Nightcap cocktail
The classic Nightcap cocktail is an equal-parts drink containing brandy, anisette and curaçao liqueur. The drink is smooth and slightly foamy as the egg white is shaken with all other ingredients.
The Anisette (or Anis) used in the Nightcap recipe is an anise-flavoured liqueur that is popular in most Mediterranean countries. Anisette is sweet in taste and clear in colour.
Other variations of a Nightcap are made with bourbon or cream-based liqueurs.
Historically, a Nightcap was drunk before bed and would be alcoholic to make a drinker feel warm and help fall asleep. Today milk with honey is also considered a NIghtcap as it can promote a good sleep.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2.5
Ingredients
- 30 ml brandy
- 30 ml curacao liqueur
- 30 ml anisette
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with no ice. Dry shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Add some ice and shake again until cold and frosty.
- Strain the liquid into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQ
What is anisette, and why is it used in the Nightcap cocktail?
Anisette is a sweet liqueur flavorred with anise seeds, giving it a distinctive licourice taste. In a Nightcap cocktail, it’s used sparingly to add depth and a soothing herbal note that pairs well with dark spirits like brandy or whiskey.
Is the Nightcap cocktail good before bed?
Yes, the Nightcap is traditionally served as a final drink of the evening. Its soothing ingredients like brandy and anisette can help promote relaxation, making it a popular bedtime cocktail.
Can I make a Nightcap cocktail without anisette?
You can substitute anisette with other anise-flavoured liqueurs like sambuca or absinthe in very small quantities, or omit it entirely for a simpler, brandy-forward version.
What is the origin of the Nightcap cocktail?
The term “nightcap” has been used since the 18th century to describe a final drink before sleep. The specific cocktail varies, but most versions are spirit-forward, warming, and comforting.