🥃 Paradise

Paradise is a classic three-ingredient cocktail: gin, apricot brandy and fresh orange juice. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) lists it among «The Unforgettables». The IBA recipe uses 30 ml gin, 20 ml apricot brandy and 15 ml juice, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass.

Origin. According to Difford's Guide, Paradise first appeared in print in 1922 in Harry McElhone's book «Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails», where the ingredients were in equal parts. In 1930 Harry Craddock, a bartender at the Savoy hotel in London, printed a refined version in the Savoy Cocktail Book. From there the drink became known beyond London.

Ingredients. The base is gin with a juniper character; in Craddock's version there is twice as much gin as apricot brandy or orange juice, and sometimes a little lemon juice is added. Apricot brandy is an apricot liqueur or spirit made from apricots; it adds sweetness, and the juice adds sourness. Not all modern versions match the IBA, so the proportions are worth checking.

Serving. The drink is shaken with ice and strained without ice. The IBA does not specify a garnish. It was once served before meals, which is why the IBA classes it as an aperitif.

Why it matters to you. Sweet orange and apricot flavours hide the strength: the gin is the largest share, and the liqueur adds more alcohol. Using a different liqueur instead of apricot brandy makes the drink sweeter. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.