Name: Pick Me Up Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 part sweet vermouth; 1 part cherry brandy; ¼ part gin

Lift your spirits with this delightful 'Pick Me Up' recipe. This cocktail brings together the unique flavors of sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and gin. Perfect for a cozy evening or to serve at gatherings.

Photos of Pick Me Up Recipe

While most might have gin in their cabinets, sweet vermouth and cherry brandy might not be as common. Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine, known for its sweet and somewhat spicy taste. Cherry brandy, on the other hand, is a liqueur that provides a rich, fruity flavour. So, if you're going shopping, keep these two in mind.

Ingredients for the 'Pick Me Up' Recipe

Sweet vermouth: A fortified wine, it adds sweetness and a hint of spice to the cocktail.

Cherry brandy: A fruity liqueur that contributes a rich, cherry flavor.

Gin: The base of the cocktail, providing a distinct herbal note.

One reader, Barnard Blanton says:

This pick-me-up recipe is a game-changer! The sweet vermouth and cherry brandy blend perfectly with a hint of gin, creating a delightful and refreshing drink. It's the perfect way to lift your spirits and enjoy a relaxing evening. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a little boost!

Barnard Blanton

Mastering the Techniques

How to mix the ingredients: Combine the sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and gin in a cocktail shaker with ice.

How to strain over ice: After shaking the ingredients, strain the mixture over ice in a glass.

How To Make Pick Me Up Cocktail

Nothing like a quick pick me up cocktail to liven up your spirits. This drink is a tasteful blend of sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and a splash of gin.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1partsweet vermouth
1partcherry brandy
¼partgin

Instructions

Shake with ice and strain over ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 274.36kcal
Carbohydrates: 4.03g
Sugar: 1.17g
Protein: 0.10g
Sodium: 8.03mg
Calcium: 11.84mg
Potassium: 147.36mg
Iron: 0.56mg

Elevate Your Skills With This Technique Tip

When shaking your cocktail, ensure you do it vigorously for at least 10 seconds. This not only chills the gin, sweet vermouth, and cherry brandy quickly but also helps to properly mix the ingredients together, enhancing the overall flavor of your drink. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious blend of all the flavors.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

Prep ahead: Prepare and measure out all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to combine tasks, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil.

Use kitchen tools: Invest in time-saving kitchen gadgets like a food processor or a mandoline to speed up prep work.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes later on.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills as you cook to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.

Substitute Ingredients For Pick Me Up Recipe

sweet vermouth - Substitute with dry vermouth: Dry vermouth is a suitable substitute for sweet vermouth as it offers a similar depth of flavor with a drier profile, which can complement the other ingredients in the recipe.
cherry brandy - Substitute with cherry liqueur: Cherry liqueur can be used as a substitute for cherry brandy, providing a similar sweet and fruity flavor to the recipe.
gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka can be used as a substitute for gin, offering a neutral spirit base that will not overpower the other flavors in the recipe.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Serving

Elevate the glassware: Choose elegant and sophisticated glassware to serve the drink, such as crystal tumblers or vintage cocktail glasses, to add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Garnish with flair: Add a touch of visual appeal by garnishing the drink with a fresh cherry skewered on a cocktail pick or a twist of lemon peel for a pop of color and aromatic essence.
Incorporate a stylish coaster: Place the glass on a chic and stylish coaster, adding a refined and polished touch to the overall presentation.
Consider a thematic backdrop: Present the drink on a thematic backdrop, such as a marble serving board or a sleek bar counter, to create a visually appealing setting for the beverage.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to every detail, from the placement of the ice to the angle of the garnish, ensuring that the presentation is impeccable and visually enticing.

Essential Tools for Crafting pick me up recipe

Shaker: A container used for mixing and shaking cocktail ingredients with ice.
Strainer: A tool used for separating ice and other solid ingredients from the liquid when pouring a cocktail.
Ice: Used for chilling and diluting the cocktail.
Jigger: A small measuring tool used to accurately pour and measure liquid ingredients for cocktails.

Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Store the pick me up cocktail in an airtight container or a sealed cocktail shaker in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together over time, creating a smoother and more cohesive taste.
If you have leftover sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, or gin, store them separately in their original bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. These liqueurs and spirits can last for several months to a year when stored properly.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pick me up cocktail in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to thaw individual portions as needed. Frozen cocktails can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, let the frozen pick me up cubes thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Stir well before serving over ice.
If you prefer to make a large batch for a party, mix the ingredients in a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving over ice.

Budget-Friendly Home Cooking

This sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and gin recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other cocktails, making it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe, consisting of sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and gin, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The main ingredients are all alcoholic beverages, which provide empty calories and have no nutritional value
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to various health problems, such as liver damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers
The sweet vermouth and cherry brandy contain added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the overall alcohol content by using smaller portions of each ingredient or by replacing some of the alcohol with a low-calorie mixer like soda water or unsweetened tea
Opt for a lower-sugar sweet vermouth or use a sugar-free syrup as a substitute
Include fresh fruit juices or purees, such as cherry or pomegranate, to add natural sweetness and some nutritional value
Serve the drink with a side of water to help maintain hydration and moderate alcohol intake
Enjoy the drink in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise

Remember, while these suggestions can make the recipe somewhat healthier, it's essential to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation to maintain overall health and well-being.

Enhance Your Pick Me Up Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a zesty citrus dressing

Chocolate Fondue: Rich and velvety chocolate fondue served with an assortment of dippable treats

Discover Similar Recipes for Variety

Energizing Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad is packed with protein and nutrients, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: A burst of citrusy flavor makes this chicken dish a zesty and delicious option for dinner.

Berrylicious Smoothie: Blend up a mix of your favorite berries for a sweet and refreshing smoothie that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in a creamy and comforting bowl of mushroom risotto, a classic Italian dish that's sure to impress.

Want to share your favorite Pick Me Up Recipe or get ideas from others? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's boost our moods together with delicious dishes!

FAQ:

What is the best type of sweet vermouth to use for this recipe?

I recommend using a high-quality sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica Formula or Dolin Rouge, for the best flavor in this recipe.

Can I substitute the cherry brandy with another type of fruit liqueur?

Yes, you can substitute the cherry brandy with another fruit liqueur, such as raspberry or peach liqueur, to create a different flavor profile.

Is there a specific type of gin that works best for this recipe?

Any good quality gin will work well in this recipe. I personally prefer using a London dry gin for its balanced botanical flavors.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this pick-me-up recipe?

Absolutely! You can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives such as alcohol-free vermouth, cherry-flavored syrup, and a non-alcoholic gin alternative.

Can I serve this pick-me-up cocktail without ice?

While the recipe calls for straining the cocktail over ice, you can certainly serve it without ice if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the serving temperature accordingly.