Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Suburban Cocktail

The Suburban Cocktail

A dark-horse drink for the holidays

Ever heard of the Suburban Cocktail? We’ll wager you haven’t.

But it’s worth getting to know. The Suburban’s unusual blend of rye whiskey, dark rum, and port is warming and cheering – just like the holidays are supposed to be.

Plus, the Suburban is named after a horse race. You may find that fitting as you gallop down the final shopping stretch.


The Suburban Cocktail

Recipe: The Suburban Cocktail

The Suburban looks holly-jolly festive. And its flavor is perfect for chilly weather. But this drink would make a good warm-weather sipper too, especially if you serve it on the rocks.

Speaking of rocks: Most bartenders serve the Suburban “up” in a cocktail glass. We think it’s better over ice in a rocks glass. Feel free to follow your fancy on this.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and serves one.

Ingredients
  • 1½ ounces rye whiskey (see Notes)
  • ½ ounce dark rum, preferably Jamaican (or substitute a deep-flavored amber rum if you prefer)
  • ½ ounce ruby or tawny port (we prefer ruby; see Notes)
  • 1 to 2 dashes orange bitters (we prefer 2; see Notes)
  • 1 to 2 dashes Angostura bitters (we prefer 2; see Notes)
  • orange twist or peel for garnish (very optional)
Procedure
  1. Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir briskly until the contents are well chilled – about 30 seconds.
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass (preferably one that’s been chilled) or an ice-filled rocks (Old Fashioned) glass. Add garnish, if desired, and serve.
The Suburban Cocktail

Notes
  • Why stir rather than shake this cocktail? Because all the ingredients are clear. Shaking can incorporate oxygen bubbles into the drink (which may cloud it). 
  • That said, we often shake. It’s easier – and if you’re serving the drink over ice, you won’t see the bubbles anyway. 
  • A garnish isn’t traditional for this drink, but we think an orange twist or peel is nice, especially around the winter holidays. A brandied cherry would work well, too.
  • You can substitute bourbon in this drink, but we think rye works much better. Bourbon is sweeter, so it gives the drink a different flavor profile (though one you may like). 
  • Rye was often the whiskey of choice for cocktails that originated in the northeastern United States – as this drink did (rye grows well in that part of the world). 
  • We think dark rum is perfect in this drink, but you may prefer amber. It’s worth experimenting.
  • We prefer the flavor of ruby port in this drink (though it’s probably more common to use tawny). Ruby port combines better with dark rum. And the color is more festive – always a plus in December. 
  • Don’t use your most expensive port in this drink (save that for sipping). Instead, use something that sells for around $20 a bottle. Ask the friendly folks at your local liquor store for a recommendation if you’re not sure what to buy.
  • Port is a fairly unusual ingredient in cocktails – although we also used it in the Betsy Ross Cocktail (another holiday-appropriate drink). 
  • Port is fortified wine, with an alcohol content of about 18%. It will oxidize after opening, causing the flavor to decline. We always store opened bottles of port in the refrigerator to extend their flavor curve. 
  • Most recipes for this drink call for 1 dash each of orange and Angostura bitters. We prefer 2 because we like bitters. But mix to your own taste. 
  • So what’s the history of the Suburban Cocktail? A recipe for it first appeared in print in the Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book. And the drink likely originated at the Waldorf’s bar, probably during the 19th century. The cocktail was named after the Suburban Handicap, a thoroughbred race that was first run at the Sheepshead Bay Race Track in Brooklyn (today the race is run at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York). The race was named after a British horse race called the City and Suburban Handicap. 
  • The drink may have been invented to celebrate the interests of wealthy sportsmen like James R. Keene, a 19th century investor and racehorse owner. Or Leonard Jerome, a financier and owner of the Sheepshead Bay Race Track (he also owned the Jerome Park Racetrack in The Bronx, where the first Belmont Stakes was run). 
  • Jerome was the maternal grandfather of Winston Churchill. Churchill loved horses (he supposedly once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”) and he actually rode in a race at least once. And of course he was known to enjoy a tipple from time to time.
The Suburban Cocktail

Playing the Ponies

“Trifecta,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “You win across the board with this drink.”

“Makes me feel like a cocky young colt,” I said. “Ready for the fast track.”

“Don’t want to nag you,” said Mrs K R. “But my glass is empty.”

“Well, I’ll canter over to the bar and make us another,” I said.

“We’ll enjoy that daily double,” said Mrs K R.

“Stiff drink, though,” I said. “Two should be our limit – as I always say at the betting window.”

“Yeah, a third would put us off pace,” said Mrs K R. “We’d love it, but . . . .”

Not furlong.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Betsy Ross Cocktail
Eggnog
Beaujolais Nouveau
Boulevardier Cocktail
Cranberry Shrub Cocktail with Bourbon
Grasshopper Cocktail
Brandy Alexander Cocktail
Milk Punch Cocktail
Hot Spiced Apple Cider with Rum
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

56 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

wow The pictures are so GORGEOUS! I would definitely want to take one if I drank!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's a really interesting drink -- its flavor is a bit like a Manhattan. Really good! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

I've never heard of it but know I'd love it because Rye Whiskey is my favorite!

