High-proof rum and Scotch whisky form the backbone of the Broadside, a powerful drink built over ice with bitters and fresh wormwood. The 151-proof rum drives the strength to around 27 percent ABV in the finished drink, tempered somewhat by the botanical bitterness of the bitters and the distinctive herbal note of wormwood, a plant historically associated with absinthe production. The wormwood is crushed and added to the ice before the spirits are poured over. Intensely aromatic and unapologetically spirit-forward, it suits those who favor challenging, robust cocktails.
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Broadside
ส่วนผสม
- 151 proof rum 1 shot
- Scotch 1/2 shot
- Bitters 3 drops
- Wormwood 1 Fresh
- Ice cubes
วิธีทำ
Half fill the glass with ice cubes. Crush the wormwood and add to ice. Pour rum, scotch and butters, then serve!
Broadside is a high-proof cocktail that combines 151 proof rum and Scotch whisky with bitters and fresh wormwood, creating an intensely aromatic and powerful drink over ice. At 26.61% ABV, the combination of the high-proof rum and Scotch is tempered by the botanical bitterness of the bitters and the distinctive herbal character of wormwood, which was historically used in absinthe production. It is a drink for those who prefer their cocktails challenging and spirit-forward.
History & Origins
Broadside is a modern cocktail with disputed origins, its nautical name evoking the firing of cannon from the side of a warship — an apt metaphor for the drink's powerful alcohol content. The use of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is an unusual and intriguing ingredient choice that references the absinthe tradition. The combination of high-proof rum and Scotch reflects a creative approach to building strength and complexity through the pairing of two distinctly different spirits.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Intense alcohol from the 151 rum, smoky malt from the Scotch, the complex herbal bitterness of bitters, and a distinctive wormwood herbal note. Palate: Powerful and complex; the high-proof rum's heat and molasses meet the Scotch's smoke and malt, with bitters adding depth and the crushed wormwood contributing a bitter, aromatic herbal character. Finish: Long, warm, and herbal.
Pro Tip
Crush the fresh wormwood gently before placing it on the ice to release its aromatic oils, using it as both a garnish and an aromatic infusion in the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in a Broadside cocktail?
The Broadside is a rum-based cocktail traditionally made with dark or navy rum, which is central to its bold, molasses-rich flavour. Some recipes incorporate vermouth, bitters, or citrus alongside the rum for additional complexity. Wormwood bitters or absinthe may appear in craft versions, as wormwood — the botanical — is a legal and widely used flavouring ingredient in cocktails.
What glass and garnish suit the Broadside?
The Broadside is typically served in a rocks glass over a large ice cube, befitting its nautically inspired, robust character. A lime wedge or expressed orange twist is a common garnish, complementing the rum base. The drink's maritime name and rum base connect it to a tradition of sailor-inspired cocktails.
What is the naval origin of the name 'Broadside'?
A 'broadside' in naval warfare refers to the simultaneous firing of all guns on one side of a warship, and rum has been closely associated with the Royal Navy since the 17th century. Cocktail names evoking naval battles — Broadside, Admiral, Commodore — were fashionable in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often pairing dark rum with bold, assertive flavour combinations. The name signals a drink with punch and intensity.
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