Quaker Cocktail

The Quaker Cocktail is an obscure but charming classic from the Prohibition era, featured in Harry Craddock's 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book." It masterfully balances the rich, warm notes of brandy and rum with the bright tartness of fresh lemon juice and the sweet, fruity character of raspberry syrup. This forgotten gem offers a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and complex, making it a worthy discovery for any cocktail enthusiast seeking to explore beyond the usual classics.
Quaker Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Quaker Cocktail is classified as a classic cocktail, originating from the Prohibition era. It belongs to the 'sour' family of drinks, characterized by a base spirit, a citrus element, and a sweet component. Its historical significance places it firmly in the category of vintage or classic cocktails.

Serving

The Quaker Cocktail is served 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its cold temperature and elegant presentation. It's a moderately strong, spirit-forward drink served in a small portion.
Serving size
Approximately 3.5-4 oz / 105-120 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Quaker Cocktail first appeared in the highly influential "The Savoy Cocktail Book," published in 1930 by Harry Craddock. The exact origin of its name is lost to history, as is common for many drinks from this period. It is speculated that the name could be an ironic reference to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), who traditionally practice temperance and abstinence from alcohol.
Origin
The drink was documented in London, England in 1930, but its style is typical of American cocktails from the Prohibition era (1920-1933). Its true origin is likely American or British, emerging in the early 20th century.

Quaker Cocktail

The Quaker Cocktail is predominantly known by its original name and does not have significant widely-used alternative names, though it might occasionally be shortened to 'The Quaker'. Its identity is strongly tied to its appearance in classic cocktail literature.
Original name
Quaker Cocktail
Alternative name
The Quaker

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a beautiful ruby hue and a silky-smooth texture, delivering a flavor profile where tart citrus and sweet raspberry are perfectly balanced against a complex spirit base. The aroma is bright with fruit and citrus, leading to a clean and pleasantly warming finish.
Flavor
Fruity, Tart, Spirit-forward, Raspberry, Citrusy, Complex
Aroma
Lemon peel, Ripe berry, Oak, Subtle molasses
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Short, Fruity, Warming
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pinkish-red, Translucent, Ruby
Texture
Smooth, Crisp, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The cocktail has a medium-to-high flavor intensity, driven by a pronounced sourness and fruitiness. Its sweetness is well-balanced, and the alcohol provides a noticeable but not overpowering warmth, with no fizziness or bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To craft this cocktail, you'll need a split base of brandy and light rum, complemented by freshly squeezed lemon juice and raspberry syrup. The quality of each ingredient, especially the fresh juice, is key to the drink's balance.
  • Brandy1 ounce / 30 ml
    A VS or VSOP Cognac works well, but any good quality brandy is suitable.
  • Light Rum1 ounce / 30 ml
    A white or lightly aged rum is preferred to not overpower the other ingredients.
  • Lemon Juice0.5 ounce / 15 ml
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Raspberry Syrup0.5 ounce / 15 ml
    Can be store-bought or easily made by heating equal parts sugar, water, and fresh raspberries.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice

Mixing equipments

You will need standard cocktail shaking equipment, including a shaker, jigger, and a Hawthorne strainer. A fine mesh strainer is also recommended to ensure a perfectly smooth, professional-quality texture.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and dilute the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice shards for a smoother texture.

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling a glass, adding all ingredients to a shaker with ice, shaking until very cold, and double straining into the glass. A simple garnish completes this classic cocktail.
1. Prepare the glassware by placing a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to chill.
2. Measure and pour the brandy, light rum, fresh lemon juice, and raspberry syrup into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the cocktail 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 frosty cold.
5. Double strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or a fresh raspberry before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish like a lemon twist or a fresh raspberry complements the drink's ingredients. Expressing the lemon twist over the glass adds a fragrant citrus aroma that enhances the first sip.
  • Lemon twist expressed over the drink to release its oils and then placed in the glass.
  • Fresh raspberry dropped into the finished drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, provided the raspberry syrup used does not contain non-vegan ingredients like honey or cochineal.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, with its energy content primarily from the alcohol and sugars in the raspberry syrup. The carbohydrate and sugar levels are relatively low for a sweetened cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 170-190 kcal / 711-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-11 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner drink (aperitif) to stimulate the appetite. It's also perfectly suited for serving at cocktail parties or for enjoying on a pleasant summer evening due to its refreshing qualities.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Summer Evening
  • Celebratory Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Quaker Cocktail's tart and fruity profile pairs well with light appetizers that have contrasting or complementary flavors. Tangy cheeses like goat cheese, salty cured meats, or fruit-based salads and desserts make excellent companions, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Light salads with a vinaigrette dressing
  • Prosciutto-wrapped melon
  • Fruit tarts or berry-based desserts

Rediscovering the Quaker Cocktail: A Forgotten Classic

The Quaker Cocktail is a forgotten classic that deserves a revival. It's a simple yet elegant sour that beautifully marries the warmth of brandy and the vibrancy of rum, all tied together with the classic pairing of lemon and raspberry. Perfect for those who enjoy drinks like the Clover Club or the Jack Rose, the Quaker offers a unique, spirit-forward twist that is both refreshing and satisfying. Its beautiful color and balanced flavor make it an excellent choice for impressing guests or simply enjoying a well-crafted historical drink.

Similar Cocktails

Clover Club

Uses gin as the base spirit and often incorporates egg white for a creamy, frothy texture.

Jack Rose

Features applejack (a type of American apple brandy) as the base, with lime or lemon juice and grenadine instead of raspberry syrup.

Knickerbocker

A rum-focused classic that uses raspberry syrup and lime juice, but adds curaçao for an orange note.

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