The Thunderer cocktail, a drink with a history as intriguing as its taste, is experiencing a revival. Created in 1982 by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, this cocktail was originally crafted for The Times newspaper, earning its name from the paper’s own nickname, “The Thunderer.” This isn’t just any cocktail; it’s a piece of mixology history, a proto-Bramble, and a testament to Bradsell’s genius for simple, yet elegant drinks.
The Origins of a Classic
The story of the Thunderer begins with Jane MacQuitty, a wine columnist for The Times. In 1982, she was writing a piece about the resurgence of cocktails and commissioned several prominent London bartenders, including Dick Bradsell from Zanzibar, to create a signature cocktail for the newspaper. Bradsell’s creation, a mix of vodka, crème de cassis, and parfait amour, won the unanimous vote of a panel of experienced imbibers. It was then dubbed “The Thunderer”, a nod to The Times’s powerful and influential reputation.
A Forgotten Gem
Despite its initial success, the Thunderer faded into relative obscurity for years. It’s a far cry from the lurid sugary drinks that were more popular during its creation, showcasing Bradsell’s preference for high-quality spirits and classic simplicity. Unlike its more famous cousin, the Bramble, which was conceived a few years later, the Thunderer has largely been forgotten. However, with the renewed interest in classic cocktails, it’s time to bring the Thunderer back into the limelight.
Decoding the Thunderer Recipe
The original recipe for the Thunderer cocktail, as published in The Times in 1982, calls for a few simple ingredients that should be ice-cold:
- 2 measures of Stolichnaya vodka
- 1 teaspoon of Crème de Cassis
- ½ teaspoon of Parfait Amour
Preparing the Cocktail
To make the original recipe, you would start with a small, frosted cocktail glass (about 4oz), which you would keep chilled in the refrigerator. First, swirl the Crème de Cassis around the inside of the glass. Then add the Parfait Amour, and finally top it off with the frozen vodka. It’s crucial to serve it instantly, before the glass begins to defrost. The Parfait Amour is optional, and can be omitted if its floral aroma is too intense.
Modern Adaptations
While the original recipe is a fantastic starting point, there are some modern adaptations and suggestions to enhance the Thunderer:
- Vodka: While Stolichnaya is the original choice, a high-quality Polish vodka such as Kavka, which has a touch of fruit brandy, might also be an excellent choice.
- Crème de Cassis: White Heron British cassis can also be used to enhance the British origin of the cocktail.
- Parfait Amour: Giffard parfait amour can be used for a better quality liqueur. Some variations completely omit this ingredient for a cleaner profile.
How to Make the Thunderer Cocktail: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a modern adaptation that is easy to make at home, while staying true to the original spirit:
- Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to get it thoroughly chilled.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients—vodka, crème de cassis, and parfait amour—are ice-cold.
- Swirl: Take the chilled glass and swirl the crème de cassis around the inside of it.
- Add the Liqueurs: Pour in the parfait amour. If you wish to omit it, you can proceed directly to step 5.
- Add the Vodka: Carefully top the glass with the frozen vodka.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Thunderer right away before the glass warms and the ice melts.
The Thunderer vs. the Bramble: A Matter of Lineage
The Thunderer is often referred to as a “proto-Bramble” because it predates the more famous cocktail. The Bramble, also created by Dick Bradsell, is inspired by his childhood holidays on the Isle of Wight, featuring gin, lemon juice, sugar, and crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur). While both cocktails share a similar lineage, the Thunderer’s use of vodka and the floral notes of Parfait Amour give it a unique, more refined character.
Why This Matters
Understanding the historical context and the evolution of cocktails like the Thunderer and the Bramble adds a layer of appreciation to the drinking experience. It highlights how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special, and how classic cocktails are continually being rediscovered and reimagined.
Serving and Enjoying the Thunderer
The Thunderer is best served immediately after mixing, ideally in a chilled glass. While the original recipe didn’t specify a garnish, a single raspberry dropped into the glass can add a touch of elegance. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a strong, yet balanced drink with a touch of floral sweetness. It’s a drink that’s both sophisticated and easy to prepare, making it suitable for any occasion.
Why Choose the Thunderer?
If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual cocktail options, the Thunderer offers a unique experience. It’s a piece of cocktail history, a testament to the brilliance of Dick Bradsell, and a delicious drink in its own right. The Thunderer is a reminder that sometimes the best things are hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered.
Variations of the “Thunderer”
While the classic recipe is delightful, the name “Thunderer” has been used for several other cocktails. These variations are generally unrelated to the Dick Bradsell creation, and showcase different flavor profiles.
Other Thunderer Cocktail Recipes
- The Absolut Thunderer: This version uses Absolut Vodka, black currant liqueur, and violet liqueur.
- Tiptree Rumbling Thunder: This warm cocktail is made with Tiptree Christmas Conserve, ginger cordial, spiced rum, and lime.
- The Adult Bar Thunder: Made with brandy, grenadine, egg yolk, and cayenne pepper.
- The Thunderer Bourbon Cocktail: A spicy mix using bourbon, grapefruit, and a honey syrup infused with ginger and chiles de árbol.
- Thunder in Paradise: This tropical version combines rum, Oloroso sherry, orgeat, lime juice, and cream of coconut.
These variations demonstrate how the name “Thunderer” is used across the mixology landscape. However, the original Dick Bradsell creation remains the true classic.
Conclusion: The Thunderer’s Legacy
The Thunderer cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a piece of cocktail history. Created by the legendary Dick Bradsell for The Times newspaper, it embodies the simplicity and elegance that define classic mixology. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking to expand your drink repertoire, the Thunderer is a must-try. Its unique flavor profile, coupled with its rich history, makes it a drink that is sure to impress. As the cocktail world continues to evolve, rediscovering forgotten classics like the Thunderer reminds us of the enduring power of simple, well-crafted drinks.
