Red Snapper Cocktail – A Super Tasty Cocktail

The Red Snapper cocktail has its origins in post-Prohibition New York City. It was invented by a French bartender named Fernand Petiot, who left his position at Harry’s Bar in Paris to work at the King Cole Room in the St. Regis Hotel in New York City.

Petiot had gained fame in Paris for his concoction of tomato juice and vodka, which was known as the Bloody Mary and supposedly named after a customer. However, vodka was not readily accessible in New York during that period, so Petiot substituted it with gin.

Ingredients

To rim the glass:

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Celery salt
• Lime wedge

To mix a Red Snapper cocktail for 2 people

• 4 ounces (120 ml) of Gin
• 8 ounces (240 ml) of Tomato juice
• 1 ounce (30 ml) of Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2-3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
• 2-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Celery stalks
• 2 Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Rim the glasses: Run a lime wedge along the rim of each glass and dip it into a mixture of freshly ground black pepper and celery salt.
2. In a shaker, combine the gin, tomato juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well to mix all the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses filled with ice.
5. Garnish each glass with a celery stalk and a lime wedge.
6. Serve and enjoy your Red Snapper cocktails!

Note: Adjust the Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce according to your desired level of spiciness and flavor. Feel free to customize the garnish and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Cheers!

Tips

Gin is experiencing a resurgence worldwide, with distillers producing a wide range of varieties. Bartenders are embracing both traditional and innovative styles, but not every gin is suitable for every cocktail. Here are some recommendations for the best types of gin to use in a Red Snapper cocktail:

• Navy Strength Gin is an excellent choice for this cocktail due to its higher alcohol content and drier texture. Given the presence of tomato juice, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce, using a gin with more subtle botanicals would not be as impactful.
• London Dry gin, known for its crispness and mild botanical flavors, is also a fine option. It is advisable to opt for lower-priced brands since gin plays a supporting role rather than taking center stage in this cocktail.
• Trader Joe’s Gin, if available in your area, is a mid-range priced gin that works well in cocktails and can be a suitable choice for a Red Snapper.

These recommendations consider the flavor profile and characteristics that complement the other ingredients in the Red Snapper cocktail. However, feel free to explore and experiment with different gins to find your preferred taste and balance in the drink

The Red Snapper is a flavorful and savory cocktail that combines the refreshing elements of gin, tomato juice, and citrus flavors. With a touch of spice from Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, it offers a unique twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Whether enjoyed for brunch or as a refreshing evening drink, the Red Snapper is a delightful choice for gin enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors.