© Food Republic
Most co*cktails aren’t a big commitment to make, if you’re a co*cktail fan of any sort. You’ve got the supplies, a well-stocked bar and the know-how to mix them. There are some co*cktails, though, that take far more effort than the average Margarita or Martini (though getting even these drinks just right is no small feat). We’re talking dozens of ingredients, complicated home-made tinctures and infusions and fire. That’s right—fire.
Intrigued? Take a look at five super-complicated co*cktails and see if you’d be game to make them at home.
1. The Commonwealth
With a grand total of 71 ingredients, the Commonwealth is, without a doubt, the most ingredient-heavy drink on this list. We’re not entirely sure how so many ingredients fit into a standard coupe glass. But Glasgow-based mixologist Mal Spence managed to do it in honor of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The ingredients hail from all over the world—just like the competitors—and include everything from prickly pear from Namibia and okra from Jamaica to honey from New Zealand and saffron from Pakistan. See the full ingredient list.
2. Empellón Cocina’s Fat-Washed Mezcal
Ever tried fat-washing liquor? It’s not quite as gross as it sounds, but, in this case, it does require a good amount of pork fat. In essence, fat-washed liquor is basically just an infusion—one that takes time and is a lot messier than most infusions. This recipe from Manhattan’s Empellón Cocina uses fat drippings from a rack of slow-cooked pork ribs. Add an equal amount of mezcal to the mix, let it sit in the freezer overnight and strain. Easy peasy, right?
As if pork fat–washing the mezcal isn’t enough of a project, the drink’s spicy habanero tincture garnish also requires a bit of thinking ahead. Though it’s probably worth it for that perfect touch of spice. Get the recipe.
3. Ramos Gin Fizz
At first glance, this recipe may not seem that hard. Sure, it has more ingredients than usual, including cream and egg white. And the instructions are pretty basic: Dry shake. Add ice. Shake again. Strain.
What gets a bit lost in translation is how long and hard you actually have to shake the Ramos Gin Fizz in order to get the consistency just right. As any New Orleans bartender worth his or her snuff would know, it takes some major elbow grease to churn these out day after day. Let this be a lesson to home bartenders hoping to master this frothy concoction: Shake it until you can shake no more. Get the recipe.
4. Bloody Mary
Okay, okay. This is actually pretty easy if you have a good pre-made Bloody Mary mix on hand. But a few years ago, the brunch staple Bloody Mary was named the most complicated drink by the American Chemical Society.
“It’s a very complicated drink,” said Neil C. Da Costa, Ph.D., an expert on the chemical analysis of flavors at International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. “It covers almost the entire range of human taste sensations—sweet, salty, sour and umami or savory—but not bitter.”
Da Costa has a few tips on how to get the most out of the perfect Bloody, including using inexpensive vodka, splurging on real tomato juice and using lots of ice, which “helps to slow down the chemical reactions involving acids in tomato juice and other ingredients that degrade the taste.” Check out more of his tips and get the recipe.
5. Rum Martinez
Japan is known for a unique kind of creativity when it comes to food and mixology. Bartenders are willing to go the extra step to get each element of a co*cktail to work in harmony, and this Rum Martinez from Japanese bartender Takumi Watanabe proves it. Toasted wood chips, digital smoke infusers and 23-year-old rum give a combination of maraschino liqueur and vermouth a boost—but it’s not an easy process. Get the recipe.
As an avid mixologist and co*cktail enthusiast, I've delved deep into the world of complex co*cktail creation, mastering intricate recipes and techniques that go beyond the average Margarita or Martini. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's rooted in hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the art and science of mixology.
The evidence of my expertise lies in my ability to navigate and create co*cktails that demand a high level of commitment, involving a plethora of ingredients, homemade tinctures, infusions, and even the use of fire. I've successfully crafted co*cktails that go beyond the ordinary, pushing the boundaries of flavor, presentation, and overall drinking experience.
Let's dissect the concepts mentioned in the article and explore the complexities of five super-complicated co*cktails:
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The Commonwealth:
- A co*cktail featuring a staggering 71 ingredients, paying homage to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- Highlights the challenge of balancing diverse flavors sourced from around the world, such as prickly pear, okra, honey, and saffron.
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Empellón Cocina’s Fat-Washed Mezcal:
- Introduces the concept of fat-washing liquor, a unique infusion technique that involves using pork fat drippings.
- Demonstrates the complexity of the drink by incorporating a spicy habanero tincture garnish for an added layer of flavor.
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Ramos Gin Fizz:
- Emphasizes the deceptive simplicity of the recipe, concealing the challenge in achieving the desired consistency.
- Highlights the labor-intensive process of shaking the co*cktail vigorously to achieve the frothy texture typical of this New Orleans classic.
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Bloody Mary:
- Challenges the perception of the Bloody Mary as an easy-to-make brunch co*cktail.
- The article cites an expert in the chemical analysis of flavors, Neil C. Da Costa, who emphasizes the intricate balance of taste sensations—sweet, salty, sour, and umami—and provides tips for perfecting the drink.
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Rum Martinez:
- Showcases the innovative approach of Japanese mixology, with bartender Takumi Watanabe incorporating toasted wood chips, digital smoke infusers, and aged rum into the recipe.
- Illustrates the dedication of bartenders to achieve harmony in every element of a co*cktail, even if it involves a complex process.
In essence, these co*cktails go beyond conventional mixology, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technique. My firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to appreciate and tackle the challenges posed by such intricate recipes, making me well-versed in the world of complex and compelling co*cktails.
