Van Gogh Cocktail Recipe
Van Gogh Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
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 Van Gogh cocktail is inspired by the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, known for his unique and colorful artwork. This cocktail is a tribute to his creativity and vibrant use of colors. It is a favorite among art enthusiasts and those who appreciate a visually stunning drink.
- The cocktail was created in the late 20th century
- It is popular in upscale bars and art-themed events
- The drink's presentation is meant to evoke the vivid colors and textures of Van Gogh's paintings
How Van Gogh Tastes?
The Van Gogh cocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a well-balanced combination of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the orange liqueur. The overall taste is smooth, light, and easy to drink.
Interesting facts about Van Gogh
- The cocktail is named after Vincent van Gogh, a famous Dutch painter
- The drink's vibrant colors are inspired by Van Gogh's unique painting style
- The cocktail is often served at art-themed events and upscale bars
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Blue curacao: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Orange wheel: 1
- Grenadine: 1 dash
A few good options for Van Gogh are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
Vodka is the artist's canvas here, a neutral base that lets the other flavors express themselves. At 1.5 oz, it’s just enough to feel the warmth without the fiery burn. Less, and you might wonder if you're just sipping fruity punch; more, and it could overshadow the cocktail’s subtlety.
Mary Mitkina
Blue Curacao
This vibrant, blue-hued liqueur adds a touch of whimsy and tropical flair, reminiscent of Van Gogh's vibrant skies. At 0.5 oz, it adds just enough exotic flavor without turning the drink into an overly sweet, tropical potion. Substitute with Blue Curaçao syrup for a non-alcoholic version, and watch your masterpiece turn a bit more Picasso than Van Gogh.
Alex Green
Orange Liqueur
Another 0.5 oz of this deepens the citrus profile, providing a balanced sweet and bitter note, like the undertones of a good conversation. Ditch it, and the cocktail loses a layer of complexity. Swap with Triple Sec or Cointreau for variety; the former is lighter, the latter, richer.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
Just half an ounce adds a sharp, tangy dimension, giving the cocktail its needed brightness and acidity. Imagine it as the zest in Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'—without it, the drink would be a tad too sweet, a night without stars. A lime could be a substitute, but it'd be a different kind of masterpiece.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
The sweet mediator, 0.5 oz ensures harmony among the sharp and bold flavors. Without it, you might pucker more than intended. Consider honey or agave as alternatives for a more complex, earthy sweetness.
Alex Green
Ice
A full cup chills the liquid colors, melding them together. No ice, and you'll spoil the refreshing essence of the cocktail, like a museum without air conditioning—unbearable!
Emma Rose
Orange Wheel
More than just garnish, it's a visual cue and a hint of freshness. Skip it, and you cheat the senses; it’s a touch of 'Sunflowers' in your drink.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
A dash deepens the visual complexity, creating a sunset at the bottom of the glass. The omission of it would make the cocktail as incomplete as Van Gogh’s 'Interrupted Dream.'
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Van Gogh Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add vodka, blue curacao, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a chilled martini glass
- Slowly pour a dash of grenadine into the glass, allowing it to sink to the bottom and create a gradient effect
- Garnish with an orange wheel
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more authentic taste
- Chill the martini glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Creamy dips: The citrus notes in the cocktail can cut through the richness of cream-based dips, such as spinach artichoke dip or a garlic aioli.
- Cheese platters: A selection of cheeses, particularly those with a bit of tang like goat cheese or sharp cheddar, will complement the sweet and sour profile of the Van Gogh cocktail.
Main Courses
- Grilled seafood: The lemon juice in the cocktail would balance well with the natural flavors of grilled fish or shrimp.
- Crispy fried foods: The acidity and sweetness can be a refreshing palate cleanser for foods with heavier textures like fried chicken or tempura vegetables.
Desserts
- Fruit tarts: The citrus elements in the cocktail will enhance the fruitiness of desserts like a fresh fruit tart.
- Vanilla-flavored desserts: The smoothness of vanilla pairs nicely with the citrus and sweet notes in the drink; think vanilla panna cotta or ice cream.
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What you could change in Van Gogh
- Blue Curacao: Can be replaced with any other blue liqueur
- Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be used
- Vodka: Gin or white rum can be used for a different flavor profile
Explore all drinks starting with V here
And of course - twists🍹
Starry Night Mimosa
- Replace vodka with sparkling wine, and omit simple syrup.
- Continue the recipe as described.
- This bubbly variation creates an effervescent experience, like sipping the night sky with a frizzante touch.
Impressionist Sour
- Substitute vodka with bourbon, and replace orange liqueur with apricot brandy.
- Add an egg white before shaking to give it a silky foam.
- The twist will produce a deeper, richer flavor profile, with a nod to the classic whiskey sour, but painted with a broader, impressionistic brush.
Dutch Sunset
- Use Genever (Dutch gin) instead of vodka.
- Add a splash of soda water on top after pouring the grenadine.
- The Dutch gin will introduce malty notes, and the soda adds a refreshing sparkle, together simulating a sunset over the canals of Amsterdam.
In case you forgot basics how to make Van Gogh
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing 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 Van Gogh
What kind of vodka should I use when preparing the Van Gogh cocktail?
You can use any brand of vodka that you prefer, but a higher-quality vodka can improve the taste of the cocktail.
What other cocktails can I make with the same ingredients used in the Van Gogh cocktail?
There are numerous other cocktails you can create with these ingredients. For example, the Blue Lagoon cocktail also uses vodka and Blue Curacao, while the Sidecar uses lemon juice and orange liqueur.
I can't find any Blue Curacao where I live. How can I create the same effect?
You may substitute other blue liqueurs for Blue Curacao. If you can't find any, you can use clear liqueur and add a few drops of blue food coloring to achieve the same visual effect.
What can I pair with the Van Gogh cocktail?
You can pair the cocktail with light appetizers such as cheese, bruschetta, or seafood, to complement its refreshing, fruity flavors.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes. To make a mocktail version, you can substitute the alcoholic ingredients with their non-alcoholic counterparts, for example, substituting vodka with non-alcoholic vodka, and using orange juice instead of the orange liqueur.
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