Touchdown Cocktail Recipe
Touchdown Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
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
Contents
History
The Touchdown cocktail is a classic American drink, often associated with the excitement of football season. It's a simple, refreshing cocktail that's perfect for tailgating parties or watching the game at home. The Touchdown is a mix of apple brandy and vermouth, with a dash of lemon juice for a tart kick. It's a drink that's sure to score with any crowd.
How Touchdown Tastes?
The Touchdown cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and strong. The apple brandy brings a sweet, fruity flavor, while the vermouth adds a layer of complexity. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, adding a tart, refreshing note. It's a well-balanced drink that's perfect for any occasion.
Interesting facts about Touchdown
- The Touchdown cocktail is often associated with football season, making it a popular choice for tailgating parties and game day gatherings.
- Despite its association with football, the Touchdown is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round.
- The Touchdown is a simple cocktail, making it a great choice for beginner mixologists.
Ingredients
- Apple brandy: 2 oz(60ml)
- Dry vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
Apple Brandy
Apple brandy brings a rich, fruity depth that serves as the cocktail's robust backbone. Dial the amount up, and you might be walking lopsided like a broken goalpost. Skimp on it, and the flavor is as underwhelming as a fumbled football. No Apple Brandy? Try Calvados for a French twist or bourbon for an American touchdown.
Mary Mitkina
Dry Vermouth
Dry vermouth is the stealthy player here, contributing herbal complexity and balance — and without it, you'll miss the play and the taste might be too robust. Much like a referee's call, the right measure is crucial. Feel free to sub in Lillet Blanc for a different kind of kick.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is the zesty cheerleader, brightening up the whole game and providing that sharp, refreshing high note. Too much, and it'll overshadow the other players; too little, and the cocktail might lose its pep. Bottled juice can sub in if you're in a pinch, but fresh is always MVP.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Touchdown Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the apple brandy, dry vermouth, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Chill your cocktail glass before serving for a colder, more refreshing drink.
- Don't over shake the cocktail, as this can dilute the flavors.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Charcuterie Boards: The bold flavors in apple brandy and the acid from lemon juice can cut through rich, fatty meats and cheeses.
- Roasted Poultry: Try it with a roasted chicken or turkey; the citrus notes can complement the savory flavors of the meat.
- Apple & Walnut Salad: A salad with fresh apples and crunchy walnuts would echo the apple notes in the brandy and add a textural contrast.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water is a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the Touchdown cocktail.
- Hard Cider: A semi-dry hard cider could enhance the apple flavor without overpowering the cocktail.
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What you could change in Touchdown
- Apple Brandy: You can substitute apple brandy with apple liqueur or apple-flavored vodka.
- Dry Vermouth: If you don't have dry vermouth, you can use sweet vermouth, but this will make the cocktail sweeter.
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And of course - twists🍹
Apple Spice Touchdown
- Add a cinnamon stick to the shaker.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice sprinkled with cinnamon. Expect a warm, autumnal vibe to this version, like a halftime show featuring pumpkin pie.
Sweet Victory
- Substitute apple brandy with honey bourbon.
- Add a splash of maple syrup. This sweeter rendition celebrates as if it just won the sugar bowl. Honey and maple will hug the palate like a lineman after a quarterback sack.
Sour Fumble
- Increase lemon juice to 1.5 oz.
- Decorate with a sugar rim and a twist of lemon peel. A tart twist that might make your face pucker like it's fourth-and-long. It's fresh, it's bold, and it's got the kick of a field goal into the wind.
In case you forgot basics how to make Touchdown
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 shakePlace 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Touchdown
What occasions are best for serving the Touchdown cocktail?
Besides football season and tailgating parties, the Touchdown cocktail can be served at various celebrations and parties. Its unique, well-balanced flavor makes it a great choice for dinner parties, BBQs, and seasonal events like fall gatherings or holiday parties.
How can I modify the Touchdown cocktail to make it lighter?
You can make the Touchdown cocktail lighter by replacing some of the apple brandy with apple juice or enhancing the sourness by adding more lemon juice. You may also choose to add soda water to dilute the alcohol content.
What foods pair well with the Touchdown cocktail?
The Touchdown cocktail pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fish, cheese-based appetizers, and savory snacks like nachos and sliders. However, the ultimate pairing can depend on personal preference.
What's the best glassware to serve the Touchdown cocktail in?
Though a classic cocktail glass is used as per the Touchdown recipe, other glasses like a coupe or martini glass can also be used for an elegant presentation.
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