The Space Odyssey is a built Highball combining golden Rum with the bitter depth of Angostura and the zesty freshness of Ginger Beer. The colorful cocktail cherries are not just decoration – they’re flavor carriers; their syrup slowly seeps into the glass, coloring the drink from the bottom up. Perfect for long evenings when you want something substantial with a light science-fiction twist.
Here’s what you need for the Space Odyssey
4 cl golden Rum
3 dashes Angostura Bitters (approx. 0.3 cl per dash)
12 cl Ginger Beer (spicy, not sweet)
6 colorful cocktail cherries (with stems, from the jar)
Ice cubes (large, clear frozen)
Key points
The cherries are the key: only use those from the jar, not from a can. Their syrup is thicker and sinks more slowly, creating a visible color gradient in the glass. For an even more spectacular effect, freeze the cherries in ice cubes for 10 minutes beforehand – they’ll melt like comets in the drink. Important: the Ginger Beer must be spicy, otherwise the Rum will be overpowered. Good test: if it tingles on the tongue, it’s perfect.
Variations
- Space Odyssey Tropical — Replace the Ginger Beer with 8 cl pineapple juice and 4 cl coconut water. Add 1 cl lime juice and a pinch of salt before adding the cherries. Tastes like a vacation on Mars.
- Space Odyssey Smoky — Add 0.5 cl smoky Mezcal to the Rum and reduce the Ginger Beer to 10 cl. Stir briefly before serving to distribute the smoke. Garnish: hold a cinnamon stick over the glass and light it for 5 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use white Rum instead?
Yes, but the drink loses depth. Golden Rum brings vanilla and caramel notes that support the Angostura. White Rum makes it fresher but flatter – like a spaceship without an engine.
Why should the cherries float?
Because otherwise they’ll release their syrup too quickly, making the drink overly sweet. The floating cherries dose the sweetness gradually – ideal for a drink you sip slowly. If you prefer it faster, crush a cherry with the bar spoon before serving.
What if the Ginger Beer is too sweet?
Add 0.5 cl lemon juice or a dash of salt solution (1 tsp salt in 50 ml water). This neutralizes the sweetness without altering the flavor. Alternatively: use less Ginger Beer and top up with soda water.
