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Knickerbocker (New York)

american-newyork-knickerbockerWhen you taste the Knickerbocker, it's hard to believe that this is a recipe from the mid-1800s. It's sweet and fruity, a flavour profile that many modern bartenders continue to replicate. That's why this classic cocktail remains a favourite. The rum, curaçao, and lime are sweetened with raspberry syrup, though today, it's common to use a liqueur like Chambord. The Knickerbocker is a classic cocktail from the mid-1800s that features rum and raspberries. It's a genuine New York City drink that takes on the nickname of the city's Dutch settlers who wore their pants - knickers - rolled up just below the knee. This is a fantastic summer drink that is absolutely delicious. It has a darker fruit profile than many rum cocktails and a perfect balance of sweetness. The raspberry syrup is the key to the drink's success. The best Knickerbocker is made with a homemade raspberry syrup using freshly pressed, strained juice. You can also use raspberry syrups from brands like DaVinci, Monin, or Torani or use liqueurs like Chambord as a substitute. Traditionally, the drink is served in an old-fashioned glass over crushed ice. It makes a fabulous "martini" as well. Simply shake it and strain it into a chilled cocktail glass.

2½ oz gold rum
1 tsp. orange curaçao liqueur
½ oz lime or lemon juice, freshly squeezed
½ oz raspberry syrup

Garnish:
lime or lemon wedge
seasonal berries

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the rum, orange curaçao, lime (or lemon) juice, and raspberry syrup. Shake well.

Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge and seasonal berries. Serve and enjoy.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Cook's Notes:

  • Depending on the raspberry syrup you use, you may want to make adjustments to the fruit ingredients to suit your taste. If it's not sweet enough, add more syrup; too sweet, add a bit more citrus juice. The orange liqueur pour is generally pretty small, with some recipes using only ½ tsp..
  • Originally, the Knickerbocker recipe used Santa Cruz rum from St. Croix. Cocktail historian, David Wondrich, suggests in Esquire that any modern "medium-bodied gold rum" will be a good substitute.
  • The popular white rums of today will make a good drink, but the gold rums will give the drink more depth.