Shake up a True Black Opal cocktail with gin, rum, vodka, sour mix, and Chambord for a bold and fruity flavor. Perfectly served in a rocks glass, impress your guests with your bartending skills with this easy-to-make recipe. Get rid of large pieces of ingredients with a shaker and strainer, and enjoy a delicious drink that'll make you feel like a pro bartender!
True Black Opal Ingredients
True Black Opal Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
True Black Opal Recipe
- shake properly with ingredients in shaker
- prepare Rocks glass almost full with ice cubes
Recommend: serve in Rocks glass
It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.The True Black Opal: A Classic Cocktail with a Modern Twist
As a professional bartender, I have seen my fair share of cocktails come and go. Some are fads that quickly fade away, while others stand the test of time and become classics. The True Black Opal falls into the latter category. This cocktail has been around for decades, but it has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. In this article, we will explore the history of the True Black Opal, its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations, and common mistakes when making it.
Popularity
The True Black Opal is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1970s. It was created by Dick Bradsell, a legendary bartender in London. The cocktail is named after the Black Opal gemstone, which is rare and highly prized. The True Black Opal is famous for its unique flavor profile, which is a combination of sweet, sour, and fruity notes. It is also known for its striking appearance, which is a deep purple color that is reminiscent of the gemstone.
The True Black Opal has become popular all over the world, but it is particularly popular in the United States. This is due in part to the fact that it is made with ingredients that are readily available in the US. The cocktail is also popular in the UK and other parts of Europe, where it is often served at high-end bars and restaurants.
Ingredient Roles
The True Black Opal is made with five ingredients: gin, rum, sour mix, vodka, and Chambord. Each ingredient plays a specific role in the cocktail.
- Gin: Gin is a distilled spirit that is flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals. It provides the base for the cocktail and adds a complex flavor profile.
- Rum: Rum is a distilled spirit that is made from sugarcane. It adds sweetness and depth to the cocktail.
- Sour mix: Sour mix is a combination of lime juice and simple syrup. It adds a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the rum and Chambord.
- Vodka: Vodka is a distilled spirit that is made from grains. It adds a neutral flavor and helps to balance out the other ingredients.
- Chambord: Chambord is a raspberry liqueur that adds a fruity flavor to the cocktail and gives it its distinctive purple color.
How to Garnish
The True Black Opal is typically served in a rocks glass with ice. It is garnished with a lime wedge and a blackberry. The lime wedge adds a pop of color and a tartness that complements the cocktail. The blackberry adds a burst of sweetness and a visual element that is reminiscent of the Black Opal gemstone.
To garnish the True Black Opal, start by filling a rocks glass with ice. Next, strain the cocktail into the glass using a shaker with a strainer. Finally, garnish the cocktail with a lime wedge and a blackberry.
Variations
The True Black Opal is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Virgin/mocktail version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the True Black Opal, simply omit the gin, rum, and vodka. Increase the amount of sour mix and Chambord to compensate for the missing alcohol.
- Gluten-free version: To make a gluten-free version of the True Black Opal, use gluten-free vodka and ensure that the sour mix and Chambord are also gluten-free.
- Vegan version: To make a vegan version of the True Black Opal, ensure that all of the ingredients are vegan-friendly. Some brands of Chambord may contain animal products, so be sure to check the label.
- Keto version: To make a keto-friendly version of the True Black Opal, use a sugar-free sour mix and Chambord. You can also use a low-carb vodka to further reduce the carb count.
- Low-calorie version: To make a low-calorie version of the True Black Opal, use a low-calorie sour mix and Chambord. You can also reduce the amount of rum and vodka in the cocktail.
Common Mistakes when Making
Like any cocktail, the True Black Opal requires a certain level of skill and attention to detail to get right. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much ice: The True Black Opal should be served in a rocks glass with ice, but too much ice can dilute the cocktail and affect the flavor.
- Using the wrong proportions: The True Black Opal requires precise measurements of each ingredient to achieve the right balance of flavors.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The True Black Opal is made with a combination of high-quality spirits and liqueurs. Using low-quality ingredients can affect the overall flavor of the cocktail.
- Not straining the cocktail: The True Black Opal should be strained using a shaker with a strainer to remove any large pieces of ingredients, such as fruit parts or seeds.
- Over-garnishing: The True Black Opal should be garnished with a lime wedge and a blackberry. Adding too many garnishes can overpower the cocktail and affect the overall flavor.
In conclusion, the True Black Opal is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its unique flavor profile and striking appearance have made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts all over the world. By following the right proportions and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a True Black Opal that is sure to impress. Whether you prefer a classic version or a variation that suits your dietary needs, this cocktail is sure to satisfy.
If you are going to order True Black Opal in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. True Black Opal can be served with different ingredients in different places.