Copenhagen Cocktail

The Copenhagen Cocktail is a beautifully balanced drink that showcases the unique qualities of Dutch genever. Unlike its descendant, London Dry Gin, genever offers a malty, almost whiskey-like character that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, nutty, and dark fruit notes of Cherry Heering. Fresh lime juice cuts through the richness, while a dash of simple syrup and Angostura bitters tie everything together, creating a sophisticated and memorable flavor experience.
Copenhagen Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Copenhagen Cocktail is classified as a classic cocktail due to its creation in the mid-20th century by a renowned bartender. It falls into the "sour" category of drinks, balancing a base spirit with citrus and a sweetener. It is considered a sophisticated aperitif.

Serving

Served straight up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this cold drink is moderately strong and elegant in its presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml or 4-5 oz after shaking with ice
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was invented by the legendary bartender Joe Gilmore at The American Bar in London's Savoy Hotel in 1951. It was created to celebrate the first commercial flight route established by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) from Copenhagen to Los Angeles, which flew directly over the North Pole. The drink's unique character and ingredients were meant to evoke a sense of European elegance and adventure.
Origin
Created circa 1951 by Joe Gilmore at The American Bar, Savoy Hotel, in London, England. It was named to honor the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen Cocktail

The drink is almost universally known as the Copenhagen Cocktail, named in honor of the Danish capital. Some might refer to it by its creator's name, Joe Gilmore, calling it a "Gilmore Cocktail," though this is very uncommon. It was created to commemorate the first flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles over the North Pole.
Original name
Copenhagen Cocktail
Alternative name
Gilmore Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex, malty aroma with notes of cherry and spice, leading to a smooth, crisp texture. The flavor is a sophisticated balance of sour and sweet, with a lingering fruity aftertaste, suitable for enjoyment in any season.
Flavor
Malty, botanical, cherry, tart, complex, slightly sweet, herbal
Aroma
Juniper, malt, lime zest, dark cherry, warm spice
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering, complex, fruity, warming
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pinkish-amber, deep blush, translucent
Texture
Smooth, crisp, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by a balanced interplay of sour and sweet notes, complemented by fruity and malty undertones. The alcohol strength is present but well-integrated, and the drink is entirely still (not carbonated).
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To craft this cocktail, you'll need Dutch genever as the base spirit, Cherry Heering liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, a small amount of simple syrup, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.
  • Dutch Genever60 ml / 2 oz
    Bols Genever is the classic choice, but any high-quality Dutch genever will work. Do not substitute with London Dry Gin for the authentic taste.
  • Cherry Heering15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This specific Danish cherry liqueur is essential for the recipe's intended flavor profile.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best flavor and balance.
  • Simple Syrup (1:1)7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Adjust amount to taste, depending on the sweetness of your liqueur and preference.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    Adds aromatic complexity and a hint of spice to balance the sweetness.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including jiggers for measuring and strainers to ensure a smooth, ice-free final drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer (for double straining).

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all ingredients with ice, then double straining the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. The final step is to garnish with a citrus twist before serving.
1. Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Combine the Dutch genever, Cherry Heering, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your pre-chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with an expressed orange twist or a lime wheel and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish with an expressed orange twist to complement the drink's flavors with bright citrus oils, or use a simple lime wheel for a visually appealing touch.
  • Orange Twist: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
  • Lime Wheel: Alternatively, garnish with a thin wheel of lime on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is vegan and free from dairy, eggs, and caffeine. However, genever is a grain-based spirit and not gluten-free, and some cherry liqueurs may pose a cross-contamination risk for those with severe nut allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar in the liqueur and syrup. The carbohydrate and sugar content is notable due to the sweet ingredients.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-12 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner aperitif, stimulating the palate with its balance of sweet and sour. It shines at cocktail parties or any sophisticated social gathering where a unique and classic drink is appreciated. Its character makes it a fine conversation starter.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink (Aperitif)
  • Sophisticated Gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's malty and fruity notes pair excellently with savory and rich foods. Consider serving it alongside a platter of smoked fish, a charcuterie board, or aged cheeses like Gouda. The drink's acidity helps cut through the fat, making for a balanced tasting experience.
  • Smoked salmon or other smoked fish
  • Aged Gouda or mild cheddar cheese
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Lightly salted nuts or olives

The Copenhagen Cocktail: A Classic Toast to Aviation and Elegance

The Copenhagen Cocktail is a mid-century classic that offers a unique departure from typical gin-based sours. Its use of malty Dutch genever provides a robust backbone that is beautifully complemented by the rich Cherry Heering and bright lime juice. Created by the legendary Joe Gilmore, it's a sophisticated, historically significant drink with a complex flavor profile. Perfect as an aperitif, it is sure to impress connoisseurs and adventurous drinkers alike.

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