Zabaglione Cocktail Recipe
Zabaglione Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:20g
Protein:6g
Carbohydrates:18g
Alcohol:10%
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
Zabaglione, also known as Sabayon, is a classic Italian dessert made from egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine. The cocktail version of Zabaglione is inspired by this delicious dessert and has been enjoyed by dessert lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The Zabaglione cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and creamy drinks, and it's often served as an after-dinner treat.
How Zabaglione Tastes?
The Zabaglione cocktail is sweet, creamy, and rich with a hint of fruity flavors from the sweet wine. It has a velvety texture and a luxurious mouthfeel, making it a delightful indulgence.
Interesting facts about Zabaglione
- The Zabaglione dessert dates back to the 16th century in Italy.
- The dessert is traditionally served warm, while the cocktail version is typically served chilled.
- In France, the dessert is called Sabayon and is often made with Champagne instead of sweet wine.
Ingredients
- Marsala wine: 2 oz(60ml)
- Egg yolks: 2
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1/4 tsp
- Freshly grated nutmeg: 1 pinch
- Garnish: Ground cinnamon
Marsala Wine
Marsala wine is the cornerstone of this festive cocktail, offering a rich, deep flavor and a slightly sweet backbone. Too much can overwhelm your palate, too little, and you'll miss the essence. No Marsala? Try substituting with Madeira or a sweet sherry for a different but intriguing twist.
Alex Green
Egg Yolks
These little golden wonders enrich the cocktail, giving it a luxurious, creamy texture. They're essential not just for consistency but for that rich taste. Skip them, and you'll end up with a wine spritzer instead of a Zabaglione. Remember, too many yolks, and your drink could become an eggy soup!
Emma Rose
Sugar
It's all about balance! Sugar brings sweetness, which melds with the wine and eggs to create harmonious sips. Don't go overboard, or you'll feel like you're drinking your dessert, but cutting it entirely would lead to a flatter, dull affair. Not into granulated sugar? Try a drizzle of honey instead!
Mary Mitkina
Heavy Cream
This is the indulgence factor—cream adds a velvety, rich layer that cuddles the palate. But this cocktail isn't a milkshake; an excessive pour could drown the other ingredients. If cream isn't your style, you might use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Alex Green
Vanilla Extract
A drop of this potent elixir goes a long way. It brings aromatic warmth and depth to your drink, complementing the Marsala's inherent sweetness. Leave it out, and you might find your cocktail missing some complex notes. A vanilla bean pod could be a fancy alternative!
Emma Rose
Freshly Grated Nutmeg
This pinch adds a touch of holiday spice, making each sip feel like a celebration. Too much could overpower, but just the right amount whispers sophistication. If you're out of nutmeg, a sprinkle of cinnamon might just do the trick, albeit with a different kind of warmth.
Mary Mitkina
Ground Cinnamon (Garnish)
The finishing touch, this garnish not only adds to your cocktail's visual appeal but also introduces a layer of spiced aroma that invites the next sip. Without this dusting, the drink feels undressed; too much, and you're in cinnamon challenge territory.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Zabaglione Drink
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Add the Marsala wine, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour the mixture into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
- Garnish with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and a dusting of ground cinnamon.
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass before serving for the best experience.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more intense flavor.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure a frothy and creamy texture.
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
- Chocolate Fondant - The boldness of chocolate complements the richness of the Zabaglione cocktail.
- Fruit Tart - A fruit tart with its fresh, tangy berries would offer a delightful contrast to the creamy and sweet nature of the drink.
- Assorted Cheese Plate - Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone could play well with the cocktail's smooth texture and wine notes.
Coffee
- Espresso - A shot of espresso alongside your cocktail blends the bitter coffee flavors with the sweet and creamy Zabaglione.
Digestif
- Aged Grappa - The clear, potent kick of a good Grappa as a digestif can cut through the dessert-like consistency of the Zabaglione.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Zabaglione
- Marsala wine: Can be replaced with any sweet wine or champagne.
- Heavy cream: Can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Sugar: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener.
Explore all drinks starting with Z here
And of course - twists🍹
Citrus Zabaglione
Substitute Marsala with a sweet Orange Liqueur like Grand Marnier. Add a zest of an orange into the shaker. This twist gives the cocktail a fruity, citrusy lift, perfect for those who prefer a zesty kick to their sips.
Ingredients: Same as original recipe, replacing Marsala with 2 oz of Orange Liqueur.
Chocolate Zabaglione
Blend 1 oz of chocolate liqueur with the original ingredients. Garnish with chocolate shavings. This version is a chocoholic's dream, merging the seductive flavors of cocoa with the creamy Zabaglione base.
Ingredients: Original, plus 1 oz chocolate liqueur.
Spiced Zabaglione
Add 1/4 tsp of pumpkin spice to the mix and whisk it together with the rest. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. It's a Zabaglione with a Thanksgiving twist, offering warm, spicy flavors to those chilly evenings.
Ingredients: Original, plus 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice.
In case you forgot basics how to make Zabaglione
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.
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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Zabaglione
Can children consume Zabaglione cocktail?
No, the Zabaglione cocktail contains Marsala wine which is alcohol. Therefore, it is not suitable for underage individuals, pregnant women, and people with alcohol-related issues.
Can this cocktail be served in other types of glasses?
Yes, although the preferred glass is a chilled martini glass or coupe, it can also be served in other stylish cocktail glasses.
Is Zabaglione cocktail vegan?
No, the Zabaglione cocktail is not vegan due to the inclusion of egg yolks and heavy cream in its recipe.
Are there any popular variations of the Zabaglione cocktail?
Yes, some bartenders like to put their own spin on the classic Zabaglione cocktail with slight modifications such as using different sweet wines or adding other liqueurs for an extra kick.
What foods pair well with the Zabaglione cocktail?
As a dessert cocktail, it pairs exceptionally well with Italian pastries like cannoli or almond biscotti. It can also complement rich, creamy desserts like cheesecake or pots de crème.
Does the Zabaglione cocktail contain gluten?
It includes Marsala wine, which is generally considered gluten-free, though it may depend on the specific brand used. The cocktail's other ingredients, including eggs, sugar, cream, and vanilla extract, don't contain gluten.
More similar recipes to Zabaglione!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Porto Flip
The Porto Flip is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness. The flavors of the port wine and brandy blend beautifully, while the egg adds a creamy texture. The cocktail is well-balanced, with a warming finish.
Royal Fizz
The Royal Fizz is a well-balanced cocktail with a creamy, frothy texture. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, with notes of citrus from the lemon juice and a hint of botanicals from the gin. The egg yolk adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Prairie Oyster
The Prairie Oyster cocktail is a savory, rich, and slightly spicy drink with a unique texture. The combination of the raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a velvety and bold flavor profile that is both satisfying and invigorating.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Cement Mixer
The Cement Mixer has a creamy, tangy, and slightly sour taste. The texture is thick and curdled, which can be off-putting to some.