Here’s a cocktail that feels like a little adventure in a glass—the Roulette. With its playful mix of sweet, sour, and just a touch of bitterness, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or someone just dipping their toes into mixology, this drink is as fun to make as it is to sip. It’s been my go-to for those nights when I want to impress without too much fuss. Let me walk you through how to make it—and a few tips to make it truly your own.
Russian Roulette
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 egg white (about 1 oz or 30 ml)
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- A dash of bitters
Optional Equipment:
- A shaker (or a jar with a tight lid will work in a pinch)
- A fine strainer to catch any foam or ice shards
- A coupe or martini glass, chilled
How to Make It
- Start by adding the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup to your shaker.
- Before adding ice, give it a dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10 seconds. This helps the egg white foam up for that silky texture.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again—this time until the shaker feels cold to the touch, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the drink into your chilled glass. I like to double strain it to get rid of any ice bits or excess foam.
- Finish with a dash of bitters on top. For a little flair, drag a toothpick through the bitters to create a swirled design.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can mix the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the egg white and shake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after shaking. If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely!), skip the egg white and store the liquid mix in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions
The Roulette is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right bites can really elevate the experience. Here are my favorites:
- Spicy tapas: The citrusy zing cuts through the heat beautifully.
- Charcuterie board: Think salty cured meats and creamy cheeses to balance the cocktail’s sweet and sour.
- Dark chocolate desserts: The drink’s slight bitterness matches perfectly with chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Egg White Substitution: Not a fan of egg whites? You can skip it or replace it with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Fresh Juice is Key: Bottled lemon juice just won’t cut it. Freshly squeezed makes all the difference here.
- Experiment with Bitters: Angostura is classic, but orange or chocolate bitters add an interesting twist.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s time to get creative!
Raspberry Roulette
- Add a handful of fresh raspberries to the shaker and muddle them before adding the other ingredients. The result? A fruity, vibrant twist.
Herbal Roulette
- Toss in a sprig of thyme or basil for an earthy flavor. Shake it with the liquids to infuse the drink with herbal goodness.
Tropical Roulette
- Replace the simple syrup with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut cream. It’s like a vacation in a glass!
Virgin Roulette
- For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water instead of gin and a splash of orange juice instead of orange liqueur. It’s refreshing and just as fun to sip.
Common Questions
Can I skip the egg white?
Yes! It’s mainly there for texture. If you’d rather skip it, the drink will still taste amazing.
What if I don’t have gin?
No problem—vodka works as a neutral substitute. You’ll lose some of the botanical notes, but it’s still delicious.
How do I make sure the drink is cold enough?
Shake it until the shaker feels icy in your hands. That’s the sweet spot!
Why do I have to shake twice?
The first shake (without ice) whips up the egg white for a frothy texture. The second shake (with ice) chills and dilutes the drink for perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
The Roulette is one of those cocktails that feels like an instant classic. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit—whether I’m hosting a dinner party or just winding down after a long day. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new signature drink. Cheers!
