Rattlesnake

The Rattlesnake cocktail has been popular since the early 1900s. It is thought that its name was chosen because the cocktail is as potent as the bite of a rattlesnake.

Rattlesnake cocktail recipe

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 12 cl rye whisky
• 6 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4-5 cl sugar syrup
• 2 egg whites
• 1-2 cl absinthe
• 2 lemon zests

Preparation:

• Pour the rye whisky, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white into a shaker without ice.
• Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15 seconds.
• Rinse two chilled coupe glasses with absinthe and pour away the excess.
• Strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses.
  Garnish each with a lemon twist.

The Rattlesnake cocktail is best served chilled and is the perfect choice for whiskey lovers looking for a unique and flavorful drink.

What does the Rattlesnake cocktail taste like?

It has a complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the sugar syrup with the tartness of the lemon juice, the sharpness of the rye whiskey and the herbal notes of the absinthe. The egg white lends the cocktail a creamy texture and a respectable head. Overall, the cocktail has a smooth and rounded taste that is both refreshing and strong.

Interesting facts about the Rattlesnake cocktail

The Rattlesnake cocktail was a favorite drink of the legendary journalist H.L. Mencken. Mencken was an American journalist, essayist and cultural critic who played a leading role in the American literary and intellectual scene in the first half of the 20th century. His work helped shape the development of modern American journalism.

However, the cocktail was not only popular with American critics. It was also believed that the Rattlesnake would keep away the common cold: In the early 20th century, it was believed that the combination of rye whisky, lemon juice and absinthe could ward off illness.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim and the cocktail is not recommended for curing or preventing colds or other illnesses.