The De Beauvoir cocktail is a relatively recent creation, emerging from a cocktail competition in London. This unique drink combines the boldness of rye whiskey with the nutty sweetness of hazelnut liqueur and the smoky depth of a porter beer. It’s a surprisingly complex and satisfying concoction, perfect for those looking to explore beyond traditional cocktails.
A Champion’s Brew: The Origin of the De Beauvoir
The De Beauvoir was created by Andrea Montague in 2013 for the Difford’s Guide Beer-tail Competition, which took place during London Cocktail Week. Montague’s creation won the competition and has been gaining recognition amongst cocktail enthusiasts.
The cocktail is named after De Beauvoir Town, an area of north London, known for its mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. The area is bound by Kingsland Road to the east, Southgate Road to the west, Regent’s Canal to the south, and Tottenham Road to the north. Interestingly, the cockney name for this area, “Beavertown,” is also the name of the Hackney brewery whose Smog Rocket porter was used in the winning cocktail. This local connection adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the drink.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of the De Beauvoir
The De Beauvoir distinguishes itself with its unusual mix of spirits, liqueurs, and beer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rye Whiskey (1 oz / 30ml): A good quality rye whiskey forms the backbone of the cocktail, providing spice and structure.
- Hazelnut Liqueur (2/3 oz / 20ml): Also known as Frangelico, this liqueur adds a rich, nutty sweetness that complements the whiskey and porter.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1/2 oz / 15ml): The lemon juice provides a much needed citrusy balance that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
- Smoked Porter Beer (2 oz / 60ml): A smoked porter like Beavertown’s Smog Rocket adds depth and a unique smoky note, making the cocktail stand out.
- Brown Sugar (1 tsp): A touch of brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and further enhances the richness of the drink.
The original recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. However, depending on the sweetness of the hazelnut liqueur and personal preference, this can be adjusted.
Crafting the De Beauvoir: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a simple guide to creating this award-winning cocktail:
Preparation
- Chill a Coupe Glass: Start by chilling a coupe glass. This will help keep your cocktail cold.
- Prepare your ingredients: Measure out your rye whiskey, hazelnut liqueur, and lemon juice. Have your smoked porter beer ready and your brown sugar measured.
- Prepare Garnish: A simple orange zest twist will add a touch of visual appeal and aroma to your finished cocktail.
Mixing the Cocktail
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the rye whiskey, hazelnut liqueur, fresh lemon juice and brown sugar.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously until the shaker is well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds. This will properly mix the ingredients and provide some dilution.
- Double Strain: Double strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass. This will ensure a smooth texture and keep any ice shards out of the finished cocktail.
- Top with Porter: Gently pour the smoked porter beer into the glass, allowing it to settle on top of the mixture. This creates a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish: Finish the cocktail with an orange zest twist.
Serving and Enjoying
The De Beauvoir is best enjoyed immediately after mixing to capture the full range of flavors and the freshness of the beer. It’s a surprisingly versatile drink, working well as an aperitif or an after-dinner sipper.
Variations
While the original recipe is a great starting point, feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Whiskey type: Try using a different style of whiskey, such as bourbon, for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Liqueur: Consider using other nut-based liqueurs like nocello for a different flavor twist.
- Beer: Experiment with different styles of porter or stout to see how it changes the overall flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your personal preference.
The De Beauvoir vs Other Cocktails
The De Beauvoir stands apart from more well-known cocktails. For example, the Boulevardier, a popular drink, is often described as a whiskey-based Negroni, using equal parts whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. While both have a boozy and complex flavor, the De Beauvoir’s use of beer, hazelnut liqueur, and lemon juice, creates a very different experience compared to the Boulevardier, which relies on bitter and herbal notes. Another similar cocktail, “The Woman Destroyed” also utilizes whiskey but it incorporates sweet vermouth, apricot liqueur, and Cynar instead, making it another very different cocktail.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic
The De Beauvoir is a testament to the creativity and innovation within the world of mixology. It’s a cocktail that challenges expectations, combining familiar flavors in unexpected ways. Its unique combination of rye whiskey, hazelnut liqueur, smoked porter, and a touch of lemon, makes it stand out. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a casual drinker, the De Beauvoir is a must-try for those seeking a unique and sophisticated experience.
