Nixon Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Nixon recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Bourbon
Alcohol 20%
Calories 215 calories
Fat 0.1g
Protein 0.2g
Carbohydrates 14g
Prep time 3 minutes

Ready to elevate your cocktail game? The Nixon is a tantalizing mix waiting to refresh your palate and impress your friends. We’ll explore its history, flavors, ingredients, and how to make it, guiding you to create the perfect drink. Let’s stir things up together! ⬇️

History

The Nixon cocktail is a relatively modern creation, with its origins shrouded in mystery. It’s not as old as classics like the Martini, but it has made its mark. This drink captures the spirit of innovation in the cocktail world.

  • The name “Nixon” may not necessarily relate to the former president, Richard Nixon.
  • Some speculate that it gained popularity in the 1970s, a vibrant era for cocktail experimentation.
  • While its creator is unknown, the Nixon is a testament to the creativity of modern mixologists.

The taste of a Nixon?

A sip of Nixon dazzles with a balance of sweet and sour, a refreshing citrus kick with a hint of complexity. It’s a playful dance of flavors on the tongue, appealing to those who love a vibrant taste profile.

I personally love Nixon for its bright and invigorating flavors, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Interesting facts about Nixon

  • Nixon’s popularity surged as a summer cocktail, ideal for sipping on sunny afternoons.
  • The cocktail is often admired for its simplicity, requiring only a few quality ingredients.
  • Despite its simple composition, the Nixon allows for endless variations, making it a favorite among creative bartenders.

Ingredients 📃

  • Vodka: 1.5 oz (45ml)
  • Amaretto: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Bitters: A dash
  • Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Ginger ale: To top up
  • Ice cubes: As needed

A Nixon is best served in a highball glass, which allows the effervescence of the ginger ale to rise, tickling the nose and enhancing the experience. Alternatively, a Collins glass can also be suitable, offering a taller, more elegant presentation.

Recipe. How to make Nixon 🍹

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of vodka, 0.5 oz of Amaretto, and a dash of bitters over the ice.
  3. Add 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice.
  4. Top up with ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of mint, if desired.

While the Nixon is delightful, it’s wise to consider its sugar content. Using natural sweeteners or less sugar can be a healthier twist. The fresh lime juice does provide vitamin C, though!

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Food Pairings

The right food can turn a Nixon sip into a culinary adventure. Here are some pairings that harmonize with its zesty, sweet profile:

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The Nixon’s citrus notes cut through the savory flavors of the chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

Fresh Summer Salads

A crisp, leafy salad with a citrusy dressing pairs seamlessly with the refreshing qualities of a Nixon.

Spicy Asian Cuisine

The sweetness and acidity of the Nixon can complement the heat and complexity of Asian spices.

I find the flavor of Nixon to be just my cup of tea; it’s like a splash of joy in a glass.


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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep your Nixon cool and refreshing.
  • Experiment with different bitters to find your unique taste preference.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Nixon, let’s explore how to put your twist on it and discover new variations to delight your taste buds.

What you could change in Nixon

  • Vodka: Swap for gin to introduce a botanical complexity.
  • Amaretto: Try swapping with another nut liqueur for a different nutty undertone.
  • Ginger ale: Can be replaced with tonic water for a drier taste.

Nixon Variations

Spiced Nixon

  • Ingredients: Add a cinnamon stick and a star anise.
  • Recipe: Build as per original but allow the spices to infuse briefly before serving.

Summer Berry Nixon

  • Ingredients: Include a handful of muddled fresh berries.
  • Recipe: Muddle the berries at the bottom of the glass before adding the remaining ingredients.

Herbal Nixon

  • Ingredients: Introduce fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
  • Recipe: Muddle herbs with lime juice before following the standard recipe.

A “Virgin Nixon” retains the charm without the alcohol. Mix ginger ale, lime juice, and a dash of almond syrup for a delightful mocktail.

Q&A

Can I make a big batch of Nixon for a party?

Certainly! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher.

Is it okay to use lemon instead of lime?

While lime is traditional, lemon can be a zesty substitute. Play with what you love!

How can I make my Nixon look more festive?

Garnish with colorful fruit or a playful straw to add a decorative touch.

What’s the best way to introduce a smoky flavor to a Nixon?

Try a dash of smoky whiskey or use a smoked salt rim for a subtle hint.

Are there any non-sugar sweeteners that work well in a Nixon?

Absolutely! Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives to sugar.

Can the Nixon be turned into a frozen drink?

Yes, blend the ingredients with ice to create a slushy version for those extra-hot days.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

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