The Red Wedding cocktail, a complex and flavorful tiki drink inspired by the TV show Game of Thrones, has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts and fans of the series alike. Created by Cally In Wonderland, this striking red cocktail features unique ingredients that set it apart from other tiki drinks.
The Special Ice Cubes
One of the most distinctive elements of the Red Wedding cocktail is its special ice cubes. These ice cubes are flavored with a combination of hibiscus tea, English breakfast tea, thyme, orange blossom water, Demerara sugar, and ginger ale. The ice cubes play a crucial role in the cocktail, contributing to its unique flavor profile and ensuring that the drink evolves as the ice melts.
Key Ingredients
In addition to the special ice cubes, the Red Wedding cocktail features several key ingredients that give it its distinctive taste and depth. Averna, an Italian liquor, adds a rich and complex flavor to the drink, while aged bourbon provides a smooth and robust base. The cocktail also includes orange peel, which is muddled with the Averna to release its essential oils and enhance the overall flavor.
Preparing the Red Wedding Cocktail
To make the Red Wedding cocktail, start by muddling the orange peel with Averna in a mixing glass. Add the aged bourbon and stir briefly. Place the special Red Wedding ice cubes in a serving glass, then pour the cocktail mixture over the ice. Stir the drink until it is just chilled, allowing the ice cubes to melt slightly and infuse the cocktail with their unique flavors. Serve the Red Wedding cocktail immediately for the best taste experience.
Variations and Adaptations
The Red Wedding cocktail has inspired various adaptations and variations, showcasing the versatility of the recipe. Some variations incorporate additional ingredients such as lime juice, passionfruit syrup, Aperol, unaged Jamaican rum, and mezcal. These creative twists on the original recipe demonstrate the potential for experimentation and customization within the world of tiki drinks.
The Red Wedding Cocktail Recipe
To make your own Red Wedding cocktail at home, follow this recipe:
Special Ice Cubes:
- 1 cup water
- 1 hibiscus tea bag
- 1 English breakfast tea bag
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 1 tsp Demerara sugar
- 1/4 cup ginger ale
Cocktail:
- 1 orange peel
- 1 oz Averna
- 2 oz aged bourbon
- 4 Red Wedding ice cubes
Prepare the special ice cubes by steeping the hibiscus and English breakfast tea bags in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the thyme, orange blossom water, Demerara sugar, and ginger ale. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
To make the cocktail, muddle the orange peel with Averna in a mixing glass. Add the aged bourbon and stir briefly. Place the Red Wedding ice cubes in a serving glass, then pour the cocktail mixture over the ice. Stir until chilled and serve.
The Red Wedding cocktail has become a beloved tiki drink, enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts and Game of Thrones fans worldwide. Its unique ingredients, striking appearance, and delightful flavor profile have solidified its place in the world of mixology, inspiring creators to put their own spin on this memorable cocktail.
