Who says the Knickerbocker has to be ordinary? This inventive riff uses the aromatic punch of allspice dram and the citrusy, hop-forward character of IPA to give a venerable cocktail new life. If you love bold flavor and unexpected harmony, this is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
The fusion of dry and sweet vermouth forms a smooth, herbal backbone, while the spiced warmth of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram weaves through every sip. The addition of IPA—go for a rich, assertively hopped brew like Victory HopDevil, Harpoon IPA, or Lagunitas IPA—adds a unique bright bitterness and a subtle citrusy lift that plays beautifully with allspice’s complexity. Finished with a dash of orange bitters and a lemon twist, you’ve got a cocktail as sophisticated as it is refreshing.
🍹 IPA Allspice Knickerbocker Recipe
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
- Dash of orange bitters
- 2 oz India Pale Ale (IPA)
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add the dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, allspice dram, and orange bitters. Stir well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Slowly top with India Pale Ale to preserve bubbles and aromatic foam.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
Tip: For maximum aroma, use freshly opened IPA and twist the lemon peel over the glass just before serving.
✨ Flavor Notes & Customization
- IPA Selection: Use a flavorful IPA with plenty of hop aroma and moderate bitterness.
- Bitters Variation: Add a dash of Angostura for extra spice, or try grapefruit bitters for a brighter citrus lift.
- Herbal Lift: Add a fresh sprig of thyme or rosemary for extra fragrant complexity.
- Make It Your Own: Swap the IPA for a citrusy pale ale for a milder, fruitier finish.
🍺 A Cocktail for the Adventurous
With its fusion of spice, hops, herbs, and citrus, the IPA Allspice Knickerbocker is a standout for cocktail enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. Shake things up, embrace the unexpected, and enjoy the next evolution of a timeless classic!