📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 20%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 2 minutes
Imagine you’re about to sip on a little piece of history, a drink that’s like a burst of citrus sunshine in a glass. The Bronx cocktail is a mix of gin, vermouth, and orange juice that dances on your taste buds and tells a story with every sip. Join us on this flavorful adventure and learn how to make the Bronx your new favorite drink! ⬇️
History
The Bronx cocktail, a classic American drink, was born in the early 1900s at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Its creation is often credited to a bartender named Johnnie Solon. The drink quickly became a favorite, embodying the spirit and zest of its namesake borough.
- The name “Bronx” is said to have been inspired by the Bronx Zoo after Johnnie Solon joked that the drink had as many colors as the zoo had animals.
- It was one of the first cocktails to incorporate fruit juice, which was quite innovative at the time.
- The Bronx made a prominent appearance in the renowned “Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930, cementing its place in cocktail history.
The taste of a Bronx?
The Bronx tastes like a bright, sunny day turned into a refreshing drink. Its flavors are a sweet and tangy mix of orange, balanced by the botanicals in gin and the subtle bitterness of vermouth.
I personally love Bronx cocktails because they’re like a burst of sunshine in a glass, perfect for lifting my spirits any time of the day.
Interesting facts about Bronx
- The Bronx cocktail is considered a precursor to the Cosmopolitan because of its use of citrus and sweet flavors.
- This drink was once ranked third in “The World’s 10 Most Famous Cocktails in 1934,” falling just behind the Martini and the Manhattan.
- Contrary to popular belief, the Bronx cocktail has no relation to the Bronx Bomber, another well-known drink with a completely different flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 1/4 oz (7.5ml)
- Dry vermouth: 1/4 oz (7.5ml)
- Orange juice, freshly squeezed: 1 oz (30ml)
The perfect glass for a Bronx is a chilled cocktail glass. This type of glass showcases the drink’s vibrant color and maintains its cool temperature. An alternative could be a coupe glass, which also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Recipe. How to make Bronx
- Fill a shaker with ice and add 2 oz of gin.
- Pour in 1/4 oz of sweet vermouth and 1/4 oz of dry vermouth.
- Squeeze in 1 oz of fresh orange juice.
- Shake the ingredients well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist or a maraschino cherry, if desired.
The Bronx cocktail, while delightful, does contain alcohol and sugars, which can add up in calories. For a healthier twist, try using a natural sweetener or less sugar. The fresh orange juice does provide some vitamin C, but moderation is key.
Food Pairings
Certain dishes beautifully complement the zesty and botanical notes of a Bronx cocktail. Here’s what to nosh on while you sip:
Brunch Classics
The bright citrus flavor of a Bronx is a perfect match for brunch favorites like eggs benedict or fluffy pancakes. It cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing note.
Grilled Seafood
The delicate taste of grilled fish or shrimp is enhanced by the Bronx’s sweet and sour balance. It’s like a sunny day on the beach in every bite.
Spicy Appetizers
The sweetness of the Bronx can cool down the heat from spicy dishes such as buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers, creating a harmonious taste experience.
I find the Bronx cocktail’s flavor to be a delightful surprise – like a secret garden in a city of skyscrapers.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink refreshingly cold.
- Experiment with different gins to find your perfect flavor balance between herbal and citrus notes.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Bronx, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Bronx
- Gin: Try an Old Tom gin for a slightly sweeter profile.
- Vermouth: Use a ratio of more sweet to dry vermouth for a richer flavor.
- Orange juice: Substitute with blood orange juice for a deeper color and a hint of raspberry flavor.
Bronx Variations
Golden Bronx
- Ingredients: Adds a dash of orange bitters to the original recipe.
- Recipe: Stir the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Income Tax
- Ingredients: Includes gin, both vermouths, orange juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
- Recipe: Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Bronx Terrace
- Ingredients: Combines gin, dry vermouth, and elderflower cordial with orange juice.
- Recipe: Shake the ingredients with ice and serve in a tall glass with a splash of soda water.
For a non-alcoholic take on the Bronx, mix fresh orange juice with a splash of tonic and a dash of grenadine. Serve this ‘Virgin Bronx’ over ice with a twist of orange peel for a refreshing mocktail.
Q&A
What’s the best time of day to enjoy a Bronx cocktail?
The Bronx is versatile – perfect for a boozy brunch or as a pre-dinner aperitif. Its bright and light flavor profile makes it suitable for any time you fancy!
Can the Bronx be made in large batches for parties?
Absolutely, just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Mix in a large pitcher and keep it chilled until it’s time to serve.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Bronx?
Yes, you can substitute the gin and vermouth with non-alcoholic alternatives or simply make a ‘Virgin Bronx’ with orange juice and tonic.
How long does it take to make a Bronx cocktail?
It’s a quick mix! You’ll be sipping your Bronx in no more than 5 minutes, including prep and shake time.
What’s the key to a perfect Bronx cocktail?
The secret is in the freshness – fresh orange juice and quality ingredients make all the difference. Don’t forget to shake well!
Can I use store-bought orange juice for a Bronx cocktail?
While fresh is best, in a pinch, you can use store-bought. Just look for 100% orange juice with no added sugar for the closest taste to fresh.
