Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The Turf Cocktail

Turf Cocktail

A 19th century delight that’s perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby

Watching horses dash down the track is thirsty work. You’ll be pawing the ground for a drink!

How about the Turf Cocktail? It (probably) originated at the Turf Club, which was devoted to the ponies. So it’s an ideal drink for watching one of the world’s most renowned horse races. We bet you’ll like this enough that you’ll want a second.

In fact, this cocktail could become a real hobby horse for you.



Turf Cocktail

Recipe: The Turf Cocktail

This drink originated in the late 19th century as a gin-based cocktail. But the gin they used then was not the dry, London-style liquor we know today.

Originally, the Turf Cocktail (sometimes called the Turf Club Cocktail) probably was made with Holland (Genever) gin. Genever is flavored with juniper (like most gins), but it’s a malty liquor that tastes very different from modern dry gins. You can find more information on Holland gin in the Notes.

If Holland gin wasn’t available, barkeeps most likely substituted Old Tom gin, which is somewhat sweeter than dry gin. Old Tom is also less spicy and botanical than dry gin, but not as malty as Holland gin (so its flavor is kind of halfway between Holland and dry gin).

This drink takes about 5 minutes to make, and serves one.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces Old Tom or Holland gin (see Notes if you want to make a version using dry gin)
  • 1 ounce sweet (red) vermouth
  • 1 to 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • garnish of lemon or orange peel (very optional)
Procedure
  1. Place all ingredients (except garnish) in a mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir briskly until the contents are well chilled – at least 30 seconds.
  2. Strain the contents into a cocktail glass, preferably one that has been chilled. Garnish, if you wish, and serve.
Turf Cocktail

Notes
  • Why stir this drink rather than shaking it? Because all the ingredients are clear liquids. Shaking introduces oxygen bubbles, which can cloud drinks. That’s not a problem when some ingredients are cloudy anyway (think citrus), but it can be less appealing in clear drinks. 
  • If the bubbles don’t bother you, feel free to shake. We often do.
  • We’ve found several variations on this drink. Many call for equal parts of Old Tom or Holland gin and sweet vermouth (say, 1½ ounces of each), plus bitters. You might want to give that formula a try. We prefer the ratio in our recipe.
  • We think this drink works best with Holland or Old Tom gin. But if you want to try using dry gin, here’s a recipe: 1½ ounces dry gin, 1½ ounces dry vermouth, ¼ ounce maraschino liqueur, a dash of absinthe (optional), and 1 dash bitters. 
  • For a more Martini-like drink, use 2 ounces dry gin, ¾ ounce dry vermouth, ¼ ounce maraschino liqueur, a dash of absinthe, and a dash of bitters (preferably orange bitters). We suggest using a fairly mild-flavored dry gin, like Plymouth or Boodles.
  • Want to try another cocktail that traditionally uses Old Tom gin? See our recipe for the Martinez Cocktail
  • It can be hard to find a good selection of Holland (genever) or Old Tom gin. Many liquor stores carry it, but they usually have only one or two brands on offer. Old Tom tends to be a bit easier to find than Holland gin. 
  • Holland gin was invented by (wait for it) the Dutch. (A similar gin was also made in Belgium). Holland gin is often called genever or jenever because it’s flavored with juniper berries (jeneverbes in Dutch). You may also see it referred to as Dutch gin or Belgian gin. 
  • Holland gin is made by distilling malt “wine,” which in turn is made (usually) from barley, wheat, or rye. Holland gin is actually a bit more like Scotch whisky than the dry gin most of us think of as “gin” today. 
  • The brand of Holland gin you’re most likely to find in the US is Bols. It comes in two versions, one clear and one with a honey hue. The hued version is aged in wood and sold in a clay bottle (which is traditional for Holland gin). The aged version is a bit smoother and makes a pretty good sipping spirit. 
  • BTW, the term “Dutch courage,” which dates from the 17th century, probably derives from the practice of taking a shot or two of Holland gin before going into battle (a habit common among European soldiers during that century’s terrible wars). 
  • In the US during in the 19th century, most gin-based drinks were made with Holland or Old Tom gin. The craze for dry gin didn’t get going here until the early 20th century (possibly as late as the Prohibition era). 
  • This year’s Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th. It’s the 145th Run for the Roses.
Turf Cocktail

Horseplay

“Hold your horses!” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “This drink is really good. Especially the version with genever.”

