When was the Tango Invented
The Tango, born in 1923 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, is the brainchild of bartender Harry MacElhone.
It became one of the favorite cocktails around 1955, during the first cocktail renaissance. Coincidentally, this was a time when dance halls were overcrowded, and dancing was prevalent. As the name suggests, the drink is sweet and passionate like a tango, with a wonderful spicy combination of dry gin and vermouth, mixed with the sweetness of orange juice, and with an alcohol content close to 30 degrees, it is very drinkable!
Today, it is considered a classic cocktail and is still enjoyed by many cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
What You Need
- gin
- orange juice
- lemon juice
- grenadine syrup
- vermouth or Cointreau Liqueur (optional)
- 1 slice of orange peel
How to Make a Tango
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine syrup (or vermouth,Cointreau Liqueur) to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass using a cocktail strainer.
- Garnish with a slice of orange.
- Serve and enjoy!
How To Serve a Tango
How to Make Grenadine Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced by about half.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
Homemade grenadine syrup will keep for about 1-2 months in the refrigerator. Use it to add a sweet and fruity flavor to your cocktails and other drinks.
Tip For Making a Tango
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice. Avoid using bottled juice, which may contain preservatives or added sugars.
- Choose a high-quality gin: The gin is the base of the cocktail and will greatly impact the flavor of the drink. Choose a high-quality gin that you enjoy drinking on its own.
- Adjust the grenadine syrup to your taste: The amount of grenadine syrup you use can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add more grenadine syrup. If you prefer a more tart cocktail, add less grenadine syrup.
- Use a cocktail shaker: A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing and chilling the ingredients properly. Make sure to shake the cocktail vigorously for 10-15 seconds to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Use a strainer: Strain the cocktail using a cocktail strainer to remove any pulp or ice chips and ensure a smooth, consistent drink.
- Garnish with a slice of orange: A slice of orange is the classic garnish for a Tango cocktail, adding a pop of color and a citrusy aroma.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and well-balanced Tango cocktail that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Frequently asked questions
What type of gin should I use to make a Tango cocktail?
You can use any type of gin to make a Tango cocktail, but it’s best to use a high-quality gin that you enjoy drinking on its own. Some popular options include Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Tanqueray.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Tango cocktail?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Tango cocktail by substituting the gin with an equal amount of alcohol-free gin or a clear soda like Sprite or 7-Up. You can also add a splash of bitters or another flavored syrup to give the drink a more complex flavor.
How should I garnish a Tango cocktail?
A slice of orange is the classic garnish for a Tango cocktail, adding a pop of color and a citrusy aroma. You can also add a sprig of mint or a twist of lemon for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
Are there any variations of the Tango cocktail?
Yes, there are many variations of the Tango cocktail that use different ingredients or adjust the proportions of the original recipe. Some popular variations include the Blood Orange Tango, the Gin and Apricot Tango, and the Pomegranate Tango.
What is the alcohol content of a tango cocktail and how many calories does it contain?
The alcohol content of a Tango cocktail can vary depending on the specific recipe and the amount of gin used. Typically, a Tango cocktail contains around 1.5 ounces (45 ml) of gin, which has an alcohol content of around 40% by volume (ABV). Based on this, a Tango cocktail would have an alcohol content of around 15-20% ABV.
As for the calorie content, a typical Tango cocktail contains around 150-200 calories. The exact number of calories can vary depending on the specific recipe and the size of the cocktail, but the main contributors to the calorie count are the sugar in the grenadine syrup and the natural sugars in the orange juice. To reduce the calorie count, you can use a sugar-free grenadine syrup and use less or no orange juice. However, keep in mind that this may also affect the taste and balance of the cocktail.
Tango
The Tango, born in 1923 at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, is the brainchild of bartender Harry MacElhone. It became one of the favorite cocktails around 1955, during the first cocktail renaissance. Coincidentally, this was a time when dance halls were overcrowded, and dancing was prevalent. As the name suggests, the drink is sweet and passionate like a tango, with a wonderful spicy combination of dry gin and vermouth, mixed with the sweetness of orange juice, and with an alcohol content close to 30 degrees, it is very drinkable!
Ingredients
- 1⅓ oz gin
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- ⅓ oz Cointreau Liqueur
- ⅔ oz orange juice
- 1 slice of orange peel
Instructions
Put ice cubes in the shaker, then add gin, dry vermouth, Cointreau liqueur and orange juice in order. Shake well and serve in a cocktail glass with an orange peel garnish.
