Trump Tower Cocktail Recipe

Trump Tower Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:40

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 Trump Tower cocktail is a playful nod to the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. Known for his love of luxury and opulence, this cocktail mirrors his personality with its rich, bold flavors and golden hue. Ideal for those who enjoy a strong, robust drink with a touch of extravagance.

How Trump Tower Tastes?

The Trump Tower cocktail is a bold, robust drink with a strong whiskey base. The addition of the orange liqueur and lemon juice adds a sweet and sour balance, while the hint of honey gives it a smooth, rich finish.

Interesting facts about Trump Tower

  • The Trump Tower cocktail is named after the famous Trump Tower in New York City.
  • Despite its name, it's not known to be a favorite of Donald Trump himself.
  • The cocktail's golden color is a nod to Trump's love for gold.

Ingredients

Whiskey

Whiskey adds a robust depth of flavor with its smokey, sometimes caramel notes, especially important in a cocktail named after a towering edifice. The 2oz is enough to warm the spirit of the drink without overpowering it. Without it, you lose the foundation (and let's face it, name) of the 'Trump Tower'. Substituting it with bourbon might introduce a sweeter profile, while Scotch could add a peaty streak.

Emma Rose

Orange Liqueur

The 1oz of orange liqueur brings a bright citrusy sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon juice. Skipping this could leave your cocktail feeling flat, like an unfinished penthouse. Substitutes like Grand Marnier could add a brandy base, complicating the flavors, while triple sec would keep it light.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

With 1oz, lemon juice not only adds zing but also cuts through the sweetness, much like a brisk wind on Fifth Avenue. Without it, the drink might be too sugary, like an over-the-top gold leaf interior. A lime juice substitute could turn your high-rise into an art deco delight with a sharper tang.

Mary Mitkina

Honey

A teaspoon of honey is the sweetener that ties the flavors together, like a deal-maker's handshake. Omit it, and you're left with a less complex flavor profile - a cocktail without its bling. Swap it with maple syrup and you'll have a more forest-like note, complimenting an oaky whiskey.

Emma Rose

Ice Cubes

Used to chill and slightly dilute the drink, much needed to cool down after a heated boardroom debate. Without ice, the cocktail could be too strong, like a CEO with no board to check their power. Crushed ice will dilute faster, changing the intensity of the drink.

Alex Green

Orange Peel

It's not just to make the cocktail look 'yuge' – the orange peel garnish adds aroma and a hint of zest on the rim. Forget the garnish, and you miss out on that first impression, much like skipping a firm handshake at a meeting. A lemon twist could offer a sherbet-like nose, but it's just not the same deal.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Trump Tower Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the whiskey, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and honey.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with an orange peel.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality whiskey for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure the honey is fully dissolved.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher taste.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizer Pairings

  • Cheese Boards: A selection with sharp cheddar and gouda will complement the richness of the whiskey.
  • Grilled Shrimp: The citrus notes of the cocktail can bring out the sweetness of the shrimp.

Main Course Pairings

  • BBQ Pork Ribs: The sweetness of the honey and the smokiness of the whiskey are a match made in heaven with barbecued meats.
  • Roast Duck: The orange liqueur echoes the classic duck à l'orange flavor profile.

Dessert Pairings

  • Chocolate Orange Cake: The dessert's bittersweet flavors will tie in nicely with the cocktail’s citrus notes.
  • Lemon Tart: Will pair well as the tartness of the dessert will balance the sweetness of the drink.

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What you could change in Trump Tower

  • Whiskey can be substituted with bourbon for a sweeter taste.
  • Orange liqueur can be replaced with Grand Marnier for a more robust flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

The Empire State

  • Substitute whiskey with rye.
  • Add a dash of grenadine.
  • Continue with the original recipe. This version, named after another iconic New York building, would have a spicier kick from the rye and a pop of color, much like the building's famous light shows.

The Wall Street Bull

  • Use cognac instead of whiskey.
  • Replace honey with a brown sugar cube.
  • Muddle sugar cube with bitters before adding other ingredients. A nod to the financial district, this twist adds a rich complexity and a nod to the classic Old Fashioned, embodying the spirit of the bull market.

Central Park Stroll

  • Add muddled fresh mint to the shaker.
  • Use honey syrup for easier integration.
  • Follow the original recipe, topping with a splash of club soda. This twist brings a refreshing green element, like a leisurely walk in Central Park, to the original cocktail, creating a more summery, effervescent experience.

In case you forgot basics how to make Trump Tower

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 Trump Tower

What types of whiskey would work best for this cocktail?

Any type of quality whiskey can be used, but typically a rye or bourbon are common choices for their robust flavor.

How do I select a good orange liqueur for this cocktail?

Go for a higher-end brand. Some popular choices are Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Ultimately, you want a balanced orange flavor that is not overly sweet.

What can I do if I don't have a cocktail shaker?

You could use any container with a tight-fitting top, like a mason jar. Make sure you strained the drink thoroughly before serving.

Can this cocktail be served with other than an orange peel garnish?

Yes! While an orange peel adds a zesty citrus flavor, feel free to explore with other garnishes like a lemon twist, cherry, or even a sprig of fresh mint.

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