The Dorchester cocktail is a refreshingly complex gin drink with a touch of grapefruit that’s sure to become your new poolside obsession.
Looking for a delicious cocktail?
If you’re a fan of the bright flavors in a last word cocktail, the Dorchester is a must-try. It swaps the green Chartreuse for grapefruit juice, making for a lighter and more refreshing summer cocktail.
Gin is one of our favorite liquor bases for cocktails because you can pair it with pretty much anything. Whether making a zippy southside cocktail or a timeless dry martini, gin is the ultimate base for a classic cocktail. Now, we’re moving on to the Dorchester Cocktail. It’s still got that gin base and a touch of sweetness from the maraschino liqueur, but the grapefruit adds a tangy twist that’s perfect for a hot day. It’s like a boozy, grown-up glass of sunshine!
What Is a Dorchester Cocktail?
The Dorchester cocktail isn’t exactly a dusty relic from some bygone era. Unlike its cousin, the Last Word, whose origins are a little murky, we can actually trace the Dorchester back to a familiar friend – Erik Adkins!
Adkins, a well-respected bar director, created this beauty in 2021 while working at the Slanted Door in San Francisco (say hi to fresh seafood and killer cocktails!). So, while it might not have the rich history of some classic cocktails, the Dorchester is a modern invention gaining traction in the mixology world.
There’s a reason for its rise to fame, though. It riffs on the Last Word, a beloved gin-based cocktail, but swaps out the strong, herbal Chartreuse for grapefruit juice. This gives the Dorchester a lighter, brighter, and more citrusy profile – perfect for those seeking a refreshing summer drink.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Dorchester Cocktail
How to Make a Dorchester Cocktail
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit slice.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Make sure to shake your Dorchester with plenty of ice to get it nice and frosty. Pre-chill your cocktail shaker and glasses, too, for an extra touch of coldness.
- Want to add a little extra oomph to your garnish? Instead of just a plain dehydrated grapefruit slice, express (twist) a fresh grapefruit peel over your drink before dropping it in. This releases the fragrant citrus oils, adding another layer of delightful aroma to your Dorchester.
- Don’t have simple syrup on hand? No worries! You can easily make your own sugar syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Just let it cool completely before using it in your cocktail.
How to serve this cocktail
Serve your Dorchester cocktail ice cold in a chilled coupe glass or martini glass, preferably on a sweltering hot day when the AC isn’t enough to beat the humidity.
More Cocktail Recipes
The Dorchester is here to remind you that summer cocktails can be sophisticated, easy, and, most importantly, capable of keeping you cool as a cucumber. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!
Dorchester Cocktail
AmericanEquipment
- cocktail shaker
- fine mesh strainer
- Stirring spoon
- alcohol measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz maraschino liqueur
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ¾ oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Dehydrated grapefruit slice - for garnish
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit slice.
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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