Storm King Cocktail Recipe
Storm King Nutrition Facts
Calories:~175
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:11g
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
Contents
History
The Storm King cocktail is a formidable concoction that hails from the misty highlands of Scotland. It's a drink that commands respect, much like the tempestuous weather it's named after.
- Origins
- The cocktail is inspired by the rugged Scottish landscape and the bold flavors of its native spirits.
- It was created to capture the essence of a stormy Scottish evening, with a name that evokes power and majesty.
- Popularity
- Ideal for whisky enthusiasts and those who appreciate a complex, layered drink.
- Often enjoyed during the colder months or as a nightcap.
- Character
- The Storm King is not for the faint of heart. It's a cocktail with a strong character, much like the people of its homeland.
How Storm King Tastes?
The Storm King cocktail is a rich tapestry of flavors. It's robust and warming, with the smoky notes of Scotch whisky at the forefront. The nocino adds a nutty sweetness, while the Benedictine brings in a touch of herbal complexity. The Angostura bitters tie everything together with their subtle spice. Overall, it's a strong, slightly sweet, and complex cocktail with a lingering finish.
Interesting facts about Storm King
- The Storm King is named after the powerful weather systems that can sweep through Scotland.
- Nocino, a key ingredient, is an Italian walnut liqueur that dates back to the Middle Ages.
- Benedictine, another component, is a French herbal liqueur with a recipe that's a closely guarded secret, rumored to contain 27 different herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- Blended scotch whisky: 2 oz(60ml)
- Nocino: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Benedictine: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Angostura bitters: 3 dashes
- Brandied cherries: 3
Blended Scotch whisky
2 oz of this liquid gold sets the foundation of our Storm King cocktail. Why 2 oz? Because it's the hero; too much, and you'll overpower the other knights in this round table, too little, and the kingdom would fall into chaos (also, you wouldn't taste it enough). No Scotch, no Storm King – it's that simple. If you want a wee change, try a peated Scotch for more smoke, and you'll have a storm worthy of a Scottish legend.
Alex Green
Nocino
At 1/2 oz, this walnut liqueur from Italy brings a sweet, warm, and nutty roundness. Without it, our storm would be like thunder without lightning – missing a spark! If you substitute it with Amaretto, you'll get a different type of nuttiness but stick with Nocino for the true Storm King experience.
Emma Rose
Benedictine
A courtly 1/4 oz of this herbaceous French elixir adds a touch of sweetness and an almost royal complexity. It's a bit like the king's advisor – not at the forefront but integral to the realm's success. Forget this, and you lose the kingdom's secrets (and a layer of flavor). If you had to, a splash of Chartreuse could sit on the throne as an alternative but expect a more herbal punch.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura bitters
Three dashes are like the thunder in our storm – a powerful accent that's felt, not just seen. It's the balance to the sweetness, the punctuation in our cocktail's sentence. Leave it out, and you're left with a sentence with no full stop – a throne with no king. No real substitutes here; this is what gives our drink its reign's signature.
Alex Green
Brandied cherries
Three cherries to top our concoction, like jewels in the crown. They add a boozy sweetness and a regal touch to our presentation. Without them, our Storm King would be a little less kingly. Maraschino cherries can sit in their stead, but for full pomp and circumstance, stick with brandied.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Storm King Drink
- Chill a coupe glass to prepare for the finished cocktail.
- Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass:
- 2 oz blended Scotch whisky
- 1/2 oz nocino
- 1/4 oz Benedictine
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Add ice and stir until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with three skewered brandied cherries.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch of smokiness, try using a peated Scotch whisky.
- Chill the coupe glass in the freezer for at least an hour before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- When stirring, aim for 30-40 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chill.
Perfect Pairings
Cheese & Charcuterie
Pair this rich and nuanced cocktail with bold cheeses like blue cheese or gouda, and charcuterie like prosciutto or spicy soppressata to complement its complex layers.
Smoked & Grilled Meats
The smoky notes of the blended Scotch whisky in the Storm King make it a great match for smoked meats and grilled steaks, where the caramelized crust echoes the whisky's depth.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
The sweetness of nocino and Benedictine will align beautifully with dark chocolate creations, be it truffles or a rich torte, highlighting the dessert's natural bitterness with the drink's herbal and nutty undertones.
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What you could change in Storm King
- If Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is unavailable, any quality blended Scotch whisky can be used.
- Walnut liqueur can substitute for nocino if necessary, though the flavor profile will slightly change.
- A dash of honey or maple syrup can be used if Benedictine is not on hand, but use sparingly to not overpower the drink.
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And of course - twists🍹
Peated Storm King
- Swap the blended Scotch with a peated Scotch whisky
- Maintain the same proportions for the other ingredients.
The Peated Storm King takes the storm to the highlands with a smoky twist. The peat's earthiness will billow through the drink like a thick fog over Loch Ness, adding a mysterious layer that's for the ones who fancy a walk on the wild side of Scotland.
The Nutty Monarch
- Substitute nocino with Amaretto
- Add a splash of Frangelico to boost hazelnut notes
- Keep the same proportions for the rest of the ingredients.
Entering the realm, The Nutty Monarch will be less stormy, more of a gentle, nut-infused breeze. While still regal, this variant is for those who prefer their crowns adorned with almonds and hazelnuts – a sweeter kingdom, indeed!
The Herbal Sovereign
- Use Chartreuse instead of Benedictine
- Introduce a sprig of fresh thyme as an additional garnish
- Keep all other ingredients and proportions the same.
The Herbal Sovereign is a fresh take on regal majesty, where the herb garden takes the throne. The Chartreuse brings a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that's both fresh and profoundly complex, perfect for the cocktail enthusiast looking to conquer new territories of flavor.
In case you forgot basics how to make Storm King
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 strainInsert 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 stirGarnishing 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 Storm King
What type of glass is best suited for serving the Storm King cocktail?
The Storm King cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass, which has a broad, shallow bowl. This type of glass showcases the cocktail's color and aromas while providing an elegant presentation.
How can I achieve the best chill and dilution for my cocktail?
To achieve optimal chill and dilution, fill your mixing glass with plenty of ice before stirring. The goal is to stir until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold to the touch, typically for about 30 to 40 seconds.
Can I make a larger batch of the Storm King cocktail for a party?
Yes, you can scale up the quantities of the ingredients proportionally to serve multiple people. Be sure to keep the ratios consistent, and prepare the batch in advance. Stir the batch with ice right before serving, then strain into individual chilled glasses.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Storm King cocktail?
While the distinct flavor profile of the Storm King is heavily dependent on its alcoholic components, you can create a non-alcoholic version using non-alcoholic Scotch whisky alternatives, walnut syrup, and herbal non-alcoholic bitters to mimic the original flavors.
How do I properly garnish the Storm King cocktail?
To garnish the Storm King, spear three brandied cherries onto a cocktail skewer or pick. Rest the skewer across the rim of the coupe glass or let it gently sit at the bottom of the glass.
Is the Storm King cocktail suitable for daytime drinking?
The Storm King is typically considered an evening or nightcap drink due to its rich and robust flavors. However, it can be enjoyed during the day, especially on cooler days or at gatherings where a stronger cocktail is appreciated.
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