Clementine, Whiskey & Wine Cocktail
What’s the most creative cocktail you’ve ever had? One of my favorites is from Local Kitchen & Bar, a relatively new restaurant in my hometown of Ferndale, Michigan.
It’s a drink made with a combination of whiskey, citrus juices ad simple syrup. Sounds like just a standard cocktail, right?
The real kicker is that there is a “floater” of red wine poured on top. When I first read the description on the menu, it sounded….strange. And I wasn’t sure it was going to be good.
But I ordered it anyway, and it was fantastic. Strong but refreshing, sweet but not too much so, and a balanced combination of flavors. It was like whiskey drinks were always meant to have a little kick of wine!
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Because that drink was so memorable, I wanted to figure out a way to approximate it at home. For my adaptation, I took my favorite winter fruit – clementines – and made a (very simple) simple syrup. I swirled that into some whiskey, and added ice and a cherry.
Then came the secret – getting the wine to float on top of the drink by slowing pouring the wine over a spoon right above the drink.
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Clementine, Whiskey & Wine Cocktail
Ingredients
For the Clementine Simple Syrup:
- 4 clementines peeled and segmented
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Cocktail:
- 3 ounces Clementine Simple Syrup
- 3 ounces whiskey
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
- 3 ounces Cabernet Sauvignon
Instructions
Make Clementine Simple Syrup:
- In medium saucepan, stir together clementines, sugar and water. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on fruit to extract as much liquid as possible. Refrigerate until cool. Makes about 1-1/2 cups simple syrup.
Make Each Drink:
- Fill two rocks glasses with ice; add a few cherries to each glass, if desired. Fill cocktail shaker with ice; add Clementine Simple Syrup, whiskey and lemon juice, and shake well.
- Pour whiskey mixture over ice in glasses. Pour wine floater over top of cocktails by slowly pouring wine over a small spoon set over each glass.
Notes
- Take time to practice using a spoon so your drink stays layered!
I had 2 bags of clementines and one that was getting a tad old, so… i nade a huge batch of citrus simple syrup!! I used bullit whiskey and Jacob’s creek cab. I skipped the lemon as i didn’t have on hand but added a splash of 7up. Delightful!! Everyone was so impressed. Warning: This delish drink will sneak up on you!
Yay, I am so glad to hear that, Katharine! And jealous that you had some clementines. haha. I agree – it definitely sneaks up on you. I hope you get to enjoy a few more of these cocktails with the rest of your simple syrup. Stay well.
This is one of the best cocktail that I have ever made and had for my guests. Everyone was ecstatic. Thanks ???
I’m so glad this was a hit for you!
That was a great innovation! Thanks alot.
This sounds delicious! I love whiskey and love wine, so I don’t see why they couldn’t go together!
They can and they should, Sarah 😉 haha.
Well now I know what to do with that bottle of Jamison floating around at home. I’m more of a bourbon and rye fan but considering I do have some Cabernet left and clementines I home, this really does need to happen.
Oh – this recipe would work just fine with bourbon, Susan. I’m not sure about rye, since I don’t drink that much – but probably that too 🙂
Hi,
What about brandy? I can get that and red wine here in the little supermarket across the street here in China-aka the daily western food treasure hunt…
http://www.curriedcantaloupe.com
Honestly, I’m not all that familiar with brandy (other than as an ingredient in sangria), but why not give it a try? What’s the worst that could happen? 🙂
This sounds like one fantastic drink! Yum & Cheers 🙂
Thanks Bea!
what a beautiful cocktail!!! love it!! I don’t have enough cocktail recipes!! This is going to change starting now! love this!
Thanks Alice! I’m with you – I don’t have enough cocktails in my arsenal, either. 2014 resolution? More drinking?
What a GORGEOUS cocktail! Not only pinned this one, but printed it out to take along to the family reunion later this month 😉
Oh yay, Conni! I hope your family enjoys it!