Dorchester Cocktail

The Dorchester cocktail, or as we like to call it – a Hemingway Daiquiri and the Last Word combination, was created in 2021, by Erik Adkins, the bar director at the Slanted Door restaurant in San Francisco.

This cocktail soon gained a following, not just for its refreshing taste but also for its unique composition, which combined London dry gin, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

The base spirit, London dry gin, forms the backbone of the Dorchester Cocktail. Its botanicals impart a crisp, juniper-forward profile that anchors the drink, providing a smooth foundation.

Maraschino Liqueur is a delightful addition that adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the cocktail. Maraschino liqueur is derived from the distillation of Marasca cherries, resulting in a fragrant, slightly nutty flavor that complements the gin’s botanicals.

The addition of grapefruit juice introduces a bright, citrusy note to the mix. Its acidity and zestiness balance the richness of the maraschino liqueur and create a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.

Lime juice provides a touch of tartness and bright acidity. This element adds a zesty, lively kick to the cocktail, ensuring that it is not overly sweet but maintains a well-rounded profile.

Simple syrup is the final piece of the puzzle. It adds a touch of sweetness to the cocktail’s overall taste and ensures it is well-balanced.

Dorchester Cocktail Recipe

1. 45 ml London dry gin

2. 15 ml maraschino liqueur

3. 15 ml grapefruit juice

4. 22.5 ml fresh lime juice

5. 15 ml simple syrup

6. Ice

7. Garnish: maraschino cherry