The Sloe and Unsteady cocktail has emerged as a favorite among those who appreciate a complex yet balanced drink. This unique concoction pairs the sweetness of sloe gin with the bitterness of Fernet-Branca, creating a surprising and delightful flavor profile. The addition of lime and honey adds a layer of complexity, making this cocktail an intriguing choice for any occasion.
What is Sloe Gin?
Sloe gin is a red liqueur made with sloe berries, which are the fruit of the blackthorn shrub. Unlike traditional gin, sloe gin has a lower alcohol content and a sweet, fruity flavor. Its rich berry notes make it a fantastic ingredient for cocktails, especially those that lean towards the tart or bittersweet side. Sloe gin can be enjoyed on its own, but its unique characteristics make it a versatile addition to many mixed drinks.
Ingredients for the Sloe and Unsteady
To create the perfect Sloe and Unsteady, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Sloe Gin: The base of the cocktail, providing sweetness and berry notes. Look for quality brands like Sipsmith or Hayman’s for the best results.
- 0.5 oz Fernet-Branca: This Italian amaro adds a bold, bitter, and herbal counterpoint to the sloe gin. Its minty, medicinal quality is key to the cocktail’s complexity.
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brings acidity and a tart edge, which balances the sweetness of the sloe gin and the bitterness of Fernet.
- 0.5 oz Honey Syrup: A simple syrup made with honey adds a subtle sweetness with a floral note. For a honey syrup, use a ratio of 3 parts honey to 1 part water.
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters: These bitters enhance the other flavors with aromatic spice and depth.
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Shaker: To properly mix and chill the drink.
- Strainer: To remove ice from the final pour.
- Coupe Glass: The preferred glass for the Sloe and Unsteady.
- Jigger or Measuring Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
- Citrus Juicer: For the freshest lime juice.
- Optional Garnish: Lime wheel
How to Make the Sloe and Unsteady
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sloe gin, Fernet-Branca, fresh lime juice, honey syrup, and Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 20-30 seconds to ensure it’s well-chilled and mixed.
- Strain: Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. This removes any ice shards and creates a smooth texture.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
The Flavor Profile
The Sloe and Unsteady is a study in contrasts. The initial sip offers the sweet berry notes of sloe gin, which quickly transitions into the bold, bitter, and minty flavors of Fernet-Branca. The fresh lime juice adds a tartness that cuts through the sweetness and bitterness, while the honey syrup brings a touch of floral sweetness and smooths the edges. The Angostura bitters add depth, creating a complex, layered flavor that is both refreshing and intriguing.
This cocktail is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a drink with character, the Sloe and Unsteady delivers.
Variations and Customizations
While the traditional recipe is excellent, there’s room to experiment with the Sloe and Unsteady.
Adjusting Sweetness and Sourness
- Less Sweet: Reduce the honey syrup to 0.25 oz if you prefer a less sweet drink. You can also add a dash of sugar syrup in case you desire a smoother drink.
- More Tart: Increase the lime juice slightly or add a few dashes of a citrus-forward bitters.
Alternative Amari
- Cynar: If you don’t have Fernet-Branca, try using Cynar, another amaro with a slightly less intense bitterness. This will result in a less sharp flavor profile but still add herbal complexity.
- Amaro Nonino: For a lighter, more citrus-forward bitterness, try using Amaro Nonino.
Adding Fizz
- Sloe and Unsteady Fizz: Top the finished cocktail with a splash of soda water or Prosecco for a lighter, bubbly version.
- Sloe Gin Royale: Create a festive cocktail by topping a mixture of sloe gin and cherry brandy with sparkling wine.
Playing with Bitters
- Orange Bitters: Swap Angostura bitters for a dash of orange bitters to add a citrusy note.
- Peychaud’s Bitters: Use Peychaud’s bitters for a more floral, anise-forward flavor.
Garnish
- Berry Garnish: Add a few fresh or frozen berries as garnish for a visual appeal.
- Lemon Twist: Use a lemon twist for a brighter citrus aroma.
- Rosemary Sprig: Lightly bruise a rosemary sprig and drop it in the glass for a herbal aroma.
When to Serve
The Sloe and Unsteady is a fantastic cocktail for various occasions:
- Winter Gatherings: The rich, complex flavors make it a perfect choice for winter parties and gatherings.
- After-Dinner Drink: Its bitterness and digestive qualities make it ideal as a digestif.
- Special Occasions: This cocktail is unique enough to impress guests, making it perfect for special events.
- Experimentation: If you are exploring different flavors and want to try something new, the Sloe and Unsteady is a great option.
The History of Sloe Gin Cocktails
Sloe gin has been a popular ingredient in cocktails for decades, and it has a rich history that adds to its appeal. Some classic sloe gin cocktails include:
- Sloe Gin Fizz: A timeless mix of sloe gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. It is known for its refreshing and bubbly characteristics.
- Sloegroni: A unique take on the classic Negroni, combining sloe gin, Aperol, and Rosso vermouth. This cocktail delivers a bittersweet flavor with a fruity twist.
- Sloe Gin Royale: A festive sparkling cocktail that combines sloe gin, and Prosecco. It is known for its simplicity and celebratory appeal.
- Charlie Chaplin: A 1920s classic that mixes sloe gin, lime juice, and apricot brandy.
- Blackthorn: This cocktail is made with sloe gin, vermouth and bitters.
The Sloe and Unsteady is a modern creation that takes sloe gin in a different direction, demonstrating the spirit’s versatility. This cocktail was first made popular by bartender Jessica Sanders at Drink.Well in Austin. Its unique combination of flavors makes it a standout on cocktail menus and an exciting option for home bartenders.
Final Thoughts
The Sloe and Unsteady is a testament to how seemingly opposing flavors can create a harmonious and intriguing cocktail. Whether you are a seasoned mixologist or a curious beginner, this drink offers a flavorful experience that is both sophisticated and memorable. Its balance of sweet, bitter, tart, and herbal notes makes it an ideal choice for those looking for something different.
