Zaragoza Cocktail Recipe

Zaragoza Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:15%

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 Zaragoza cocktail is named after the beautiful city of Zaragoza in Spain. It was created by a talented bartender who wanted to capture the essence of the city in a drink. This cocktail is popular among those who appreciate the rich history and vibrant culture of Zaragoza.

  • The Zaragoza cocktail was first created in the early 20th century
  • It gained popularity among travelers who visited the city and wanted to bring a taste of Zaragoza back home
  • The cocktail is often enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings, reflecting the lively atmosphere of the city

How Zaragoza Tastes?

The Zaragoza cocktail has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It is a refreshing and light drink with a hint of fruitiness, making it an ideal choice for warm summer evenings.

Interesting facts about Zaragoza

  • The Zaragoza cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'taste of Spain' due to its origins and unique flavor profile
  • The cocktail's garnish, a slice of orange, represents the sun setting over the city of Zaragoza
  • The Zaragoza cocktail has become a symbol of the city's hospitality and welcoming nature

Ingredients

A few good options for Zaragoza are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin: 45ml

Gin is the backbone of this cocktail, bringing a complex botanical flavor that sets the stage for the other ingredients. Too much, and you risk overpowering the cocktail; too little, and it becomes weak and unbalanced. No gin, no party—the whole character of the drink shifts.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a flavored gin—perhaps with a hint of citrus or spice to echo the cocktail's profile.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Liqueur: 15ml

This sweet and zesty liqueur adds depth and pairs perfectly with the lemon juice. Not enough might leave the cocktail flat, while too much could sweeten it excessively. If you have to substitute, a Triple Sec or Cointreau can work wonders.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice: 15ml

Fresh is best. It's all about balance here; the tartness needs to counter the sweet. Missing lemon juice? The cocktail loses its zing. But if life doesn't give you lemons, a lime juice squeeze can make a decent understudy.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup: 10ml

Just a hint of sweetness to marry the tart and botanical flavors. More might give you a toothache, less might make the cocktail too sharp. No simple syrup? Well, a small spoon of sugar could do the trick, but it's less refined.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Bitters: 2 dashes

Think of bitters as the spice rack of cocktails—a small but essential touch that completes the drink. Without them, it's like eating food without seasoning. No orange bitters? Aromatic bitters can pinch-hit, albeit with a different nuance.

Emma Rose

Orange Slice: 1

A slice is not just for looks; it adds fresh aroma and a hint of citrus oil to the rim. No slice, less delight—it's not essential, but you'll miss that fragrant greeting with each sip. Plus, it's a pretty looker on the glass.

Alex Green

Ginger Ale: 60ml

Brings the fizz and a gingery kick, lightening the drink and making it dance on your palate. Too much can overwhelm, too little might not tickle your fancy. Ginger beer could be a bold alternative if you're after a stronger ginger flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Zaragoza Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters to the shaker
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice
  5. Top with ginger ale
  6. Garnish with an orange slice

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail ingredients vigorously to ensure they are well mixed
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers:

  • Spanish tapas such as albondigas (meatballs) or gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) complement the citrus notes of the cocktail.
  • Cheese platters featuring Manchego cheese provide a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the bubbles from the ginger ale.

Main Courses:

  • Seafood dishes like paella or grilled fish highlight the fresh lemon juice and complement the effervescence of the ginger ale.
  • Grilled chicken or pork with a citrus glaze can echo the orange flavors in the cocktail.

Desserts:

  • Citrus-based desserts; a lemon tart or orange sorbet would be lovely with Zaragoza's refreshing profile.
  • Chocolate desserts, especially dark chocolate, might offer a delightful contrast to the drink's zesty flavors.

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What you could change in Zaragoza

  • Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a less botanical flavor
  • Orange liqueur: Triple sec can be used as a substitute
  • Ginger ale: Can be replaced with club soda for a less sweet version

Explore all drinks starting with Z here

And of course - twists🍹

'Seville Sunset'

  • Ingredients: Substitute gin with Añejo tequila, lime juice instead of lemon, and add a splash of grenadine.
  • Recipe: Just like the Zaragoza, but with the tequila and lime shake-up, and a grenadine drizzle to finish. It's a bolder, sunset-hued twist that's both sweet and sassy.

'Verde Valley'

  • Ingredients: Add muddled cucumber and mint before shaking, and use elderflower liqueur instead of orange liqueur.
  • Recipe: Muddle fresh cucumber and mint, throw in the elderflower allure, and proceed as per the standard. You'll sip a greener, garden-fresh version that's herbaceous with a floral hint.

'The Gingered Bee'

  • Ingredients: Replace simple syrup with honey syrup and ginger ale with a non-alcoholic ginger beer.
  • Recipe: Mix in honey's smoothness and a sharp ginger beer, sans alcohol buzz. It's the Zaragoza gone non-alcoholic and spicy-sweet, perfect for the teetotaler looking for zest without the zing.

In case you forgot basics how to make Zaragoza

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 syrup

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 Zaragoza

What type of gin works best in a Zaragoza cocktail?

A dry gin is ideal for this cocktail to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Can I make a Zaragoza cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic version or just use more ginger ale. Replace the orange liqueur with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

What other garnishes can I use for the Zaragoza cocktail?

Besides the traditional orange slice, you could garnish with a twist of orange peel or a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing twist.

Is there a specific temperature to serve the Zaragoza cocktail?

The Zaragoza cocktail is best served chilled. You may use ice cubes or crushed ice, depending on your preference.

Can I pre-make a batch of Zaragoza cocktails?

Yes, you can mix up a batch in advance, but wait to add the ginger ale until you're ready to serve, so it remains fizzy.

Why is it called Zaragoza?

It's named after the city of Zaragoza in Spain where it was first made. The cocktail is said to encapsulate the vibrant culture of the city.

What are some other popular Spanish cocktails?

Other popular Spanish cocktails include Sangria, Tinto de Verano, and Gin Tonic.

Can I make a Zaragoza cocktail in a jug or pitcher?

Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you want, but remember to add the ginger ale just before serving.

What food pairs well with a Zaragoza cocktail?

The Zaragoza is versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly Spanish tapas or light, citrusy desserts.

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