Sipping on a Longshoreman cocktail is like wrapping up in your favorite sweater on a crisp fall day. It’s warm, nutty, and just sweet enough to keep things interesting. With the boldness of whiskey, the smooth sweetness of amaretto, and a bright pop of citrus, this drink is a little rugged, a little refined, and completely satisfying. I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and it never fails to impress—whether I’m enjoying it solo or serving it to friends.
Longshoreman
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz (45ml) whiskey (rye or bourbon works great)
- 0.75 oz (22ml) amaretto liqueur
- 0.5 oz (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.25 oz (7ml) simple syrup (or honey/agave for a natural alternative)
- Ice (for shaking and serving)
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (or any measuring tool)
- Rocks glass (or lowball glass as an alternative)
- Strainer (built into the shaker or a fine-mesh one)
How to Make It
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the whiskey, amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it like you mean it! You want the shaker to feel frosty in your hands—this chills everything perfectly and blends the flavors.
- Grab a rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Finish with a twist: use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to cut a strip of orange peel. Twist it over the drink to release the fragrant oils, then drop it in for garnish.
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a Longshoreman. It’s simple, but trust me—it tastes anything but.
Tips for the Perfect Longshoreman
- Don’t skimp on fresh citrus! Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness. Freshly squeezed is key to balancing the drink.
- If you’re using a sweeter whiskey (like bourbon), you might want to reduce the simple syrup slightly to avoid it being too sugary.
- Shake, don’t stir. Shaking with ice aerates the drink and ensures it’s nicely chilled.
Make-Ahead Option
Want to prep for a party? Combine the whiskey, amaretto, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just shake with ice and pour. It’s a time-saver without sacrificing flavor.
Substitutions
- Whiskey: Swap with bourbon for a smoother, sweeter vibe, or try a smoky scotch for something bolder.
- Amaretto: Not a fan of amaretto’s sweetness? Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) makes a great nutty substitute.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup works beautifully for a more natural sweetness. Just stir it well to dissolve.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice will give a tangier, tropical twist.
Food Pairings
Pairing your Longshoreman with the right dish can take things to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Steak
The smoky, charred flavors of a grilled steak complement the whiskey’s boldness perfectly.
Almond-Crusted Chicken
This dish mirrors the amaretto’s nutty notes for a match that feels meant to be.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
Whether it’s a rich chocolate tart or simple dark chocolate squares, the bittersweet flavors will play beautifully with the cocktail’s sweet and citrusy balance.
Longshoreman Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few twists to try:
Autumn Orchard
- Add 1 oz (30ml) apple cider to the recipe.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a cozy, fall-inspired version.
Mariner’s Mule
- Skip the simple syrup and top the finished cocktail with ginger beer instead.
- Serve in a copper mule mug for extra flair.
Southern Shore
- Replace the amaretto with peach liqueur.
- Garnish with a fresh peach slice to lean into those Southern flavors.
Virgin Longshoreman
- Swap the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and use almond syrup in place of amaretto.
- You’ll get all the flavor and none of the alcohol—perfect for a mocktail option.
Common Questions
Can I use a different glass?
Sure! A rocks glass is traditional, but a lowball glass works just as well. Just make sure it’s sturdy and wide enough to hold ice and garnish.
What’s the best whiskey for this recipe?
A good rye whiskey adds a nice spice, while bourbon gives a sweeter, softer finish. Use what you enjoy drinking on its own!
How can I tone down the sweetness?
Cut back on the simple syrup or add a touch more lemon juice to brighten things up.
What if I don’t have a shaker?
No worries! Use a mason jar with a tight lid as a stand-in. It gets the job done just as well.
How do I avoid over-diluting the drink?
Be sure to shake just until the shaker feels frosty. Over-shaking can water it down. Also, use fresh, solid ice cubes—they melt more slowly.
Final Thoughts
The Longshoreman is one of those cocktails that feels timeless. It’s rugged yet refined, bold yet balanced—a drink that can fit into just about any occasion. Whether you’re sipping it on a chilly evening or serving it at a dinner party, it’s sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try. You might just find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, just like I do. Cheers!
