This cocktail has become one of my go-to drinks for evenings when I want something smooth, zesty, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat. The Statesman is a beautifully balanced cocktail—bright from fresh citrus, a touch sweet, and rounded out by a bold base spirit. It’s the kind of drink that feels just right whether you’re catching up with friends or winding down solo after a long day.
Statesman
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Glassware: Highball or martini glass (chilled)
Ingredients
– 60 ml (2 oz) of your favorite base spirit (bourbon, gin, or vodka all work well)
– 30 ml (1 oz) fresh citrus juice (lime or lemon)
– 15 ml (1/2 oz) simple syrup or sweetener of choice
– 1 dash of aromatic bitters
– Ice
– Citrus wheel or peel, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the base spirit, citrus juice, sweetener, and bitters.
- Shake it well—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. That’s how you’ll know it’s chilled properly.
- Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice. If you’re using a martini glass, skip the ice and serve it up.
- Garnish with a thin slice of citrus or a twist of peel. Give it a little squeeze over the drink before dropping it in for that extra burst of aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh citrus juice. It makes a huge difference. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep the drink—it keeps everything crisp longer.
– If you’re watching sugar, start with less sweetener and taste as you go. You can always add more.
– I’ve made this drink countless times—if your citrus is very tart, add a tiny extra splash of syrup to balance it out.
Make-Ahead & Storage
– You can mix the base spirit, citrus juice, and syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice and add bitters before serving.
– Leftover citrus juice? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Ingredient Swaps
– Base spirit: Bourbon gives it a deeper, smokier vibe. Gin makes it more herbaceous. Vodka keeps it clean and crisp.
– Sweetener: Try agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup for different flavor notes. Honey adds warmth, while agave keeps it smooth.
– Citrus: Lime is zesty and bright, lemon is a bit sharper—both work beautifully.
– Bitters: Angostura is classic, but orange bitters can brighten things up.
What It Tastes Like
The Statesman is bold but balanced. You get the warmth of the spirit, the zip from the citrus, and just enough sweetness to round it out. The bitters tie everything together with a subtle spice. It’s refreshing, but it doesn’t disappear—it lingers in the best way.
Food Pairings
The Statesman is surprisingly versatile when it comes to food. Here are a few combos I love:
Charcuterie
That citrusy brightness cuts through the richness of cured meats and creamy cheeses. A bite of prosciutto, a sip of cocktail—perfection.
Grilled Seafood
Think shrimp skewers, scallops, or even a ceviche. The drink’s acidity brings out the fresh flavors without overpowering them.
Spicy Snacks
If you’re serving spicy wings, jalapeño poppers, or anything with a kick, this cocktail cools things down just enough while keeping up with the flavor.
Variations to Try
Sometimes it’s fun to switch things up. Here are a few riffs on the classic Statesman that I’ve enjoyed:
Smoky Statesman
– Use mezcal instead of your usual spirit. It adds a rich, smoky depth that’s perfect with lime.
Herbal Statesman
– Muddle a sprig of thyme or basil with the sweetener before shaking. It adds a lovely herbal note.
Spicy Statesman
– Drop in a thin slice of jalapeño and muddle it gently before adding the rest. You’ll get just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Virgin Statesman
– Swap the spirit for sparkling water or tonic. Add a bit more citrus to keep it zingy, and garnish like you would the original. It’s just as refreshing.
Helpful Hints
– Don’t skip the garnish. That quick twist of citrus adds a burst of aroma that hits before your first sip.
– If you don’t have a shaker, no problem. Use a jar with a tight lid or stir everything vigorously over ice in a glass.
– Taste as you go. Everyone’s sweet and sour preference is a little different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it without a shaker?
Yep! Just stir everything with ice in a mixing glass or even right in your serving glass if needed. It won’t be quite as cold or frothy, but it’ll still taste great.
What’s the best spirit to use?
Totally up to you. Bourbon gives it depth, gin adds botanical notes, and vodka keeps it clean. Try a few and see what you like best.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Use sparkling water and adjust the citrus and sweetener to taste. It’s light, zesty, and super refreshing.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you want, mix everything except the bitters and ice, and chill until you’re ready to shake and serve.
What should I serve it with?
Light bites like charcuterie, seafood, or spicy finger foods work really well. Think happy hour snacks or tapas-style plates.
The Statesman is one of those cocktails that feels classic but never boring. Whether you stick with the original or play around with the flavors, it’s a solid choice for any occasion. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite too.
