The Dry Smile plays with contrast: dry Vodka meets sweet-and-sour strawberry, while Blue Curaçao adds a surprising dryness. Not a creamy syrup cocktail, but a clear, refreshing drink with a bite. The strawberry on the rim isn’t just decoration – it gives a final, natural fruity kick when you drink, rounding off the flavour. Perfect for anyone who likes fruity cocktails but doesn’t want a sugar mountain in their glass.
And this is what you need for the Dry Smile
2 cl Vodka
1 cl Blue Curaçao
2 cl lemon juice
1 cl strawberry syrup
1 splash dry vermouth (Cinzano Extra Dry or similar)
1 fresh strawberry (for garnish)
The key to it
The vermouth splash is the secret: it dries out the drink and prevents the sweetness of the strawberry and Blue Curaçao from dominating. It’s important to add the vermouth *after* the other ingredients to the ice – this way, some of the alcohol evaporates immediately, leaving only the dry note behind. If you prefer it even drier, you can replace the vermouth with 0.5 cl dry sherry. The strawberry on the rim shouldn’t just be decoration: take a quick sip of it while drinking to complete the flavour.
Variations
- Smile & Spice — Replace the Vodka with 2 cl Reposado Tequila and add 2 slices of fresh chilli (without seeds) when shaking. Remove the chilli before straining. The result is a smoky, spicy variation with more depth.
- Dry Smile Spritz — For a lighter version: 1.5 cl Vodka, 0.7 cl Blue Curaçao, 1.5 cl lemon juice, 0.7 cl strawberry syrup and 0.5 cl vermouth with ice in the glass, top up with 6 cl soda water and stir briefly. Garnish with a strawberry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the strawberry syrup with fresh strawberries?
Yes, but the drink will be less sweet and fruity. Purée 3–4 fresh strawberries with 1 cl sugar syrup and strain the purée through a sieve to remove the fruit pulp. Use 1.5 cl of the purée instead of the syrup. The flavour will be fresher but less intense.
Why does my Dry Smile taste too sweet?
Probably the vermouth splash is missing or was added too early. Add the vermouth *only after* the other ingredients are already cold – this way its drying effect comes through stronger. Alternatively: reduce the strawberry syrup to 0.7 cl.
Which glass works best?
A Coupe is ideal because it concentrates the aromas and shows off the colour of the Blue Curaçao well. A Nick & Nora glass also works, but avoid glasses that are too large – otherwise the drink loses its intensity.
