After the recent passing of David Bowie and Alan Rickman (both heroes of mine), I felt that a tribute drink would be in order. I had thoughts on a Bowie inspired cocktail, but eventually, I settled on something influenced by Mr Rickman as it suits my style a little better.

My first thought was a cognac-based drink, something distinguished to suit the man himself. However, some Googling revealed that his drink of choice was a glass of red wine, so I started looking into Sangaree recipes, an old school cocktail style involving wine that evolved into Sangria further down the line.

I used to be wary of wine in cocktails. However, the wonderful Bakerie in Manchester has a wine based cocktail list that has definitely changed my mind! So, taking some inspiration from them I experimented over Saturday afternoon, which led to my tribute drink, or drinks as I have two variants here. My personal choice would be the first version however Skirlie Dumpling prefers the latter.

v1, shaken

Ingredients:

  • 2 maraschino cherries (I’ve gone for Luxardo, as they are amazing)
  • 45ml red wine (I used a Syrah in my experimentation)
  • 30ml cognac
  • 10ml sugar syrup
  • 10ml cherry liquor
  • 1 slice of lemon

Method:

Muddle the cherries in the base of a cocktail shaker. Add a good handful of ice and the rest of the ingredients.

Give a good shake for 8-10 seconds

Double strain into a whisky tumbler.

v2, stirred

Ingredients:

  • As above, but without the slice of lemon

Method:

Muddle the cherries in the base of a mixing glass. Add a good handful of ice along the other ingredients. Stir for around 10 seconds to mix.

Double strain into whisky tumbler.

I realise there doesn’t appear to be much variance between the two, the first version results in a colder drink and the lemon adds a nice edge, the second is a little warmer which can suit the red wine a little easier depending on your palate.

I’m incredibly happy with how this one turned out. Hopefully some of you will give it a try.

I hope Alan Rickman would approve.