Have a frothy, smooth, sweet, and tart tipple with the Ruby cocktail this evening.
My brow was dripping with sweat as I macheted my way through the thick and unforgiving green hell I found myself in. The search—nay, obsession—for this legendary Ruby I had heard stories of fueled me, driving my tired, aching legs forward with every thwack of the blade. I will find this Ruby, or I will find my death. There was no other choice.
No map could be secured from the local gentry. I had hoped beyond hope that “X” would truly mark the spot in this instance, as it does with many legends. But alas, I could only follow the directions a befuddled passerby with surprisingly expert knowledge imparted. And soon, I was there… at the Temple. A hotel bar called The Temple, to be exact.
So I walked up to the barkeep and ordered myself a frothy, sweet and tangy Ruby cocktail. By the time I was finished sipping this elegant and fruity contemporary classic invented by mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim in the 2010s, security had come to escort me away, yelling about all the hotel’s potted plants being chopped to pieces by a machete.
Some people have no sense of whimsy.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Ruby cocktail?
This drink calls for Aperol, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and vodka. I usually prefer a wheat-distilled vodka, but in this instance, a potato-produced spirit will bring a lovely balance to the floral liqueur and sour orange taste from the Aperol, as it has a savory, creamier texture and taste, along with some lovely heat on the finish. The result is a fruity concoction with subtle bitter notes and a sharp sweetness from the citrus.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce Aperol
- 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed ruby grapefruit juice
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce egg white approximately half an egg white
- Grapefruit twist for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Aperol, elderflower liqueur, ruby grapefruit juice, lime juice, and egg white.
- Dry shake vigorously (without ice) for about 30 seconds to build a nice froth. Add ice and shake again for 20 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. Express a grapefruit twist over the top to release its oils, then use it as a garnish.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a coupe in the freezer for up to 30 minutes before pouring your mixture in. Garnish with a thin grapefruit peel after expressing its oils over your cocktail.
Can you substitute Campari for the Aperol?
If you’d like a bitter, richer, and more complex sip, along with a deeper red color, you can use Campari in place of the Aperol.
Similar drinks to the Ruby cocktail
Whether it be the frothed-topped or the citrusy charms that grabbed your attention when sipping on the Ruby, you’ve come to love the fruity, tart and biting satisfaction that long-stemmed tipples like this one bring you. Here are a few more like-minded libations you can try at home this weekend.
- Cable Car – Here’s another rich sip from Tony Abou-Ganim.
- Division Bell – Maraschino liqueur, Aperol, and mezcal make up this mysterious elixir.
- Naked and Famous – A modern favorite, featuring mezcal paired with Aperol.
- Paper Plane – Aperol, bourbon and amaro craft this contemporary classic.
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