The Paddlesteamer was originally a quick mixed drink for river captains: strong enough to mask the smell of diesel fuel, sweet enough to keep the crew in good spirits. Here, the base of Bourbon Whiskey and London Dry Gin is stirred with Curaçao and orange juice, then topped up with ginger ale – no shaking, so the fizz doesn’t go flat later. The result tastes like a sunset on the Mississippi: smoky, fruity, with a hint of adventure.
And this is what you need for the Paddlesteamer
12 cl Bourbon Whiskey
12 cl London Dry Gin
12 cl Curaçao (blue or orange)
12 cl freshly squeezed orange juice (not from concentrate)
Ginger Ale (to top up, approx. 6–8 cl)
Ice cubes (for the mixing glass and serving glass)
This is what matters
The trick lies in stirring: many bartenders shake the Paddlesteamer, but this destroys the texture. By stirring slowly, the aromas of the whiskey and gin are preserved while the orange juice is gently incorporated. Another important factor is the temperature – the mixture should be so cold that it almost freezes before it goes into the glass. This prevents the ginger ale from going flat too quickly later. Another pro tip: for the orange juice, only use fruits with thin skin (e.g., Navel oranges), as they contain fewer bitter compounds and make the drink more harmonious.
Variations
- Smoky Paddlesteamer — Replace 6 cl Bourbon Whiskey with 6 cl smoky Scotch Whisky (e.g., a peaty expression). This enhances the smoky note and makes the drink earthier. Ideal for whisky lovers who want more depth.
- Tropical Paddlesteamer — Replace the orange juice with 8 cl pineapple juice and 4 cl lime juice. Add 2 cl coconut syrup. The result is fruitier and more exotic, with a creamy note.
- Dry Paddlesteamer — Reduce the Curaçao to 6 cl and replace it with 6 cl dry Vermouth. This makes the drink more tart and complex, with a slight bitterness. Perfect for gin lovers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the Paddlesteamer without gin?
Yes, but the gin gives the drink its characteristic tart note. Replace it with 12 cl additional Bourbon Whiskey if you prefer a purer whisky taste. The drink will then be sweeter and smokier.
Why isn’t the drink shaken?
Shaken drinks with carbonation (such as ginger ale) lose their fizz quickly. Stirring preserves the smooth texture, and the ginger ale develops later in the glass – this makes the difference between a flat and a lively drink.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh juice is always better as it contains more aromas and acidity. Bottled juice often tastes flat and overly sweet. If you have no fresh oranges, use high-quality not-from-concentrate juice (e.g., “Not From Concentrate”), but reduce the amount to 10 cl to balance the sweetness.
Which ginger ale works best?
A ginger ale with a sharp ginger flavour (e.g., from a health food store or homemade) works best. Too-sweet brands (like many supermarket varieties) can overpower the aromas of the whisky and gin. If you only have mild ginger ale, add 2–3 drops of ginger extract.
