Paradise Cocktail
The Paradise is a beautifully simple yet sophisticated classic cocktail. It artfully combines the botanical notes of gin with the sweet, fruity essence of apricot brandy and the bright citrus of fresh orange juice. The result is a smooth, well-balanced, and inviting drink with a lovely golden-orange hue. It's an approachable cocktail perfect for those who enjoy a gin drink that isn't overly dry or bitter.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Paradise is a classic cocktail, officially recognized by the International Bartenders Association. It falls into the category of 'The Unforgettables', signifying its historical importance and enduring appeal. It is a traditional mixed alcoholic drink, served 'straight up'.
Serving
Serve this moderately alcoholic drink cold and straight up in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its crisp temperature and elegant presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 70-90 ml / 2.5-3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Paradise cocktail was created by Harry Craddock, a renowned bartender at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar in London during the 1920s. He first published the recipe in his seminal 1930 work, "The Savoy Cocktail Book." It quickly became a popular serve, perfectly embodying the glamorous and sophisticated spirit of the Jazz Age.
Origin
The Paradise cocktail originated in London, United Kingdom, during the 1920s, with its creation attributed to Harry Craddock at the Savoy Hotel.
Paradise Cocktail
The drink's original and most common name is simply 'Paradise'. It is often referred to as the 'Paradise Cocktail' to distinguish it from other uses of the word and to clarify its nature as a mixed drink.
Original name
Paradise
Alternative name
Paradise Cocktail
Characteristics overview
The Paradise offers a smooth, light-bodied texture with a dominant fruity flavor of apricot and orange, balanced by gin's botanical notes. Its sunny, golden-orange appearance and refreshing character make it a delightful, summery drink with a clean finish.
Flavor
Fruity, Sweet, Citrusy, Botanical, Apricot, Orange
Aroma
Orange, Apricot, Juniper, Floral
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Short
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Hazy, Golden-orange, Sunny, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-year
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a fruit-forward and moderately sweet cocktail with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence. It is a still drink with a pleasant sourness that balances the sweetness, and almost no bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
To create a Paradise cocktail, you will need three key ingredients: a good quality gin, a sweet apricot brandy or liqueur, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Gin35 ml / 1.25 ozA classic London Dry Gin is recommended to provide a solid botanical backbone.
- Apricot Brandy20 ml / 0.75 ozUse a quality apricot liqueur, often labeled as Apricot Brandy, for the best flavor.
- Orange Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed orange juice is essential for the best taste and balance.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You'll need standard bartending equipment to make this drink: a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients, a jigger for precise measuring, and a strainer to serve it neat.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
- Jigger for accurate measurement
- Strainer for pouring without ice
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, adding all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker, and shaking until cold. The drink is then double-strained into the chilled glass and garnished.
1. Prepare your glassware by chilling a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Measure and pour the gin, apricot brandy, and freshly squeezed orange juice into 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 mixture through a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish by expressing the oils from an orange twist over the surface of the drink, then dropping it in or placing it on the rim.
Garnishing
A simple orange twist is the classic garnish, adding aromatic citrus oils that complement the drink's flavors. Alternatively, a thin slice of orange can be used.
- Orange twist to express oils over the drink and place on the rim
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally suitable for most dietary needs as it is free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (assuming distilled spirits). It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Per serving, this cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar in the liqueur and juice. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a fruit-based cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 150-170 kcal / 627-711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7-9 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is an excellent aperitif or pre-dinner drink, thanks to its refreshing and balanced profile. Its fruity and sunny character also makes it ideal for summer parties, brunches, or any sophisticated cocktail gathering.
- Pre-dinner drink
- Summer party
- Cocktail hour
- Brunch
Pairing suggestions
The Paradise cocktail pairs well with light and savory foods. Its fruity sweetness complements salty snacks like olives and nuts. It also works wonderfully with light seafood appetizers or canapés featuring creamy goat cheese.
- Light appetizers
- Salty snacks like olives or nuts
- Seafood canapés
- Goat cheese tarts
Paradise Cocktail: A Taste of 1920s Elegance
The Paradise is a quintessential classic cocktail from the 1920s, featured in Harry Craddock's legendary "The Savoy Cocktail Book". It's a simple, elegant blend of gin, apricot brandy, and fresh orange juice, creating a beautifully balanced, fruity, and refreshing drink. Served straight up in a chilled coupe, it's an accessible yet sophisticated choice for any cocktail enthusiast. Its sunny color and smooth taste make it a delightful pre-dinner drink or a perfect serve for a summer gathering.
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