The Cobbler is a versatile classic cocktail that can easily be made with or without alcohol, and can be a quick activity for the whole family. At its most basic, the drink is a mixture of fruit and sugar—lengthened by using a wine or spirit as its base (which can easily be omitted for kids and nondrinkers alike). Invented in the 1830s, the Cobbler predates other classics such as the Highball, Collins and Rickey. Though the alcohol used in it can vary, the drink is known for being elaborately garnished with fruit tossed in sugar—such as berries and slices of citrus.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brandy
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Several fresh cranberries and orange slices
- Ice
- Soda water and/or ginger ale (optional)
Instructions
Muddle an orange slice and 4 to 5 cranberries in a cocktail shaker. Add in brandy and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into a tall Collins glass over fresh ice, preferably crushed pebble ice. Garnish with several cranberries and an orange slice that have been tossed in sugar.
For a non alcoholic version of this drink, muddle the fruit and simple syrup and shake as directed. Strain over fresh ice and top the drink with soda water and a splash of ginger ale—adjusting proportions to preferred level of sweetness. Garnish with several cranberries, an orange slice and sprinkle of granulated sugar.
