London Calling

The London Calling is a crisp, modern classic cocktail that beautifully marries the botanical notes of gin with the dry, nutty character of fino sherry. Lemon juice provides a bright, sour backbone, while a touch of sugar syrup balances the drink. A couple of dashes of grapefruit bitters add a final layer of aromatic complexity, resulting in a refreshingly elegant and complex drink perfect for gin lovers looking for something new.
London Calling

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The London Calling is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks due to its combination of a spirit, citrus, and a sweetening agent. It's a contemporary creation that has gained enough recognition to be considered a staple in well-regarded cocktail bars.

Serving

Served 'up' without ice in a pre-chilled coupe or Martini glass, this is a crisp, cold drink with a moderate alcohol by volume. The presentation is elegant and minimalist.
Serving size
Approximately 100 ml / 3.5 oz after dilution
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The London Calling was created in the early 2000s by bartender Chris Jepson at the London outpost of the famed Milk & Honey bar. It is a sophisticated twist on the gin sour, reflecting the burgeoning craft cocktail movement of its time. The name is a direct reference to the iconic 1979 song by the British punk rock band, The Clash, cementing its identity as a quintessential modern London cocktail.
Origin
Created in London, England, in the early 2000s.

London Calling

The cocktail is consistently known as the London Calling, with no common alternative names. The name is a direct reference to the famous song by the British band The Clash, anchoring its identity in London's modern culture.
Original name
London Calling

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex profile with a botanical gin and citrus aroma, leading to a dry, sour-forward taste balanced by nutty sherry. It is a smooth, light-bodied drink with a clean finish and a pale, elegant appearance.
Flavor
Gin-forward, citrusy, dry, nutty, slightly bitter
Aroma
Botanical, juniper, fresh citrus, grapefruit, yeasty sherry notes
Taste balance
Sour, dry, subtly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering citrus and juniper
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow, clear, translucent
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, suitable for all seasons

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is bright and assertive, dominated by sour citrus and dry botanicals from the gin and sherry. It is a well-balanced, non-creamy, and still drink with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires London Dry Gin as its base, complemented by dry fino sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a couple dashes of grapefruit bitters. The quality of each ingredient, especially the fresh juice and sherry, is key to the cocktail's success.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic, juniper-forward London Dry style gin works best.
  • Fino Sherry15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A dry, crisp fino sherry is essential for the drink's character.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water is standard.
  • Grapefruit Bitters2 dashes
    Adds aromatic complexity and a subtle bitter note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To prepare this drink, you will need a cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer for double straining. These tools are essential for achieving the correct temperature, dilution, and texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting
  • Jigger for accurate measuring
  • Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer for a smooth pour

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all ingredients with ice, then double straining into a chilled coupe glass. The final touch is garnishing with an expressed grapefruit twist to enhance the aroma.
1. Chill your coupe or Martini glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, fino sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit bitters to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the glass.
6. Take a fresh grapefruit peel, express its oils over the drink's surface by squeezing it, then drop it into the glass as garnish.

Garnishing

The standard garnish is a grapefruit twist. The oils should be expressed over the surface of the drink before dropping it in to add a bright, aromatic citrus essence that complements the bitters.
  • Grapefruit twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in

Dietary Information

This cocktail is inherently vegan, vegetarian, and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It contains alcohol and is caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 160-180 calories per serving, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively low, stemming almost entirely from the simple syrup and lemon juice.
Calories
Averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent aperitif, perfect for sipping before a meal to awaken the palate. Its elegant and refreshing nature also makes it a superb choice for cocktail parties, social gatherings, or any sophisticated evening event.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Social gathering
  • Sophisticated evening

Pairing suggestions

The London Calling's dry and citrusy profile pairs wonderfully with salty and savory bites. Green olives, salted Marcona almonds, or light seafood appetizers like oysters or shrimp cocktails would complement the drink's crisp character without overwhelming it.
  • Green olives
  • Marcona almonds
  • Light seafood canapés
  • Salty snacks

The London Calling: A Modern Symphony of Gin and Sherry

The London Calling is a sophisticated modern classic that offers a refreshing and complex flavor profile. It expertly balances the juniper of gin with the dry, saline notes of fino sherry, all brightened by fresh lemon juice and aromatic grapefruit bitters. This elegant gin sour is perfect for those who appreciate a crisp, well-balanced cocktail with a story rooted in London's vibrant bar scene. It serves as an ideal pre-dinner drink or a stylish choice for any cocktail gathering.

Similar Cocktails

Gimlet

A simpler gin sour made with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, omitting the sherry and bitters.

White Lady

A classic gin sour that uses Cointreau or triple sec for sweetness instead of simple syrup, and typically no bitters.

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