Symphony Cocktail Recipe

Symphony Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:20%

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 Symphony cocktail is a delightful and elegant drink, often enjoyed at high-end events and gatherings. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was first created by a renowned bartender in London. The Symphony cocktail quickly gained popularity among the elite and has since become a staple at upscale bars and lounges around the world.

  • The name 'Symphony' is derived from the harmonious blend of flavors that come together in this cocktail, much like the various instruments in a symphony orchestra.
  • This cocktail is often associated with sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice for formal events and celebrations.
  • The Symphony cocktail has been featured in various movies and television shows, further cementing its status as a classic and timeless drink.

How Symphony Tastes?

The Symphony cocktail offers a harmonious blend of flavors, with a slightly sweet and fruity taste, balanced by a subtle tartness. The overall flavor profile is smooth, refreshing, and sophisticated.

Interesting facts about Symphony

  • The Symphony cocktail is often served in a martini glass, which adds to its elegant presentation.
  • The combination of ingredients in this cocktail creates a beautiful, vibrant color that is visually appealing and enticing.
  • The Symphony cocktail is sometimes garnished with a twist of lemon or a cherry, adding a touch of flair and sophistication to the drink.

Ingredients

A few good options for Symphony are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

GIN: 2oz

The gin is the backbone of the Symphony, providing a complex botanical base that plays well with the bright citrus and sweet-tart profile of the other ingredients. No gin, no symphony : the drink wouldn't have its characteristic depth. Opt for a classic London Dry if you want tradition, or a New American Style gin for a contemporary twist.

Alex Green

LEMON JUICE: 1oz

Lemon juice injects a zesty freshness that brings the drink to life; it cuts through the sweetness of the triple sec and the rich flavor of the gin. Using less juice can make the drink overly sweet, while more can turn it too sour. Fresh is best—bottled juice will lack the bright, zingzingyboomboom!

Emma Rose

TRIPLE SEC: 0.5oz

Triple sec adds a citrusy sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile. Skimping on it might leave the drink feeling incomplete, whereas too much can overshadow the gin. An alternative like Cointreau or Grand Marnier would offer a similar orange flavor, but with a more pronounced complexity and potential increase in sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

CRANBERRY JUICE: 1oz

Cranberry juice offers a sweet yet tart contrast that defines much of the Symphony's character. It complements both the citrus and botanical notes. Without it, the drink lacks a layer of flavor and its signature color. More juice would sweeten the cocktail further and may overwhelm the delicate balance.

Alex Green

ICE: As needed

Ice is the unsung hero, chilling and diluting the cocktail to perfection. Too little and your drink is warm and too strong; too much can make it watery. The right amount results in a perfectly balanced, symphonic sip.

Emma Rose

GARNISH: LEMON TWIST

The garnish isn't just for looks; the lemon twist adds an aromatic citrus spray as it's twisted over the drink, which enhances the sensory experience. Omitting it is like forgetting the final note of a masterpiece—still good, but not complete.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Symphony Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, lemon juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a better taste.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker until it feels cold to the touch for a well-mixed drink.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as goat cheese or brie can complement the botanical flavors of the gin and the citrus notes in the Symphony cocktail.
  • Seafood: Light dishes like shrimp cocktail or grilled fish pair nicely with the tartness of lemon and cranberry.
  • Salty Snacks: Salted nuts or pretzels can balance the sweetness of the triple sec and the tartness of the cranberry and lemon juices.

Drink Pairings

  • Sparkling Water: Between sips of the Symphony, sparkling water can cleanse the palate and highlight the cocktail's crispness.
  • Light Beer: A lager or pilsner can complement the Symphony's refreshing quality without overpowering its flavors.

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What you could change in Symphony

  • You can substitute gin with vodka for a different taste.
  • Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice.
  • If you don't have triple sec, you can use any other orange liqueur.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Sparkling Symphony

  • Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a deeper sweetness and more exotic flavor profile.
  • Top with a splash of sparkling wine to add effervescence and a celebratory twist.

Recipe: Follow the standard Symphony recipe, but after pouring the shaken ingredients, top with sparkling wine and use a pomegranate slice as the garnish.

Flavor Profile: This twist will give you a more luxurious feel with a slightly tannic bite from the pomegranate and the bubbly zing from the sparkling wine. It's like a standing ovation at a concert—refreshing, lively, and utterly memorable.

Green Symphony

  • Swap out lemon juice for lime juice to introduce a tart edge with an additional tropical flair.
  • Add a spritz of elderflower liqueur for a floral note that dances gracefully with the gin's botanicals.

Recipe: Exchange lemon juice with lime and just before shaking, include a half-ounce of elderflower liqueur to the mix. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber for a green twist.

Flavor Profile: Think of this as the Symphony cocktail's serene pastoral movement—crisp, refreshing, and subtly sweet with a verdant kick that invites you to pour another.

Spicy Symphony

  • Incorporate a small amount of jalapeño-infused simple syrup to introduce a spicy, audacious mix.
  • Garnish with a small chili pepper on the rim to signal the heat within.

Recipe: Just add a quarter-ounce of jalapeño-infused simple syrup into the shaker along with the standard Symphony ingredients. Shake it like a maraca, then strain into your glass and add the chili garnish.

Flavor Profile: This energetic twist on the classic Symphony cocktail is like a fiery allegro that wakes up the senses—it's bold, daring, and not for the faint of heart. Spice up your night with a sip of this heated masterpiece.

In case you forgot basics how to make Symphony

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 Symphony

Can I prepare the Symphony cocktail in advance?

While fresh preparation is usually recommended for the best taste, you can prepare the Symphony cocktail in advance. However, remember not to add ice until just before serving to avoid dilution.

What other garnishes can I use for the Symphony cocktail?

While a twist of lemon is traditional, you can also use an orange slice, a cherry, or even a sprig of fresh mint for a different twist. The garnish often also complements the drink's color.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Symphony cocktail?

For a non-alcoholic version, you could omit the gin and triple sec and replace them with non-alcoholic alternatives, such as a soda or a non-alcoholic spirit.

Are there any specific brands of gin or triple sec that enhance the taste of the Symphony cocktail?

The Symphony cocktail can be made with a variety of gin and triple sec brands. Your choice will often depend on your personal taste preferences.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice usually gives a brighter and fresher taste to cocktails.

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