Strega Cocktail Recipe
Strega Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
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
Contents
History
The Strega cocktail is named after the famous Italian liqueur, Strega, which means 'witch' in Italian. The liqueur has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when it was first produced in the town of Benevento, known for its legends of witches and sorcery. The Strega cocktail is popular among those who enjoy herbal and complex flavors, and it's perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
- The Strega liqueur was first produced in 1860 by Giuseppe Alberti
- The town of Benevento has a long history of legends involving witches and magical rituals
- The Strega cocktail is a great choice for those who appreciate complex, herbal flavors
How Strega Tastes?
The Strega cocktail has a complex, herbal taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of bitter, sweet, and earthy flavors, with a smooth, velvety texture. The herbal notes from the Strega liqueur are complemented by the citrusy and slightly bitter taste of the orange bitters.
Interesting facts about Strega
- Strega liqueur is made from a secret recipe that includes over 70 different herbs and spices
- The liqueur gets its distinct yellow color from the addition of saffron
- Strega liqueur is often used in Italian desserts, such as the famous Torta Caprese
Ingredients
- Strega liqueur: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Orange bitters: 2 dashes
- Ice: As needed
- Orange peel: 1 for garnish
Strega Liqueur
The Strega Liqueur is the backbone of this cocktail, offering a slightly sweet, herbal complexity with more than 70 botanicals. If you use less than 1.5 oz, you might not get the full herbal experience, and more might overpower the delicate balance. Without it, it's simply not a Strega cocktail.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Bitters
Orange bitters add a subtle depth and a hint of citrus. Two dashes are just enough to complement the Strega without overwhelming it. If you skip the bitters, the cocktail will lack its full spectrum of flavors.
Alex Green
Ice
Ice is essential for chilling the cocktail, providing dilution for a smoother sip. No ice would result in a lukewarm, overly potent drink. If you prefer a less diluted cocktail, consider using larger ice cubes or stirring for a shorter time.
Emma Rose
Orange Peel
The orange peel garnish adds aromatic citrus oils to the nose and a hint of zest to the first sip. Omitting this would rob the drink of its fragrant introduction and visual appeal.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Strega Drink
- Fill a mixing glass with ice
- Add 1.5 oz of Strega liqueur
- Add 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Stir the ingredients until well-chilled
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
- Express an orange peel over the cocktail, then twist it and place it on the rim of the glass as a garnish
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool longer.
- Use a vegetable peeler to get a perfect orange peel garnish.
- Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting it too much.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Cheese: Aged cheeses such as Parmesan or Gouda. The herbal notes of Strega complement the nuttiness of aged cheeses.
- Desserts: Favorites include almond cookies or lemon-based desserts. The sweet and herbaceous flavor of Strega pairs well with the citrus and nutty flavors of these sweet treats.
- Seafood: Grilled or roasted white fish. The orange bitters add a citrusy profile that can elevate simple seafood dishes.
Drink Pairings
- Coffee: A nice espresso or cappuccino. The coffee's bitterness and the digestive properties of Strega blend harmoniously.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic pairing, the effervescence of sparkling water can cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.
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What you could change in Strega
- You can substitute Strega liqueur with Yellow Chartreuse for a different herbal flavor.
- Lemon bitters can be used instead of orange bitters for a more citrusy taste.
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And of course - twists🍹
Strega Sour
- Substitute Italian Amaro for bitters
- Add 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice
- Include 0.5 oz of simple syrup
- Include 1 egg white for frothiness This twist adds a zesty sourness and a creamy texture to the drink, highlighting the Strega in a sour cocktail approach.
Strega Sparkle
- Top off with Prosecco
- Add a splash of soda water
- Include a sprig of thyme as garnish The twist introduces a sparkling effervescence that lightens the liqueur's richness, making it a refreshing apéritif.
Herbal Strega Martini
- Add 1 oz of dry gin
- Include 1 dash of dry vermouth
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig Incorporating gin and vermouth turns the Strega cocktail into a complex, herb-heavy martini variant with a piney kick.
In case you forgot basics how to make Strega
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 Strega
What are some other popular cocktails that use Strega?
Apart from the Strega cocktail, Strega liqueur is also used in Albert's Special cocktail and the Witch's Kiss cocktail.
What is the best way to store Strega liqueur?
Strega liqueur should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it does not need to be refrigerated and can last several years.
What is the alcohol content of Strega liqueur?
Strega liqueur has an alcohol content of approximately 40% by volume.
Do I need any special equipment to make a Strega cocktail?
No, you do not require any special equipment to make a strega cocktail. A standard cocktail shaker, a mixing glass, and a strainer should suffice.
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