Mae Travels said...

So many cocktails... so little time. Especially when you are a wine drinker like me!

My daughter recently ordered a very vivid green, tarragon-flavored cocktail called the Tarkhuna at a Georgian restaurant. That might make your Christmas cocktail list!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, this drink is kinda obscure these days, but it should be more popular -- it's good! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, I had to Google that -- :-) Apparently there's a soft drink of that name, and I'll bet the cocktail uses it as a base. Interesting! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Waaay too many cocktails lately. I originally signed up to receive food recipes.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, usually one cocktail a month. Except during summer, when it's often twice a month. Just avert your eyes on those weeks when we feature a cocktail. Or check out the archives. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

I love port and sip it often. Your cocktail looks fantastic but there’s only scotch in our house and no other whiskey. Oh well I have to order it in a restaurant. Prost!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, you'd definitely want rye or bourbon in this drink, I think. Worth trying at some point -- its flavor is SO enticing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

You are correct. We have not heard of this drink but we are very intrigued by its deep burgundy color and taste. A perfect nightcap after a day of holiday cheer.

Natalia said...

Wow, that looks incredibly good! Those photos are stunning!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, it's the port that gives it that color. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Matalia, actually tastes better than it looks. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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

Beautiful! Wish I could my little orange peel twists to look that good. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, you gotta re-twist those little things several times during the shoot. It's a pain to keep them looking that way! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sherry's Pickings said...

as usual, fab photos KR! this sounds like a hefty drink. i reckon a couple would have you under the table:-) mm you could read that in either of two ways...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, definitely on the hefty side. And yeah, one could read that two different ways! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

This cocktail definitely seems like it packs a sophisticated punch. Something like that is often needed during the holidays lol.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, lol, a good holiday drink in many senses of the word. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

Your cocktail photos are always stunning! What a perfect drink for the holidays!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, thanks for that very kind comment. :-)

Merryn@merrynsmenu said...

This calls for a Saturday afternoon spectacular, complete with a fascinator this will be a perfect blend. It looks very debonair indeed John .

Ron said...

Funny how the mind works, when reading your title the first thing that came to mind was my first vehicle. It was a 1955 Chevy Suburban and yes we had more than one cocktail in it (different laws and times back then).
I love Canadian rye, rum and port so this one should go down very smoothly. Fantastic images John, you just keep getting better.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

This one sounds smooth and deceptive... easy to drink, and easy to drink too much! Was thinking I had all the ingredients for a weekender but I seem to be out of rye... time to shop!

All That I'm Eating said...

This sounds like a particularly alcoholic cocktail! Lovely colour and I bet the bitters give it a real edge.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, :-) Debonair is a pretty good word to describe this! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, you know, the first thing I also thought when I came across this drink was the Chevy Suburban. I suspect we're a somewhat similar generation. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, this IS really smooth, but you definitely know you have a serious drink in your hands. And yes, you do need to shop for rye! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, we love bitters in drinks! So good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Balvinder said...

Wow! Look at the color.Incredible! Looks almost too good to drink...

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

This one might be a bit too powerful for the likes of me, but the recipe could come in handy for guests. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, especially the on-the-rocks--wow!

Jeff the Chef said...

Wow! Rye, rum, and port - what an interesting combination! It does sounds festive, and I always like to have a new cocktail to present at holiday parties. Thanks! I'll try it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Balvinder, emphasis on "almost." :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, it's a stiff drink. But a good one. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, it's kind of a weird combo, but it really works. Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Oh John, this cocktail sounds amazing...deep in flavor and very soothing...I think I would like mine on ice.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, it's good "up," but we agree over ice the better way to go! Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

The cocktail is called the Tarkhuna twist, and lists gin, tarragon "lemonade," and Luxardo Maraschino as the ingredients. The tarragon "lemonade" is probably the soft drink you found.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, I'll bet the "lemonade" is indeed what I found! Thanks for the info on what's in the drink. :-)

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I’m betting this is really good! And rye whiskey is one thing among others we have on hand. Thanks John. You have no idea how much I need one right now.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, that's a good bet. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Frank said...

What a beautiful color! And your tip about stirring struck a cord. I made a Manhattan last night and used a shaker. Those air bubbles really are a thing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, this drink reminds me of a Manhattan, so I'd bet you'd like this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

I was going to say that I'd move to the 'burbs for this cocktail. Now you tell me I have to move to a barn! GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, didn't know the drinking was so good in the barn, did you? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

You had me at orange bitters. I love that taste of bitter orange rind in anything, especially cocktails, and well, of course, marmalade. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, orange bitters are SO good! We love them too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

R's Rue said...

So yummy.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

I have never heard of the Suburban cocktail but it sure is a beauty. I love that it is named after a horse race.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi R, truly. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, not a common cocktail, but it should be! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

And I bet it would knock your socks off! Love the color and another one to add to the list! Thanks, John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam sock removal is one of the side benefits. Effects. Whatever. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

THIS drink just screams "cozy up with me on the sofa closest to the fire roaring in the fire place, in your cozy robe and fuzzy slippers!" haha!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, LOL! It does. :-) Thanks for the comment.