The Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup, also known as Difford’s Cup No. 5, offers a bold and flavorful variation on the classic fruit cup cocktail. This drink substitutes the traditional gin base with robust rye whiskey, creating a more complex and spicy profile that’s perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and refreshing beverage. Fruit cups, traditionally English summertime drinks, were originally made with a mix of fruit, liqueurs and spices with a base spirit of gin. They were usually homemade and for home consumption.
What is a Fruit Cup?
Fruit cups, sometimes referred to as summer cups, are quintessentially English mixed drinks designed to be light and refreshing, often served during warmer months. These beverages are typically made using a base spirit, various fruit liqueurs, spices, and fresh fruit, then lengthened with a mixer such as lemonade or ginger ale. The most well-known example is the Pimm’s Cup, which uses Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur. The Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup takes this classic concept and introduces a distinctly American twist by using rye whiskey as its core spirit.
Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup (Difford’s Cup No. 5) Recipe
The Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup, specifically Difford’s Cup No. 5, is a well-regarded version of this drink. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Rye whiskey (50% ABV)
- 25 ml Orange Curaçao
- 25 ml Rosso/sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Top with Ginger Ale
- Garnish: Lemon, orange, and strawberry slices, mint sprig, and borage (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Select and pre-chill a Collins glass.
- Garnish Prep: Prepare the garnish by slicing the lemon, orange, and strawberry. Have mint sprigs and borage (if using) ready.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour all the liquid ingredients (rye whiskey, orange curaçao, sweet vermouth, and bitters) into the glass.
- Add Ice: Half-fill the glass with ice.
- Initial Garnish: Add a citrus slice and a couple of mint leaves from your garnish into the glass.
- Fill with Ice: Fill the rest of the glass to the brim with ice.
- Final Garnish: Complete the drink with the remaining garnish.
Serving Suggestions
- Glassware: Serve in a Collins or highball glass.
- Ice: Use fresh, high-quality ice to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Garnish: Be generous with fresh fruit and herbs. The vibrant colors and aromas enhance the overall experience of the drink.
- Mixer: Ginger ale is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other options like ginger beer or even a splash of club soda for less sweetness.
Variations and Customizations
While Difford’s Cup No. 5 offers a specific guideline, there’s plenty of room to experiment and customize your rye whiskey fruit cup.
Spirit Variations
- Bourbon: For a sweeter profile, try substituting rye whiskey with bourbon.
- Other Whiskies: Explore other types of whiskey, such as Japanese whisky or single malt scotch, for unique flavor profiles.
- Vodka: If you prefer a lighter taste, consider a vodka-based fruit cup, such as Difford’s Cup No. 6.
Liqueur and Vermouth
- Different Orange Liqueurs: Use other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for subtle taste variations.
- Dry Vermouth: For a less sweet drink, use dry vermouth in place of sweet vermouth, or a combination of both.
- Herbal Liqueurs: Add a touch of herbal liqueur, such as Green Chartreuse or Benedictine, for added complexity.
Mixer Variations
- Ginger Beer: Ginger beer will give the drink a spicier and more robust flavor.
- Lemonade: For a sweeter and tarter profile, lemonade can be used as an alternative.
- Club Soda: If you prefer a less sweet version of the drink, use club soda for a lighter, more refreshing taste.
- Tonic Water: Tonic water will add a slightly bitter edge that complements the other flavors of the cocktail
Fruit Variations
- Seasonal Fruits: Use seasonal fruits for the freshest flavor. Berries, peaches, and plums can be great choices.
- Citrus: Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lime, for a varied flavor profile.
- Cucumber: Add cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.
Other Additions
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note, especially during colder months.
- Bitters: Experiment with different types of bitters to add layers of complexity, such as orange, aromatic, or even peach bitters.
- Syrups: Simple syrup or flavored syrups, such as ginger or maple, can be used to adjust the sweetness of the drink.
Choosing the Right Rye Whiskey
The choice of rye whiskey greatly impacts the final flavor of your fruit cup. Here are some popular rye whiskeys that are well-suited for cocktails:
- Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey: This is a favorite among bartenders due to its high proof (100), versatility, and affordability. It has a balanced flavor profile with notes of spice and a hint of sweetness.
- Knob Creek Rye: This is a good solid rye that is not too expensive, making it perfect for mixing cocktails.
- Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Rye: This single-barrel rye is known for its smoothness and complexity, with notes of spice, salted caramel, and butterscotch. It is ideal for those looking for a premium option.
- Sazerac Rye: This is a popular choice among those who appreciate a good balance between spiciness and smoothness in their rye.
- Pikesville Rye: A high-proof option that offers great flavor for sipping or mixing.
When selecting a rye, consider the intensity of its flavor. If the rye is very high in spice or flavor, use it sparingly or choose other ingredients that balance that out. If the rye is a bit more mellow, you can be more generous.
History and Origins of Fruit Cups
Fruit cups have roots in Victorian England, where they were often homemade mixtures of fruit, liqueurs, and spices with a base spirit of gin. The aim was to create a refreshing and relatively low-alcohol beverage for social gatherings. Pimm’s No. 1, introduced by James Pimm, a London oyster house owner in the 1800s, became the most well-known and commercially successful example of this type of drink. Over time, other variations emerged, exploring different base spirits and flavor combinations. The Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup, as a modern rendition, builds upon this tradition by bringing a distinctly American style of whiskey into play.
The Appeal of Rye Whiskey in Cocktails
Rye whiskey, with its spicy and robust character, has become increasingly popular in the world of cocktails. Unlike bourbon, which tends to have a sweeter profile, rye offers a drier, spicier, and more herbaceous flavor that can add complexity to mixed drinks. Its assertive character pairs well with a range of ingredients, from sweet vermouth to citrus juices, making it a versatile base for both classic and contemporary cocktails. The Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup leverages rye’s unique attributes, providing a bold alternative to the typically gin-based fruit cups.
Conclusion
The Rye Whiskey Fruit Cup (Difford’s Cup No. 5) is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for those looking to explore beyond the traditional Pimm’s Cup. It is easy to customize to your preference, and you can modify it for any season. The combination of robust rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and citrus notes makes it an ideal drink for any time of year, and the fresh fruit garnishes make it a visual treat as well. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a casual home bartender, this version of a fruit cup offers a delightful and approachable way to enjoy the unique characteristics of rye whiskey.
