Strange Brew
The Strange Brew is a modern cocktail that masterfully balances a wide array of bold flavors. Created by Don Lee at the acclaimed New York bar PDT, it features the deep funk of Jamaican rum alongside the mentholated bitterness of Fernet Branca. This is brightened by tropical pineapple and tart lime juice, with a demerara syrup adding richness before the drink is crowned with a hoppy India Pale Ale, lending it a unique aromatic and textural finish.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
Strange Brew is a modern classic cocktail. It's considered a contemporary tiki-style drink due to its use of rum and tropical juices. Its complex, bitter, and hoppy profile also places it in the category of sophisticated, craft cocktails.
Serving
Served cold in a chilled Collins glass, this is a long drink with a moderate alcohol content. Its unique presentation is completed with a float of IPA beer.
Serving size
approx. 210 ml / 7 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 14-18% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Created in the late 2000s by bartender Don Lee at the legendary New York speakeasy Please Don't Tell (PDT), the Strange Brew is a testament to the creative boom of the modern cocktail revival. Lee sought to create a drink that incorporated beer in an innovative way. The name is a direct reference to its unusual but delicious combination of ingredients, particularly the pairing of bitter amaro and hoppy beer with tiki elements.
Origin
Created by Don Lee at Please Don't Tell (PDT) in New York City, USA, around 2008.
Strange Brew
The drink is consistently known by its original name, Strange Brew, a nod to the unusual combination of ingredients. It is sometimes referred to as the Strange Brew Cocktail to distinguish it from other uses of the phrase.
Original name
Strange Brew
Alternative name
Strange Brew Cocktail
Characteristics overview
This cocktail presents a complex flavor profile, balancing tropical sweetness with herbal bitterness and hoppy notes. It has a refreshingly crisp texture and a long, lingering aftertaste, making it an ideal summer sipper.
Flavor
Tropical, hoppy, bitter, funky, molasses, citrusy
Aroma
Hoppy, pineapple, minty, rum funk
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Long, bitter, herbal, hoppy
Fizziness
Lightly carbonated, effervescent
Color appearance
Hazy golden amber, frothy head
Texture
Crisp, slightly frothy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intense and complex, led by a pronounced bitterness and sourness that is balanced by moderate fruitiness and sweetness. It is a moderately strong cocktail with a light carbonation from the beer.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires funky Jamaican rum, the bitter amaro Fernet Branca, fresh pineapple and lime juices, and Demerara syrup. The signature ingredient is a float of hoppy India Pale Ale beer.
- Jamaican Rum45 ml / 1.5 ozA pot-still, funky Jamaican rum like Smith & Cross or Appleton Estate Signature is recommended.
- Fernet Branca7.5 ml / 0.25 ozThis specific Italian amaro is crucial for the drink's signature bitter and minty profile.
- Pineapple Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozFreshly pressed juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozFreshly squeezed is essential.
- Demerara Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozUse a 1:1 or 2:1 demerara sugar to water syrup.
- India Pale Ale (IPA)30 ml / 1 ozA hop-forward IPA, such as a West Coast style, works best. To be used as a float.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and strainers to achieve a smooth, ice-free texture.
- Cocktail shaker for mixing the main ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
- Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) for a clean pour.
Instructions
Prepare the cocktail by shaking all ingredients except the beer with ice. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass and gently top with a float of IPA beer.
1. Chill a Collins glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside.
2. Add Jamaican rum, Fernet Branca, pineapple juice, lime juice, and demerara syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice from the chilled Collins glass and fill it with fresh cubed ice.
5. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Slowly top the drink with the India Pale Ale, pouring it over the back of a bar spoon to create a distinct float.
7. Garnish with a pineapple wedge on the rim or a pineapple frond.
Garnishing
Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim or a vibrant pineapple frond to enhance the tropical aroma.
- Pineapple wedge placed on the rim of the glass.
- Pineapple frond inserted into the drink.
Dietary Information
This drink contains gluten due to the beer topping. It is generally dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, and can be vegan if the beer used is confirmed to be vegan-friendly.
✓ 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 syrup and juices. Its carbohydrate and sugar content is typical for a sour-style drink with a fruit juice component.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16-20 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings and summer parties due to its refreshing qualities. It is an excellent choice for adventurous drinkers looking to explore complex flavor profiles. It's most at home in a craft cocktail bar setting where its unique character can be fully appreciated.
- Summer Parties
- Craft Cocktail Lounges
- Adventurous Drinkers
- Happy Hour
Pairing suggestions
The cocktail's complex, bitter, and funky notes pair well with spicy and savory foods. It's an excellent companion to Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, spicy grilled meats, or simply salty snacks that can stand up to its bold flavor.
- Spicy grilled chicken wings
- Jerk pork or chicken
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Salty plantain chips
The Bold and Bewitching Strange Brew Cocktail
The Strange Brew is a modern masterpiece that showcases the art of balancing seemingly disparate flavors. It unites the funk of Jamaican rum, the assertive bitterness of Fernet Branca, the sweetness of pineapple, and the tartness of lime. The final touch of a hoppy IPA float elevates the drink, adding aroma, texture, and another layer of complexity. It's a challenging yet immensely rewarding cocktail for those looking to explore beyond the classics.