweet fruitiness. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing sour note.

Interesting facts about Statesman

  • The Statesman cocktail is named after the American spy organization in the 'Kingsman' movie series.
  • It's a bourbon-based cocktail, which is a nod to the Statesman's headquarters being located in a bourbon distillery.
  • Despite its strong ingredients, the cocktail is well-balanced and not overly sweet or sour.

Ingredients

Bourbon

Bourbon is the backbone of the Statesman cocktail, providing a rich, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of vanilla. At 2oz, it's just enough to assert its presence without overpowering the other flavors. If you go overboard, you might find yourself with more of a bourbon punch, and less, well, you’d be missing the good ol’ Southern charm.

Emma Rose

Apricot Brandy

Apricot Brandy adds a fruity sweetness and a slight nuttiness that complements the bourbon beautifully. 1oz is the sweet spot – too much and it’s a sugary overkill, too little and you’ll lose the apricot's subtle dance. If you're out of apricot brandy, a peach liqueur could do the trick, but expect a peachier profile.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice offers a necessary zesty tang that cuts through the sweetness, providing brightness and balance. 1oz aligns the tartness with the sweet elements in just the right proportion. Without it, the drink would feel heavy and cloying. An alternative could be lime juice for a sharper, more pronounced acidity.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Statesman Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add 2oz of bourbon, 1oz of apricot brandy, and 1oz of lemon juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plates: The creamy textures and earthy flavors of cheeses like Gouda or Brie are perfect counterparts to the Statesman's robust and fruity flavors.
  • Smoked Almonds: Their smoky, salty taste complements the sweetness of apricot brandy and the warmth of bourbon.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Pork: The smokiness of grilled pork chops mirrors the depth of bourbon and makes the apricot tones pop.
  • Barbecue: The sweet and tangy profiles of barbecued meats meld with the cocktail’s flavors, especially when incorporating a fruit-based barbecue sauce.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: The acidity of lemon in the cocktail will cut through the sweetness of the tarts, balancing each bite.
  • Dark Chocolate: Its bitterness will contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the apricot brandy and the richness of bourbon.

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What you could change in Statesman

  • Bourbon can be substituted with another type of whiskey.
  • Apricot brandy can be replaced with peach or apple brandy.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Statesman Sour

  • Substitute apricot brandy with amaretto.
  • Add an egg white to the shaker.
  • Follow original recipe and technique, adding egg white for a frothy texture.
  • Expect a nuttier taste with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, perfect for those that fancy a bit of foam.

Orchard Statesman

  • Add 0.5oz of apple brandy.
  • Use 0.5oz less bourbon.
  • Follow the original recipe.
  • This variation brings a crisp autumnal apple twist, creating a harmonious orchard-inspired cocktail.

Citrus Statesman

  • Use meyer lemon juice instead of regular lemon juice.
  • Add a dash of orange bitters.
  • Stick to the original recipe with these substitutions.
  • The result? A more complex citrus profile that's slightly sweeter and friendly for the citrus-curious cocktail lovers.

In case you forgot basics how to make Statesman

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 Statesman

How does the strength of the bourbon in the Statesman affect its overall taste?

A stronger bourbon will give a more pronounced boldness and complexity to the Statesman, while a milder bourbon will allow more of the apricot brandy's sweetness to come through.

Can the Statesman cocktail be made as a mocktail (non-alcoholic version)?

Yes. Non-alcoholic bourbon and brandy substitutes exist which can be used. However, remember that the taste can differ substantially.

Is there a specific time or occasion when it's best to serve the Statesman cocktail?

Its robust yet balanced flavor palate makes the Statesman a versatile cocktail that's suitable for most occasions. However, it's traditionally seen as a more refined drink, fitting formal gatherings, evening events, and sophisticated social settings.

Can I experiment with different garnishes for my Statesman cocktail?

Of course! While the classic Statesman cocktail uses a lemon twist as garnish, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits or even cherries.

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