There’s something about a Commodore cocktail that feels like stepping back into a jazz-filled speakeasy-smooth, bold, and just a little bit indulgent. It’s a drink with history, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. The combination of bourbon, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white creates a velvety, slightly tart cocktail that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to sip.
Commodore
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights when I want something classic but still a little playful. And if you’ve never tried shaking a cocktail with egg white before-don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Coupe or martini glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz (30 ml) raspberry syrup
– ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 egg white (about 1 oz / 30 ml)
Optional Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Fine mesh strainer (for a smoother finish)
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Coupe glass (or a martini glass if that’s what you have)
Make-Ahead Notes
– You can make the raspberry syrup ahead of time (instructions below).
– Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for the best presentation.
Method
- Start by chilling your coupe glass in the freezer.
- In a cocktail shaker (without ice), combine:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz raspberry syrup
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 15 seconds. This helps the egg white get nice and frothy.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again-this time until the outside of the shaker feels very cold, about 20-30 seconds.
- Strain into your chilled coupe glass. If you want an extra-smooth texture, strain through a fine mesh strainer.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor-bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– If you’re unsure about raw eggs, you can use pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
– For a vegan version, substitute the egg white with 1 oz (30 ml) of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). It froths up beautifully.
Homemade Raspberry Syrup
If you can’t find raspberry syrup, it’s easy to make your own:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (125 g) fresh or frozen raspberries, 1 cup (200 g) sugar, and 1 cup (240 ml) water.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract all the liquid. Let it cool before using.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
What It Tastes Like
The Commodore is smooth and rich from the bourbon, with a bright tartness from the lemon juice. The raspberry syrup adds a fruity sweetness that rounds it all out. And the egg white? It gives the drink a silky texture and a light, foamy top that makes each sip feel a little fancy.
I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I learned while perfecting this recipe: don’t skip the dry shake. It really makes a difference in how creamy and smooth the final drink is.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Commodore right after shaking-cold and frothy in a coupe or martini glass. No garnish needed, but a few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist can dress it up nicely.
Food Pairings
The bold, slightly sweet flavor of a Commodore pairs well with:
– Spicy barbecue: Think smoked ribs or pulled pork-the sweetness of the drink balances out the heat.
– Dark chocolate desserts: A piece of dark chocolate or flourless chocolate cake brings out the bourbon’s deeper notes.
– Cheese platter: Try aged cheddar, blue cheese, or brie. The creamy textures and sharp flavors play off the cocktail beautifully.
Recipe Variations
Summer Berry Commodore
– Swap raspberry syrup for mixed berry syrup
– Garnish with a skewer of fresh berries
Chocolate Commodore
– Add ½ oz (15 ml) chocolate liqueur
– Top with a dusting of cocoa powder
Herbal Commodore
– Infuse bourbon with rosemary or thyme for a few hours
– Strain before using in the recipe
Virgin Commodore
– Replace bourbon with strong-brewed black tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative
– Keep the other ingredients the same for a booze-free version that still has character
Storage Tips
– The cocktail itself doesn’t store well once shaken-it’s best enjoyed fresh.
– Raspberry syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– If using aquafaba or carton egg whites, keep them refrigerated and use within a few days of opening.
FAQs
Can I make this without egg white?
Yes! It won’t have the same frothy texture, but the flavor will still be great. Or use aquafaba as a substitute.
What if I don’t have raspberry syrup?
Make your own (see recipe above) or use another berry syrup like blackberry or cherry.
Is this a strong drink?
Yes, it’s bourbon-forward. You can reduce the bourbon slightly or add more lemon juice if you prefer it lighter.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher or punch bowl. Leave out the egg white if batching-froth doesn’t hold well over time.
What kind of bourbon works best?
Go for something smooth and not too smoky. A mid-range bourbon like Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, or Elijah Craig works beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Commodore is one of those cocktails that feels special without being fussy. It’s simple to make, easy to tweak, and always impressive in the glass. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or serving a tray to guests, this drink brings a little old-school charm to any occasion.
Cheers to smooth sips and good company.
