Jasmine Cocktail

The Jasmine cocktail is a meticulously crafted blend of gin, Cointreau, Campari, and fresh lemon juice that emerged in the mid-1990s and was created by Paul Harrington while at the Townhouse Bar & Grill in Emeryville, California.

Origins and Inspiration

The Jasmine cocktail was born out of a challenge posed by Matt Jasmin, a college friend of Harrington, who requested a novel beverage that Harrington had not previously concocted (“Make me something you’ve never made before”). In response, Harrington drew inspiration from his favorite cocktail, the Pegu Club, a classic gin-based drink that originated in the 1920s. Harrington’s reinterpretation of this classic into the Jasmine not only reflects his respect for mixological history but also his desire to innovate within established paradigms.

Composition and Flavor Profile

The cocktail’s combination of ingredients results in a bittersweet and slightly sour profile, distinguishing the Jasmine from its inspiration. The choice of gin as the base spirit, with its botanical complexity, provides a sophisticated foundation that is both versatile and engaging. Cointreau, a French orange liqueur, adds a layer of citrus sweetness that complements the tartness of the fresh lemon juice. Campari, an Italian bitter, introduces a nuanced bitterness that balances the cocktail’s overall flavor profile, creating a drink that is both refreshing and complex.

Cultural Significance

The creation of this cocktail in the mid-1990s coincided with a broader resurgence of interest in craft cocktails and mixology. This period saw a renewed appreciation for the art of cocktail making, with bartenders and enthusiasts alike delving into historical recipes and techniques while also embracing innovation and experimentation. Harrington’s contribution to mixology was further solidified through the inclusion of the Jasmine cocktail in his and Laura Moorhead’s 1998 book, “Cocktail: The Drinks Bible for the 21st Century”. The book, regarded as a seminal work in the field, helped to promote the cocktail to a wider audience, cementing its status as a modern classic.

Jasmine Cocktail Recipe

1. 45 ml gin

2. 7.5 ml Cointreau

3. 7.5 ml Campari

4. 22.5 ml fresh lemon juice

5. Ice

6. Garnish: lemon twist