Ankle Breaker
Ankle Breaker Recipe - Rum, Cherry Brandy, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup
Introduction
The Ankle Breaker is a potent cocktail that promises a punch with its high alcohol content, derived from a mix of 151-proof rum, brandy, and the tangy zest of fresh lime juice. This drink, often sweetened with a touch of sugar syrup, is a favorite among those who appreciate a strong, flavorful cocktail. Its name suggests a playful warning to its potent effects, making it a memorable choice for any social gathering.
History
The Ankle Breaker cocktail is a relatively modern creation, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of rum and brandy cocktails. Its exact origins are murky, but it is believed to have been concocted by adventurous bartenders looking to create a drink that was both potent and flavorful. The use of 151-proof rum gives this cocktail a distinctive kick, setting it apart from more traditional cocktails.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (57 g) of 151-proof rum
- 1 oz (28 g) of cherry brandy
- 1 oz (28 g) of fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp of sugar syrup (optional)
How to prepare
- Combine all the ingredients with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass.
Variations
- For a sweeter version of the Ankle Breaker, increase the amount of sugar syrup. Alternatively, for a less potent drink, substitute the 151-proof rum with a lower-proof rum. Adding a splash of soda water can also lighten the drink and add a refreshing fizz.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure the best taste for your Ankle Breaker, use high-quality 151-proof rum and brandy. Fresh lime juice is preferable over bottled for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. When adding the sugar syrup, adjust according to your taste preference for sweetness. Shaking the ingredients with cracked ice, rather than whole cubes, will chill the cocktail more efficiently without overly diluting it.
Serving Suggestions
The Ankle Breaker is best served in a chilled old-fashioned glass to keep it cool and refreshing. It's an excellent choice for a bold pre-dinner drink or a standout cocktail at any party.
Cooking Techniques
The key technique in preparing the Ankle Breaker is the shaking of the ingredients with cracked ice. This method chills the cocktail quickly while slightly diluting it, balancing the strong flavors of the alcohol.
Ingredient Substitutions
If 151-proof rum is too strong or not available, a good quality dark rum can be used as a substitute. In place of brandy, cognac can offer a similar depth of flavor. For a different twist, agave syrup can replace the sugar syrup for a more nuanced sweetness.
Make Ahead Tips
The Ankle Breaker cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. However, the lime juice and sugar syrup can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the alcohol and ice just before serving to ensure the best flavor and temperature.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Ankle Breaker with a lime wheel or a twist of lime peel for an elegant presentation. Serving the cocktail in a frosted glass can also enhance its visual appeal and keep it cooler longer.
Pairing Recommendations
The strong flavors of the Ankle Breaker pair well with bold, spicy foods such as Caribbean or Creole cuisine. The cocktail's acidity and sweetness can also balance the richness of fatty meats like pork or duck.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
As a mixed alcoholic beverage, the Ankle Breaker does not require storage or reheating. It is intended to be prepared and consumed immediately to enjoy its best quality.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A single serving of the Ankle Breaker cocktail contains approximately 200 calories, making it a higher-calorie choice among cocktails due to the high alcohol content.
Carbohydrates
The Ankle Breaker cocktail contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugar syrup and the lime juice. A single serving of this cocktail contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
This cocktail is virtually fat-free, making it an appealing choice for those monitoring their fat intake.
Proteins
The Ankle Breaker contains negligible amounts of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
The fresh lime juice in the Ankle Breaker provides a modest boost of vitamin C, though the amounts are minimal per serving.
Alergens
The Ankle Breaker cocktail is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. However, those with allergies to citrus should be cautious due to the lime juice.
Summary
Overall, the Ankle Breaker is a high-calorie, low-protein, and fat-free cocktail with moderate carbohydrates. It offers a small amount of vitamin C from the lime juice but is otherwise limited in nutritional benefits.
Summary
The Ankle Breaker is a bold, flavorful cocktail that combines the potent kick of 151-proof rum with the depth of brandy and the tanginess of fresh lime juice. It's a drink that commands attention, both for its strength and its vibrant flavor profile. While it offers minimal nutritional benefits, it's a popular choice for those seeking a memorable and impactful cocktail experience.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the faded index cards, some written in her elegant cursive handwriting and others in a more hurried scrawl, I came across a small scrap of paper tucked away in the corner.
Curious, I carefully unfolded the crumpled paper and read the words scrawled across it in faded ink: "Ankle Breaker." Intrigued by the mysterious name, I scanned the ingredients list and instructions. It was a recipe for a hearty stew, filled with tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The name, it seemed, was a playful nod to the dish's hearty nature and the way it warmed you from the inside out.
I had never heard of Ankle Breaker before, but something about the recipe called out to me. Perhaps it was the nostalgia of finding a hidden gem in my grandmother's collection, or maybe it was the promise of a delicious meal waiting to be made. Whatever the reason, I knew I had to give it a try.
As I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family, and a few I had even picked up during my travels. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with loved ones and express my creativity.
But there was something special about discovering a new recipe, especially one with such a quirky name. It felt like uncovering a hidden treasure, a secret passed down through generations just waiting to be shared. And as the fragrant aroma of simmering stew filled the air, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.
When the Ankle Breaker was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and set the table for my family. As we sat down to eat, the first spoonfuls elicited a chorus of satisfied sighs and murmurs of approval. The flavors were rich and comforting, the beef meltingly tender, and the vegetables perfectly cooked. It was a resounding success, a new favorite to add to my ever-growing repertoire.
In the days and weeks that followed, I found myself making Ankle Breaker again and again, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Each time I served it to friends and family, it was met with the same enthusiastic response. It became a signature dish of mine, a go-to for dinner parties and cozy nights in alike.
And as I continued to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I realized that the joy of cooking wasn't just in following a recipe to the letter. It was in the process of discovery, of learning and adapting and making something uniquely my own. The Ankle Breaker recipe had taught me that, reminding me of the endless possibilities that lay within a humble pot of stew.
So now, whenever I make Ankle Breaker, I can't help but think back on that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe in my grandmother's collection. It's a reminder of the beauty of tradition and the thrill of trying something new, of the simple pleasures that come from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love.
And as I take another bite of the rich, hearty stew, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that brought Ankle Breaker into my life. It may have a funny name, but to me, it will always be a cherished recipe, a link to the past and a promise of many delicious meals to come.
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