The Soda Jerk cocktail recipe is like taking a step back in time to the golden age of soda fountains, with a modern twist.
This cocktail recipe blends the boldness of blanco tequila with the bitter allure of Campari, the tanginess of lime, the tropical sweetness of passion fruit, and the creamy richness of vanilla-infused agave syrup.
Topped with cream soda, this drink is a perfect fusion of traditional and modern flavors.
Here’s how to whip up this tropical summer cocktail, complete with a homemade vanilla bean-infused agave syrup.
Soda Jerk Cocktail Ingredients:
- Blanco Tequila (2 ounces / 60 ml): Provides a clean, crisp base that pairs beautifully with the cocktail’s sweeter and fruitier components.
- Campari (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Adds a distinctive bitter edge that balances the drink’s sweetness.
- Lime Juice (1/2 ounce / 15 ml, freshly squeezed): Offers a burst of citrus that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Passion Fruit Puree (1/2 ounce / 15 ml, unsweetened): Introduces a tropical depth with its lush sweetness and slight tartness.
- Vanilla Bean-Infused Agave Syrup (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): A homemade syrup that combines the sweetness of agave with the aromatic richness of vanilla.
- Egg White (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Creates a silky texture and a foamy top, adding a luxurious feel to the cocktail.
- Cream Soda (2 ounces / 60 ml, chilled): Gives the drink creamy fizz that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.
- Garnish: Grated Lime Zest: Adds a fragrant, zesty finish that complements the drink’s citrus notes.
Soda Jerk Cocktail Recipe:
- Prepare Vanilla Bean-Infused Agave Syrup: Combine 4 ounces (120 ml) of raw agave nectar with 4 ounces (120 ml) of water, stirring until fully mixed. Add a split vanilla bean and let the mixture infuse in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Remove the bean before use, storing the syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine 60 ml (2 ounces) of blanco tequila, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) each of Campari, lime juice, passion fruit puree, and vanilla bean-infused agave syrup, along with 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of egg white. Begin with a dry shake (without ice) to emulsify the egg white. (how to separate egg whites).
- Shake with Ice: After the dry shake, fill the shaker with ice and shake again until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Serve: Double-strain the cocktail into a Collins glass. If the glass is large, you may need to add a bit of fresh ice to fill it.
- Finish with Cream Soda: Gently top the drink with 60 ml (2 ounces) of chilled cream soda, allowing it to mix slightly with the other ingredients while maintaining its bubbly texture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle grated lime zest over the cocktail for an aromatic and visually appealing finish.
*Raw Egg Warning:
Please note that consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs carries a risk of food-borne illness.
The Soda Jerk Cocktail – In Detail
The Fizz, a distinguished member of the classic cocktail family, typically features an egg white sour foundation crowned with club soda. Among the most celebrated renditions are the Gin Fizz and the New Orleans-born Ramos Gin Fizz, known for its creamy twist.
Venturing into less traditional territory, the Soda Jerk, made by bartending maestro Kevin Diedrich, introduces an unexpected twist to the fizz genre with its use of blanco tequila as the base spirit.
In the Soda Jerk, premium blanco tequila is artfully combined with the bold Italian amaro Campari, alongside passion fruit puree and lime juice, emphasizing the need for an unsweetened puree to achieve the perfect balance of tartness against the sweet components, diverging from the sweeter syrups often found in Tiki cocktails. Diedrich describes the cocktail as “It’s a fun, refreshing, complex cocktail,” highlighting the seamless compatibility of Campari with passion fruit.
What sets the Soda Jerk apart is its soda fountain-inspired essence, featuring vanilla-enhanced simple syrup and cream soda in place of traditional club soda, making a rich, creamy yet harmoniously balanced fizz. “You get the vanilla notes off the cream soda along with the tequila and vanilla-infused agave, and it’s just a really fun long cocktail,” Diedrich explains.
Suitable for serving in a tall Collins glass, with or without ice depending on glass size and drink volume, the Soda Jerk is a twist on the fizz that maintains the spirit of the classic while introducing a playful flavor profile.
Check out some more of the best passionfruit cocktail recipes.
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