📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Brandy
Alcohol 17%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 4 minutes
Are you ready to embark on a refreshing journey through the art of the Metropolitan cocktail? This classic drink is a symphony of flavors, from sweet to tart, and it holds a storied place in cocktail culture. We’ll explore its rich history, tantalizing taste, and how to craft it to perfection. Get your shaker ready, and let’s dive in! ⬇️
History
The Metropolitan cocktail is a relative of the famous Martini, born in the American cocktail golden age. It was popularized in the chic bars of New York City. This drink encapsulates the elegance of its namesake, the Metropolitan Opera.
- The Metropolitan’s fame peaked in the 1930s, during the glamorous days of Art Deco.
- It is said to have been the preferred choice among the Manhattan elite.
- The cocktail’s name reflects the cosmopolitan lifestyle of its early adopters.
The taste of a Metropolitan?
A Metropolitan is sweet with a hint of sour, a dance of flavors on your palate. It blends the richness of brandy with the zesty kick of vermouth for a truly invigorating sip.
I personally find the Metropolitan cocktail enchanting for its balanced interplay of sweetness and acidity. It’s like sipping on the spirit of a bygone, sophisticated era.
Interesting facts about Metropolitan
- The Metropolitan is often confused with the Metropole, another classic cocktail but with a different ingredient list.
- Some believe it was created as a ‘gentleman’s drink’ to be enjoyed after a long day of work.
- The drink’s popularity has recently resurged, thanks to the craft cocktail movement.
Ingredients
- Brandy: 2 oz (60 ml)
- Sweet Vermouth: 1 oz (30 ml)
- Simple Syrup: 1/2 oz (15 ml)
- Bitters: 2 dashes
The ideal vessel for a Metropolitan is a chilled cocktail glass. Its wide brim allows the aroma to tantalize the senses before the first sip. An alternative could be a lowball glass, offering a more casual experience.
Recipe. How to make Metropolitan
- Pour 2 oz of brandy and 1 oz of sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 1/2 oz of simple syrup and 2 dashes of bitters.
- Stir well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.
The Metropolitan, while delightful, does come with a sugar note. Opting for natural sweeteners or reducing the syrup can make a healthier twist. Brandy, in moderation, has been noted for its heart-healthy benefits.
Food Pairings
The right food can turn a Metropolitan into a complete sensory experience. Here are some ideal companions to this luscious drink:
Cheese Platter
A Metropolitan pairs exquisitely with a variety of cheeses. The cocktail’s sweetness complements the creaminess of brie or the sharpness of aged cheddar.
Dark Chocolate
The rich flavor of a dark chocolate dessert is a match made in heaven with the depth of the brandy in a Metropolitan.
Grilled Steak
The robust nature of a grilled steak harmonizes with the strength and spice of the Metropolitan’s bitters.
I relish the Metropolitan’s subtle complexity; it’s like a liquid poem, each sip a new verse of flavor.
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Bartender Advice
- Chill your cocktail glass beforehand to keep your Metropolitan cool and refreshing.
- Use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to the garnish, to elevate the overall flavor.
- Experiment with the proportions of vermouth and brandy to find your ideal balance of sweetness and strength.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Metropolitan, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Metropolitan
- Brandy: You could use a different type of brandy, like Cognac or Armagnac, for a nuanced flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: Substitute with dry vermouth for a less sweet, more botanical profile.
- Bitters: Experiment with orange or chocolate bitters to add a unique twist.
Metropolitan Variations
Metropolitan Royale
- Ingredients: Add a splash of Champagne.
- Recipe: Build the original recipe, top with Champagne, and stir gently.
Spiced Metropolitan
- Ingredients: Include a cinnamon stick and star anise.
- Recipe: Muddle the spices with the syrup before adding the remaining ingredients.
Metropolitan Mule
- Ingredients: Swap in ginger beer instead of vermouth.
- Recipe: Combine brandy and syrup, top with ginger beer, and serve over ice in a copper mug.
For a non-alcoholic treat, the Virgin Metropolitan delights with the same flavor profile. Mix a non-alcoholic spirit with tonic water and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
Q&A
What is the origin of the Metropolitan cocktail?
The Metropolitan hails from New York City’s vibrant cocktail scene during the early 20th century, a time of sophistication and urbanity.
Can the Metropolitan be considered a strong drink?
Indeed, with its base of brandy and vermouth, it’s a cocktail with a kick, but the sweetness balances it nicely.
Is there a preferred time of day to enjoy a Metropolitan?
Traditionally, it’s an evening affair, but hey, it’s five o’clock somewhere, right?
How does the Metropolitan compare to a Martini?
They’re cousins—both dignified and stirred, but the Metropolitan is sweeter, thanks to the vermouth and syrup.
Can I make a Metropolitan without bitters?
You could, but the bitters add a depth that rounds out the sweetness; it’s like the bass in a band.
Are there any variations for those who don’t consume alcohol?
Absolutely! A Virgin Metropolitan offers a similar palette of flavors without the alcohol.
