A drink that unites two worlds: the clear elegance of London Dry Gin meets the plumy depth of Sliwowitz. Not too sweet, not too tart – a cocktail that surprises from the first sip. Perfect for anyone who wants more than just a Gin Sour but doesn’t fancy a complicated ingredient list. Precision counts here, not experimental flair.
And here’s what you need for the Back to the Future
4 cl London Dry Gin
2 cl Sliwowitz
2 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 splash of simple syrup (optional, to taste)
The key to success
The trick lies in the Sliwowitz: not everyone keeps it on the shelf, but it makes all the difference. The important thing is that it isn’t too sweet – a dry, plum-forward Sliwowitz from plums works best. If you can’t find it, use a high-quality plum brandy instead, but reduce the quantity to 1.5 cl, otherwise it will overpower the gin. And: the lemon juice must be fresh – no bottled juice, otherwise the drink will taste flat. One last tip: if you want the drink a little softer, add a splash of soda water – but only 2 cl, otherwise it will lose its structure.
Variations
- Back to the Future Twist — Replace the Sliwowitz with 1.5 cl apricot brandy and add 0.5 cl almond syrup. Results in a fruitier, lightly nutty variation.
- Back to the Future Dry — Leave out the simple syrup and replace the lemon juice with 1.5 cl grapefruit juice. Drier, more tart – perfect for gin lovers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use something else instead of Sliwowitz?
Yes, but the flavour will change. A high-quality plum brandy or mirabelle liqueur works, but reduce the quantity to 1.5 cl. Alternatively, a dry apricot brandy also works, though the drink will then become fruitier.
Why does the glass need to be pre-chilled?
A warm glass lets the cocktail warm up too quickly and dilutes it. Pre-chilling keeps the temperature stable for longer, allowing the drink to reveal its aromas better.
Can I make this drink without a shaker?
No. The shaker ensures the right dilution and chill. Stirring in a mixing glass or building directly in the glass leads to an unbalanced result – too sharp or too flat.
