The Squeeze: Crafting the Blood Orange Cocktail Experience
A winter-inspired drink balancing tangy citrus and bubbly sparkle.
The Squeeze: A Blood Orange Cocktail from The Hawthorne
Craft cocktails are defined not only by their ingredients but also by the story, passion, and technique behind each glass. Among Boston’s vibrant bar scene, The Squeeze from The Hawthorne stands out as a modern interpretation of citrus-forward drinks, especially making use of the unique character of blood oranges. This guide delves into every aspect you need to master this drink—its origin, recipe, essential equipment, ingredient insights, preparation strategy, and frequently asked questions by enthusiasts and aspiring home bartenders.
Overview and Origins of The Squeeze Cocktail
The Squeeze is a gin-based cocktail that uses fresh blood orange juice as its signature ingredient, setting it apart with its vivid color, tangy sweetness, and deep complexity. Developed by the talented bar team at The Hawthorne in Boston, the drink is a nod to the Italian-American love affair with citrus, while also showcasing New England’s creativity. Its goal: to elevate seasonal fruit in a simple, refreshing serve that combines tradition with innovation.
- Main spirit: Gin
- Main flavor notes: Citrus (Blood orange, lemon), juniper, subtle sweetness
- Origin: The Hawthorne, Boston
- Best season: Winter through early spring (when blood oranges peak)
Why Blood Oranges?
Blood oranges distinguish themselves with a ruby-red flesh, variance in acidity, and subtle berry-like undertones. In contrast to regular oranges, their flavor profile introduces greater depth, tartness, and a visually striking hue, which enhances both taste and presentation.
- Citrus seasonality: Blood oranges reach their prime from December to March, offering freshest juice and aroma.
- Color appeal: The deep red yields striking cocktails that are both Instagram-worthy and appetizing.
- Flavor layers: A balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness not found in standard citrus.
Recipe for The Squeeze: Core Ingredients and Measurements
Creating The Squeeze requires precision—fresh ingredients, balanced measurements, and the right technique. Below is a breakdown of each component and exact quantities for one serving.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gin | 1.5 oz | Choose a London Dry or a citrus-forward style for best contrast |
| Fresh Blood Orange Juice | 3/4 oz | Squeeze fresh for vibrant flavor and color |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 1/2 oz | Adds brightness and acidity |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz | Classic simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) |
| Orange Flower Water | 2 dashes | Optional, for aromatic complexity |
| Club Soda | 2 oz | To top and add effervescence |
| Garnish: Blood Orange Wheel | 1 slice | For visual and aromatic finishing touch |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Fill a tall Collins glass (or highball) with ice to pre-chill.
- Prepare Ingredients: Juice the blood orange and lemon fresh; measure exact quantities for consistency.
- Mix: In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange flower water (if using).
- Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, ensuring an even chill and dilution.
- Strain and Build: Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with Club Soda: Pour over club soda for effervescence.
- Garnish: Float a thin wheel of blood orange atop the drink to finish.
Essential Bar Equipment for Craft Cocktails
The quality of your cocktail is not only determined by ingredients but also by your tools. For The Squeeze and other citrus cocktails, these are the essentials:
- Citrus juicer: Manual or electric; ensures a clean extraction of juice without bitterness from peel.
- Cocktail shaker (Boston or Cobbler): Required for proper chilling and blending.
- Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh): Keeps pulp and ice shards from the final pour.
- Jigger: For precise ingredient measurement; accuracy is crucial for balance.
- Bar spoon: To stir when needed (especially adding soda)
- Tall Collins/highball glass: Classic vessel for sparkling gin and citrus cocktails.
Ingredient Insights: Selecting the Best for The Squeeze
| Component | Best Practice | Alternative(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Gin | London Dry for juniper clarity; floral brands for complexity | Try an Old Tom or even a regional American craft gin |
| Blood Orange | Freshly squeezed; look for firm, deep red skin | If out of season, use a combination of regular orange and a dash of pomegranate juice |
| Lemon | Meyer or Eureka lemons; freshly squeezed | Lime for more tart variation |
| Simple Syrup | Homemade; equal parts sugar and water, boiled then cooled | Infuse with botanicals (e.g., rosemary, thyme) for subtle depth |
| Club Soda | Fresh opened for maximum effervescence | Sparkling mineral water for lighter character |
What others are reading
Mixology Tips for Squeezing the Best Results
- Freshness is key: Juice citrus just before making the drink; oxidation dulls the flavor and aroma.
