East India Cocktail

The East India Cocktail is a sophisticated and flavorful classic from the late 19th century. It masterfully combines the warmth of brandy with the tropical sweetness of pineapple gum syrup and the nutty complexity of maraschino liqueur. A dash of orange curaçao and aromatic bitters adds depth and a citrusy brightness, resulting in a beautifully balanced, spirit-forward drink.
East India Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The East India is considered a classic cocktail. It's often enjoyed as a digestif due to its rich, spirit-forward character and the inclusion of bitters.

Serving

Served straight up in a chilled coupe glass, this is a spirit-forward drink with a notable alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 100 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The cocktail first appeared in Harry Johnson's 1882 "New and Improved Bartender's Manual." It was likely named in honor of the British East India Company's officers and the luxurious, exotic ingredients they helped introduce to the West. The drink evokes a sense of old-world travel and colonial-era opulence.
Origin
United States, circa 1882. It was first published in Harry Johnson's "New and Improved Bartender's Manual".

East India Cocktail

The drink is primarily known as the East India Cocktail. It is sometimes referred to as the East India House Cocktail, a nod to the headquarters of the British East India Company.
Original name
East India Cocktail
Alternative name
East India House Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail boasts a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of brandy, pineapple, and nuts, offering a silky texture and a long, warming finish. Its amber hue and aromatic bouquet make it an inviting, all-season sipper.
Flavor
Brandy-forward, fruity, pineapple, cherry, nutty, slightly bitter, complex, rich
Aroma
Aromatic, fruity, orange zest, marzipan
Taste balance
Balanced, semi-sweet, slightly tart
Aftertaste
Long, warming, complex, herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, golden-orange, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth
Seasonality
All-season, warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a noticeable fruitiness and alcohol warmth, balanced by a gentle sweetness and a hint of bitterness. It is a still, spirit-forward cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is built on a brandy base, flavored with Orange Curaçao, pineapple gum syrup, and Maraschino liqueur, all tied together with aromatic bitters.
  • Brandy60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality VSOP Cognac is recommended.
  • Orange Curaçao5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    Adds citrus sweetness and depth.
  • Pineapple Gum Syrup5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    If unavailable, use pineapple syrup or high-quality pineapple juice and a little simple syrup.
  • Maraschino Liqueur5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    Provides a distinct nutty, cherry flavor.
  • Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    Angostura bitters are the classic choice.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all ingredients with ice, followed by double-straining into a pre-chilled coupe glass and garnishing with a lemon twist.
1. Chill a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Combine the brandy, Orange Curaçao, pineapple gum syrup, Maraschino liqueur, and aromatic bitters in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double-strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
6. Take a lemon peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, its expressed oils adding a bright citrus aroma that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Lemon peel twist

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic, caffeine-free, dairy-free, and vegan. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies due to the Maraschino liqueur.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric at around 200 kcal per serving, with its carbohydrate and sugar content coming from the liqueurs and syrup.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent after-dinner drink or a sophisticated choice for a cocktail party. It's perfect for sipping and savoring on a quiet evening.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering
  • Quiet evening at home

Pairing suggestions

The East India Cocktail pairs wonderfully with rich and savory flavors. Consider serving it alongside a cheese board, dark chocolate desserts, or even with a fine cigar for a classic digestif experience.
  • Rich cheeses
  • Fruit-based desserts
  • Dark chocolate
  • Cigars

The East India Cocktail: A Voyage in a Glass

The East India Cocktail is a historical gem, offering a rich and rewarding sipping experience. Its blend of aged brandy, tropical pineapple, nutty maraschino, and bright orange creates a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. It's a perfect choice for those who appreciate spirit-forward classic cocktails with a story. This elegant drink is an ideal after-dinner treat or a sophisticated option for any cocktail enthusiast.