Ambrosia

Introduction

History

The recipe for Ambrosia has its roots in the late 19th to early 20th century, a time when exotic cocktails began to gain popularity in the United States and Europe. Originally, Ambrosia was a fruit salad made with oranges and coconut, but over time, creative bartenders adapted the name and concept into a cocktail that embodied the essence of tropical indulgence. The addition of dark rum and curaçao pays homage to the Caribbean influence on American cocktail culture.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best Ambrosia cocktail, use freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance the freshness of the drink. When selecting your dark rum, opt for a high-quality brand like Myers's Original Dark Rum for its rich and full-bodied flavor. Chilling your glasses before serving adds an extra touch of sophistication and keeps the drink cooler for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Ambrosia is best served chilled in a specialty glass, garnished with crushed toasted coconut and an orange slice to enhance its tropical appeal. It's an excellent choice for summer parties or as a luxurious after-dinner drink.

Cooking Techniques

Blending is the key technique used in creating the perfect Ambrosia cocktail. Ensure that all ingredients are well combined to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Myers's Original Dark Rum is not available, any good quality dark rum can be used as a substitute. Similarly, if cream of coconut is hard to find, coconut milk sweetened with a touch of sugar can be used as an alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The components of Ambrosia can be prepared ahead of time, with the exception of blending. Measure out the ingredients and keep them refrigerated until ready to blend and serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ambrosia in a glass rimmed with toasted coconut flakes for an extra touch of elegance and texture. A colorful paper umbrella or a twist of orange peel can also add visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Ambrosia pairs beautifully with light desserts such as fruit tarts or coconut-based sweets. It also complements spicy appetizers, balancing the heat with its creamy sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Ambrosia is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well. It's recommended to prepare it just before serving to maintain its quality and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Ambrosia cocktail contains approximately 250 calories. The calories mainly come from the alcoholic ingredients and the heavy cream.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Ambrosia cocktail contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the natural sugars in the orange juice and the added sugars in the cream of coconut and curaçao.

Fats

The heavy cream and cream of coconut contribute to the fat content of the Ambrosia, with a single serving containing about 10 grams of fat. Most of this is saturated fat due to the nature of the ingredients used.

Proteins

Ambrosia is not a significant source of protein, containing less than 1 gram per serving. This cocktail is enjoyed for its flavor and not as a source of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanks to the orange juice, a serving of Ambrosia provides a modest amount of Vitamin C, essential for immune system function and skin health. However, it's not a significant source of other vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

The main allergens in Ambrosia are dairy (from the heavy cream) and alcohol. Those with lactose intolerance or allergies to dairy products should avoid this cocktail.

Summary

Ambrosia is a decadent cocktail best enjoyed occasionally due to its high calorie and fat content. It offers a delightful blend of flavors but should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Ambrosia is a luxurious cocktail that combines the richness of dark rum with the creamy sweetness of coconut and the freshness of orange juice. It's a drink that offers a taste of paradise in every sip, perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a tropical escape. With its rich history and versatile recipe options, Ambrosia is sure to delight any cocktail enthusiast.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. Martha was bustling around, chopping fruits and mixing them together in a large bowl.

"What are you making?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"It's a recipe my grandmother passed down to me," Martha replied with a smile. "It's called Ambrosia."

I watched as Martha continued to add different fruits to the bowl - oranges, pineapples, cherries, and coconut. The colors and textures all mixed together in a beautiful and appetizing way. I couldn't help but ask for the recipe.

Martha gladly handed me a copy of the recipe, written in her grandmother's delicate handwriting. She explained to me the significance of Ambrosia in her family and how it was always a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals. I was fascinated by the history and tradition behind this simple yet delicious dish.

As I left Martha's house that day, I couldn't wait to try making Ambrosia for myself. I followed the recipe to the letter, carefully peeling and chopping the fruits, and mixing them together with the coconut. The final touch was the addition of a creamy dressing made with sour cream and marshmallows. The result was a sweet and tangy fruit salad that tasted like a little piece of heaven.

I brought the Ambrosia to our next family gathering and it was a hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was and begged me for the recipe. From that day on, Ambrosia became a regular dish at our family meals, just like it had been for Martha's family for generations.

Over the years, I have made Ambrosia countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own taste. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of nuts for an extra crunch. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first time I saw the recipe and how it sparked my love for cooking.

As I grew older, I began to collect recipes from various places and people. I would try new dishes and experiment with different flavors, always looking for that perfect combination that would make my taste buds sing. But no matter how many recipes I collected, Ambrosia remained a favorite.

I learned to make Ambrosia not just from Martha's grandmother's recipe, but also from watching my own grandmother make it. She would add her own twist to the dish, using whatever fruits were in season and always adding a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Her version was a little sweeter and creamier, but just as delicious.

I have shared the recipe for Ambrosia with friends and family over the years, passing down the tradition just like Martha's grandmother did with her. It has become a symbol of love and togetherness, a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Ambrosia, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their recipes and knowledge with me over the years. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others and express my creativity, and Ambrosia is a perfect example of that.

I hope that whoever reads this story will be inspired to try making Ambrosia for themselves. It may seem like a simple fruit salad, but to me, it is so much more than that. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds. And most importantly, it is a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a humble bowl of fruit salad.

Categories

| American Recipes | Coconut Cream Drink Recipes | Curaçao Drink Recipes | Dark Rum Drink Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Orange Juice Recipes |

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