The Best Hair Of The Dog Cocktail May Be A Gingery UK Classic
The morning after a big night out can be rough. If you can't seem to get out of those scheduled brunch plans and have to turn up in whatever disheveled state you've found yourself in, we have just the drink order that can help you feel a bit more refreshed while saddling up to order waffles.
Even if you aren't nursing a brutal hangover, this ginger-flavored beverage can hit the spot after a long day at work or provide refreshment during backyard summer picnics. Plus, if you enjoy the flavor of a light shandy, a bright beer-based cocktail known to quench thirst, you'll certainly enjoy the creation of one humble and somewhat nervous bartender.
We have a cocktail competition to cite for the creation of Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew, and Hawksmoor, a U.K.-based steakhouse chain, to thank for the popularization of this boozy beverage. Inspired by London itself, this zesty libation has quickly found favor among bar-goers around the world.
History of Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew
The recipe for Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew was first presented at a competition organized by Beefeater Gin. The moniker for the drink comes from its creator Pete Jeary who earned the nickname "Shaky Pete" because his hands tended to shake whenever he got nervous during bartending competitions. The flavorful recipe of gin, lemon juice, and ginger syrup topped off with London Pride has since made its way to Hawksmoor, where Jeary previously worked, and onto bar menus worldwide.
As far as cocktails made with London in mind, Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew hits all the right notes: Distilled in London, Beefeater is the world's most awarded gin, and the amber London Pride is an ale that has been brewed in the city since the 1950s. As for the other ingredients, Jeary was inspired by the imports he learned were stored at Hay's Wharf. Ginger and lemon were considered exotic commodities at the time and made perfect additions to his recipe.
Since appearing at the Beefeater competition, Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew has remained one of the top orders at Hawksmoor locations throughout the United Kingdom and has even found favor as a reputed hangover cure.
Making Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew
While it's possible to experiment with the gins and beers used to make Shaky Pete's libation, ginger syrup is a key ingredient to ensuring the taste of this cocktail is as mind-blowing of a recipe as possible. To unleash the inner mixologist within, you can make your own ginger syrup at home by using a juicer and mixing equal parts ginger juice and sugar.
Once you have your essential ingredients set out to make the beverage, blitz the gin, lemon juice, and ginger syrup together with ice in a blender and strain into a chilled glass. To complete the drink, fill the glass near to the brim with your choice of ale. If you're wanting to keep the London theme for the drink, reach for London Pride, but other beers can also yield delicious drinks and equally refreshing hangover cures. Whether or not you are dealing with the after-effects from a night of heavy drinking, Pete's Shaky Ginger Brew delivers subtle sweetness that can be enjoyed any time of the year.