- Balance citrus: Blood orange sweetness is tempered by lemon’s acidity, so taste your juice before final assembly—even fruit from the same batch may vary.
- Soda strategy: Add club soda last and gently stir to preserve bubbles.
- Garnish smart: The blood orange wheel is not just decorative; its essential oils complete the drink aromatically.
- Chill everything: Always use cold ingredients, glassware, and soda for ultimate refreshment and dilution control.
Cocktail Variations: Customizing The Squeeze
| Variation | Change | Recommended Spirits/Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka Squeeze | Replace gin with vodka for a lighter profile | Use wheat-based vodka for subtle sweetness |
| Herbal Collins | Infuse simple syrup with rosemary or basil | Add a sprig of herb as garnish for aroma |
| Rye Squeeze | Substitute rye whiskey for gin, build in lowball glass | Add ginger beer instead of club soda; include bitters |
| Berry Citrus Squeeze | Add muddled raspberries or cranberries | Balances additional tartness and deepens color |
| Spiced Squeeze | Add bitters (orange or aromatic), swap for aromatic gin | Seasonal warm notes for winter cocktails |
Serving Tips and Presentation
- Glassware: Use a tall Collins or highball for dramatic color effect.
- Ice: Fresh, large cubes prevent excessive dilution and keep the drink crisp.
- Garnishing: Besides the blood orange wheel, a touch of edible flower, a sprig of mint, or a twist of orange peel can elevate aromatics and visual appeal.
Pairing Suggestions
- Appetizers: The Squeeze pairs well with briny olives, lightly smoked fish, fresh cheeses, and citrus-accented salads.
- Main courses: Try alongside grilled poultry, seafood, and Mediterranean vegetable dishes.
- Desserts: Citrus-based pastries, berry tarts, almond cakes, and chocolate fondue complement the cocktail’s tart-sweet balance.
Pro Tips from Boston Mixologists
- Always fine strain juice to avoid pulp or bitterness from citrus membranes.
- For a subtle twist, rinse the glass with a drop of orange flower water before pouring the drink.
- Use seasonal, local fruit for peak aroma and flavor.
- If you want additional complexity, add a touch of fortified wine (e.g., Lillet Blanc or white vermouth).
Frequently Asked Questions About The Squeeze
Q: Why is fresh blood orange juice essential?
A: Only fresh juice provides the vivid color and unique flavor that make The Squeeze exceptional. Bottled juices lack brightness and complexity.
Q: Can I substitute other types of citrus?
A: If blood oranges are unavailable, use a combination of regular orange juice and pomegranate or cranberry juice for color and tartness. Adjust sugar accordingly.
Q: What’s the best gin for this recipe?
A: A London Dry gin is classic, but citrus-forward, floral, or craft gins work well to highlight the fruit’s aroma.
Q: Is orange flower water required?
A: No, but it adds a subtle, elegant fragrance reminiscent of Mediterranean desserts and cocktails. Use sparingly.
Q: Can I pre-batch The Squeeze for parties?
A: Yes; mix all ingredients except soda ahead, chill, then top each glass with club soda and fresh garnish upon serving.
Q: How do I ensure perfect balance in citrus cocktails?
A: Taste each fruit’s juice before mixing. Adjust acidity or sweetness with lemon or simple syrup to accommodate seasonal variations.
Conclusion: Celebrating Seasonal Citrus and Craft
The Squeeze is more than a cocktail—it’s a celebration of season, place, and skill. By choosing vibrant, seasonal ingredients and mastering classic bar techniques, anyone can craft a drink that’s as refreshing as it is memorable. Whether served at winter gatherings or as a sunny patio drink, this blood orange gin cocktail is sure to elevate your repertoire and delight your guests. Experiment with variations, invest in quality equipment, and above all, enjoy the multi-sensory pleasure of building—and sipping—exceptional citrus drinks.
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