“Yup,” I said. “The Old Tom version is good too, but genever is a horse of a different color.”

“Bet you were chomping at the bit to say that,” said Mrs K R.

“Just wanted to pony up with some praise,” I said.

“You’re flogging a dead horse here,” said Mrs K R.

Better plod back to the paddock. Don’t want to make a mare’s nest of this.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Martinez Cocktail
Derby Cocktail
Mint Julep
Pendennis Cocktail
Seelbach Cocktail
Margarita Cocktail
Rosita Cocktail
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

64 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

I always love your cocktail creations and I don't even drink!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, for years and years we rarely drank cocktails -- much more wine people. We still love wine, but cocktails are fun -- love all their flavors, colors, and history. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

I am not a gin girl but I'd try this beauty!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, since you're not a gin fan, I'd suggest trying this with Dutch gin -- its malty flavor is really interesting! Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

The color alone makes me want to try this drink. How lovely! I never developed a taste for gin, but I'm willing to try!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, Holland gin tastes a bit more like a "brown" spirit than a "clear" spirit, so you might like trying that in this drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

You really pack a lot of history into those cocktail recipes! I thought ALL gin had juniper flavoring -- now I know.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Dahn said...

I love going to the horse races! This is such a great name for a drink, I will have to wait for the weekend to try this!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, most gins have juniper, but a lot of the modern dry gins in particular don't (or if they do, a tiny amount). That said, I really like juniper! So I really like Holland gin and the stronger London-style gins. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, I'd declare an early weekend if I were you. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I always love your history lessons. And I had no idea some gins aren't flavored with juniper! So interesting!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, cocktail history is fun. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

This cocktail is such a pretty color and looks so classy! Perfect for Derby viewing!

Marcelle said...

It's been a long time since I tasted gin, John, but I'd like to try this pretty drink. Loved reading about the history about gin, very cool to know! The Kentucky Derby is on our wedding anniversary this year, May 4 :) Lots of reasons to celebrate on that date, it seems! :)

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

This cocktail would go well here in Australia! Ozzies love their horse races and even declare the race day an official holiday, where most people don't have to go to work!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, classy taste, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, gin does have a fun history! Happy Anniversary, and thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, I'll drink to more holidays! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Holly said...

Beautiful shot as always!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Holly, aw, thanks for that kind comment!

Eha said...

Thanks for teaching me decades after 'it' happened! My darling husband and I loved G&Ts - said so when asked by a most difficult aunt living in N Germany when we were able to visit - methinks she thought us abysmally rude when we sat back and did not know to praise after she spent a 'fortune' trying to 'please' us . . . buying Genever for sure . . . :) !

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, Genever in a G&T would definitely be different! I'm not tempted, although Genever instead of dry gin in a Tom Collins is actually pretty good. Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

Classy and seductive!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, it is! :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

What a lovely cocktail! A beautiful color.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, this is definitely pretty. Tastes good, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Oh I love gin, such a classic cocktail...super elegant! Thanks for the recipe John...
I hope you are having a great week!

Sherry's Pickings said...

hi KR
i didn't know that about stirring cocktails - makes sense. Gins are so very trendy these days aren't they? love your photos as always. cheers
sherry

Motions and Emotions said...

good to k ow about the history of the cocktail

Natalia said...

So pretty and elegant ☺

Healthy World Cuisine said...

John this is a gorgeous drink! Clear and cold and perfect for a day at the races... Just need to find my big hat and we are all set. Love the black backdrop ... that shot really pops!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, this is an old cocktail, and a really good one. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, some people can say there's a difference mouthfeel when you stir vs. shake -- stirred cocktails are a bit more "velvety" because they don't contain bubbles. Us? We're happy drinking them made either shaken or stirred! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi M&E, cocktail history is interesting stuff, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, really pretty. And really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbie, it's hard to show cocktail color against black, but I agree cocktails against black always look nice. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Looks like another new-to-me old drink I must try. Love your photo--AND your puns!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, we love making puns even though most of them are bad. Really bad. Really, really bad. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

Another beautiful cocktail. Such a gorgeous color, and I love the related bits of history.

