The Ruby Dutchess Cocktail
A classic twist on a delicious and refreshing cocktail, the Ruby Dutchess is an ideal beverage for any occasion. The drink dates back to the early 19th century and has been popular ever since. This delectable concoction consists of brandy, orange liqueur, sweet vermouth, ginger ale or soda water, and Angostura bitters. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful libation while still keeping it light.
The origins of this classic cocktail can be traced back to 1809 when it first appeared in William Terrington’s book “Cooling Cups & Dainty Drinks” as the “Rubi dutchesse” (Ruby Duchess). Over time, its name was shortened to simply the “Ruby Dutchess Cocktail.” By 1845 it had become one of Britain’s most popular drinks.
Today, you’ll find this delightful recipe in many bars around the world. With its perfect blend of flavors and ingredients that complement each other perfectly – brandy for warmth; orange liqueur for sweetness; sweet vermouth for balance; ginger ale or soda water for refreshment; and Angostura bitters for added complexity – there are endless possibilities with this timeless classic!
Ruby Dutchess
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2 ounces vodka
- - 1 ounce ruby red grapefruit juice
- - 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
- - 3/4 ounce lime juice
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur and lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake until thoroughly chilled (about 10 seconds).
- Strain into an old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve immediately
Glassware
Depending on the type of drink being served, there are a variety of glassware that can be used for Ruby Dutchess’ contemporary cocktails. For martinis and other cocktails served “up” or without ice, stemmed glasses such as coupes and martini glasses are typically used. These glasses feature a wider rim at the top which helps to concentrate the aromas of these drinks. For shaken or stirred drinks such as daiquiris or Manhattans, rocks glasses with thick walls can keep their temperature longer while also allowing you to appreciate their aroma. Highball glasses, commonly used for mixed drinks like gin & tonics and whiskey sours, have tall straight sides that allow plenty of room for ice cubes and mixers. Lastly, specialty cocktail glasses may also be used depending on the occasion; snifters are great for brandy-based cocktails while copper mugs work well when serving Moscow Mules.Flavors
Ruby Dutchess’ contemporary cocktails are a unique blend of flavors that combine the best in refreshment and indulgence. The flavor profile of these drinks includes tart citrus notes, sweetened with simple syrup or other liqueurs like triple sec. Citrus fruits such as lime, lemon and orange are common ingredients used to give the cocktails their zestiness. Other herbs and spices may be added for additional complexity including ginger, mint, rosemary or thyme.
In addition to providing an array of fresh flavors, Ruby Dutchess’ contemporary cocktails also use various spirits such as vodka, gin or rum to create a smooth balance between sweet and sour elements. These spirits provide subtle undertones that add depth to the overall flavor profile. For example, vodka can enhance the sweetness while gin brings in herbaceous notes that complement other ingredients perfectly. All these components come together harmoniously for a refreshing taste experience.
3 tips for Making Your Ruby Dutchess
- When using vodka in drinks, opt for a good quality brand as it will give you the most flavor and be more enjoyable to drink.
- Freshly squeeze the grapefruit juice and lime juice whenever possible for best results – pre-packaged juices can lose some of their flavor over time.
- When choosing an elderflower liqueur, look for one that has a balance of sweet and tart flavors so it won’t overpower the other ingredients in your cocktail.