El Chapo, a creation by Nashville bartender Ben Clemons, is a three-ingredient marvel that delivers a symphony of flavors within its simplicity. It all begins with the foundation of Fords gin, a timeless London dry gin renowned for its robust character. But this cocktail is not content with the ordinary.
Aperol can lead the way in classics like the Aperol Spritz or gracefully complement other ingredients. Clemons elevates Aperol’s profile in the El Chapo by infusing it with fresh strawberries.
While this strawberry infusion requires a bit of preplanning, the results are rewarding. With just one ounce (30 ml) of this infusion, you’ll have an entire bottle of strawberry-infused Aperol at your disposal, ready to craft 24 more El Chapo cocktails or explore innovative recipes.
The final component, Stiegl-Radler grapefruit beer, adds a delightful twist to the mix. Falling into the radler category, akin to a shandy, it marries beer with fruit juice, lemonade, or citrus soda. These light and refreshing drinks, with their historical roots in early 20th-century Europe, maintain their popularity today, available in cans, bottles, and on draft.
Making The Strawberry-Infused Aperol:
To create this strawberry-infused Aperol, start by soaking a half-pint of fresh strawberries in a 750 mL bottle of Aperol.
Allow the infusion to sit for at least eight hours or overnight, allowing the strawberries’ essence to meld with the Aperol’s flavors. Once infused, strain out the solids, and store the tantalizing drink in the refrigerator for future use.
Now that we have our strawberry-infused Aperol ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of crafting the El Chapo cocktail.
El Chapo Cocktail Recipe
- 1 1/2 (45 ml) ounces Fords gin
- 1 ounce (30 ml) strawberry-infused Aperol
- Stiegl-Radler grapefruit beer, chilled, to top
- Garnish: 2 strawberry slices
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before we begin crafting the El Chapo cocktail, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools at hand. You’ll need a rocks glass, ice, Fords gin, strawberry-infused Aperol, and chilled Stiegl-Radler grapefruit beer. Additionally, prepare two fresh strawberry slices on a cocktail pick for garnishing.
Step 2: Prepare the Rocks Glass
Start by filling a rocks glass with ice. This will serve as the base for your El Chapo cocktail, ensuring it remains refreshingly cold throughout the enjoyment.
Step 3: Build the El Chapo Cocktail
With the rocks glass filled with ice, add 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of Fords gin to the glass. This premium gin offers a crisp and balanced profile, making it an ideal choice for this cocktail.
Next, pour 1 ounce (30 ml) of your strawberry-infused Aperol into the glass. This infusion adds a delightful fruity sweetness and a captivating hue to the cocktail.
Step 4: Top with Grapefruit Beer
The final step in crafting the El Chapo cocktail is topping it with chilled Stiegl-Radler grapefruit beer. This beer choice introduces a zesty and bubbly quality that perfectly complements the gin and strawberry-infused Aperol.
Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Strawberries
To enhance the cocktail’s visual appeal and provide a hint of fruity aroma, garnish your El Chapo with two fresh strawberry slices speared on a cocktail pick. This garnish adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Step 6: Savor and Enjoy
With your El Chapo cocktail expertly crafted, take a moment to savor the delightful blend of flavors. The gin’s botanical notes, the sweetness of the strawberry-infused Aperol, and the refreshing grapefruit beer combine to create a harmonious and invigorating beverage. The strawberry garnish adds a pop of color and a hint of fruity aroma with each sip.
Tips for Your El Chapo Cocktail:
- Experiment with different gin varieties to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Adjust the quantity of strawberry-infused Aperol to tailor the cocktail’s sweetness to your liking.
- Ensure the Stiegl-Radler grapefruit beer is well-chilled for a refreshing experience.
- For added flair, consider rimming the glass with sugar or a blend of sugar and citrus zest before building the cocktail.
The El Chapo Cocktail – A Flavour Fusion
When you combine these elements, you experience the marriage of dry, botanical gin with two fruit-forward companions that deliver an unrivaled level of refreshment.
Topped with its captivating crimson hue, the El Chapo beckons as a cocktail suitable for year-round enjoyment, or at the very least, as long as the bountiful strawberry season lasts.
Enjoy your El Chapo, and check out some more great Aperol cocktail recipes and beer cocktail recipes.
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