GiGi Eats said...

Oh man, this really is some horseplay (ha ha ha! I took your puns!)

Also, never heard of Angostura before!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, it's the history of cocktails that got us into them. We love the flavor, of course, but the history is fascinating! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, puns are SO much fun (even when they're bad), aren't they? But you know all about that -- you make 'em all the time! Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

This could start some real turf wars at our cocktail table! All ingredients in the “hooch” cabinet so we will stir up a batch for the Derby. (No real turf will he harmed in the making of these gorgeous drinks!)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, "turf wars" is a good one! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Deb|eastofEdenCooking said...

I've never been to the races, but could easily be convinced I should go with a fabulous drink like this waiting for me!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, we haven't been to the races, either. And with this drink, we probably wouldn't care which horse won. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Barb | Creative Culinary said...

Ah...a nice change from a Mint Julep; even if it's obvious I do love them a lot! So very sophisticated; you would have to be an owner to imbibe this lovely drink.

I've been by Churchill Downs and the areas is so beautiful but I prefer watching on TV. I don't have enough money to get past the infield and I hear that's not so much fun. So I'll make your cocktail and keep pretending. :)

By the way I simply could not figure out how to comment for WEEKS but today was determined. Ah...the comment piece was opening as a 2nd window of my browser and I did not see that...now I know!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, hard to beat a Mint Julep! And thanks for the heads up about the comments -- I've received a couple of emails and messages over the last couple of months. Blogger can have problems processing comments, it seems. I switched to this comment format hoping it would be easier for people (previously I had the comments embedded on the same page, and one could reply to specific comments -- now one can't do that). It does seem to have helped some people, but made it more difficult for others. Just can't win! I may go back to the older format -- it's the one I prefer. Anyway, thanks for making the effort to comment!

Ron said...

Too many of your Turf Cocktails and I do bet I'd fall off my horse.
It's Derby Day and I've got my money on "Improbable". However, due to the time difference, we'll be snoozing when the 145th Run for the Roses occurs. But, learning the results gives us something to look forward to tomorrow. I hope your horse wins this afternoon, but if it doesn't you have a winner in your Turf Cocktail.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Thanks for that explanation about stirring or shaking. I had no idea. We love to watch the Derby. This cocktail sounds like a great way to celebrate.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

What a gorgeous Derby cocktail! I have no Derby desserts on my blog, so I may need to sip on one of these and brainstorm for next year!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, truth be told, we're not all that interested in the Kentucky Derby. We're interested in the drinks! There are a LOT of drinks associated with horse racing. Makes sense, since from Colonial times, good horse flesh and fine spirits have been preoccupations of certain "sporting" types in the US. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, this is excellent for watching any sporting event! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, your mini Margarita cheesecakes look wonderful -- a great way to "eat" a drink. Bet you could use a lot of different cocktail flavors in cheesecake, cupcakes, etc. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

After that controversial and nail-biting finish to the Derby, I'm sure many people will be needing a drink like this! ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, that was some Derby, wasn't it? Didn't watch it, but really interesting to read about. Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

Seems like a "turf" cockail ought to be green! It sounds delicious, though. We don't drink enough gin.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, :-) Love the idea of a green "turf" cocktail! Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

I really wanted to do juleps this year (with a special recipe from Edward Lee) but by the time we came in from yard work to watch the race, I was too pooped! I needed a pick-me-up like this cocktail! Maybe that would have down the trick! Thanks!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, juleps are good, but do require a bit of work. This is easier. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

I have the advantage of seeing this post after the "run for the roses". In hindsight, it easy to see how everyone involved with the Derby this year needs a drink! GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I'll drink to that! :-) Thanks for the comment.

R's Rue said...

Yum. I love it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi R, it's really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.