The Chilton recipe has been around since at least the 1920s, but its origins may go back further.
The Chilton cocktail was first created by Charles H. Chilton, who founded New York City’s famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The original recipe called for simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
How Did The Chilton Recipe Come To Be?
Charles Chilton first began experimenting with cocktails in 1878 while working as an assistant bartender at his father’s hotel.
He later opened up his own bar in 1888.
There, he made many of his most popular drinks, including the Chilton Cocktail, which is still served today.
His cocktail recipes were published in 1903 under the name “Chilton Cocktails.”
In addition to the Chilton Cocktail, Chilton also invented several other popular mixes such as the Manhattan cocktail and the French 75.
Many of these cocktails are considered classics and continue to be made today.
A few years after opening his restaurant, Chilton died suddenly from appendicitis on October 7th, 1904.
However, his popularity continued to grow throughout the 1920s when it became known as the “Cocktail Capital of America.” Today, the Chilton remains one of the best-known bars in NYC.
It wasn’t until 1921 that Chilton’s family sold the rights to his recipes to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
In 1926, they added a note to the book explaining how to make each of the cocktails.
This included the Chilton recipe (which has since been updated).
Today, there are multiple variations of this cocktail available in stores all over the world.
Most versions call for equal parts sugar and water but some include more or less ingredients depending on your preference.
One variation uses only ginger ale instead of club soda.
Another calls for fresh mint leaves rather than dried ones.
While these variations may not have exactly the same taste, they can easily substitute for each other if you don’t want to use the traditional version.
If you would like to learn about another variation of the Chilton recipe, we recommend checking out our article on the Chianti Spritz.
Both of these recipes are delicious and both can help you get through even the coldest winter nights!
What Are The Ingredients In The Chilton Recipe?
There are two main components to this recipe: Simple Syrup (1 part sugar to 1 part water) and Lemon Juice (1/4 cup).
In addition to these two key ingredients, there are also several other key ingredients, including Angostura Bitters, Old Tom Gin, Orange Curacao, and Cointreau or Triple Sec.
All of these ingredients work together to create an excellent tasting beverage with a unique flavor profile.
Here’s what you need to know about each ingredient used in the Chilton Recipe.
- Simple Syrup – A clear sweetener made from sugar boiled down until it reaches its desired consistency. You can find both white and brown varieties of simple syrup at your local grocery store. If you don’t have access to either type, then try using corn syrup instead.
- Lemon Juice – The most basic form of citrus juice found on almost every bar top across America. Most people use fresh lemons when making homemade cocktails, but if you prefer, you can always substitute lime juice as well. There are many different types of lemon juice out there, so make sure you pick one that complements your chosen spirits.
- Angostura Bitters – These bitters come in various flavors, such as orange peel, ginger, black pepper, etc., which makes them ideal for creating interesting flavored drinks. Because they contain alcohol, however, be careful how much you consume!
- Old Tom Gin – Made from 100% London dry gin, this particular brand has been around since 1798. The original formula calls for adding three ounces per glass, which will give you just enough kick without overpowering your palate. To learn more about gins and their origins, check out our article here.
- Orange Curacao – When mixed with another spirit like rum, this liqueur adds a hint of sweetness while still maintaining some spice. Although we recommend purchasing it online rather than buying the whole bottle yourself, this product does have a shelf life of 4 years, so look for bottles marked “Best Before Date” before you buy.
- Cointreau or Triple Sec – Another popular flavoring agent, this liquor comes from France and tastes similar to sherry. It pairs really well with citrus juices, especially those containing tangerines, due to its high acidity level. Look for brands labeled “Grand Marnier” or “Sauternes”.
(Note: Some modern recipes call for Triple Sec instead of Cointreau.)
How Do You Make The Chilton Recipe?
To create this delicious beverage, all that is required are fresh lemons (or limes), sugar, water, and bitters.
You can also add some ice if desired.
All ingredients should be chilled before making the cocktail so they will remain cold throughout the process.
To begin, cut one of your lemons in half, then squeeze out both halves into two separate bowls or mason jars.
Add 1/4 cup of sugar per bowl to each bowl, as well as 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters per bowl.
Pour 3 ounces of boiling water over the sugar in each bowl, stir with a spoon until dissolved, then chill the mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients.
Next, take one lime half, remove its skin, and place it in a medium sized glass jar.
Take about 4 teaspoons of sugar and pour it on top of the lime.
Next, fill another small glass jar with 6 ounces of cool water.
Place the lid tightly onto the jar and shake vigorously to dissolve the sugar completely.
Once the sugar has been dissolved, the water should have turned cloudy white.
Strain into the glass jar containing the lime and discard the remaining sugar solution.
Leave the lime in the fridge until needed.
Once everything else is prepared, combine equal parts of chilled citrus water and bitters.
Stir gently.
For extra flavor, you may want to strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Serve immediately.
What Is The Taste Of The Chilton Recipe?
The taste depends on your preference of drinks.
If you like sweet cocktails, then this one will be perfect for you.
- 4 ounces of gin or whiskey (gin preferred)
- 1/3 ounce of maraschino liqueur
- 1/3 ounce of simple syrup
- the juice from 1 lime
- a dash of Angostura bitters
If you prefer to have more of a kick in your drinks, then try adding some Peychaud’s Bitters instead of Angostura Bitters.
How Did You Like The Chilton Recipe?
I had never heard of this cocktail before I saw an episode about it on Netflix.
It sounded interesting but also different from what I usually order at bars or restaurants.
So when my friend invited me over to his place where he could show off all his craft cocktails, I decided to give the Chilton recipe a try.
When I got there, I realized how much work goes into making a good cocktail.
After reading through the ingredients list, I felt overwhelmed.
Then, I read the instructions in the book and they were even more confusing! That’s why I love the Chilton recipe because it’s so simple yet delicious.
Plus, the entire process only takes 10 minutes start to finish.
This particular version of the Chilton recipe calls for fresh lime, sugar, and club soda.
But if you can’t find them, don’t worry.
You can use bottled versions of these three ingredients instead.
- 1 ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (about ¼ cup)
- ¾ ounce Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- ¼ teaspoon Angostura bitters
- Club soda
Here are the steps to create your own Chilton cocktail:
Step 1: Place the lime wedge in the bottom of a highball glass.
Next, add the simple syrup, then stir well with a spoon until combined.
Step 2: Add the club soda and gently mix everything together with the spoon.
You might need to use both hands to get every last bit of liquid out of the bottle.
Once everything has been mixed, serve immediately.
If you want extra zing, add another squeeze of lime juice right before serving.
Would You Make The Chilton Recipe Again?
A lot has changed in the world since then, but the Chilton recipe remains as popular today as it ever was.
You can find the recipe online at Drink Recipes, which also offers variations on the Chilton recipe.
If you’re looking to try one, we recommend making the Citrus version of the recipe.
However, if you’d like to give this classic cocktail another shot, here are some tips that will help you out:
- Don’t use too many ingredients or more than two ounces of liquor per serving (unless there is an appropriate reason).
- Use fresh citrus instead of bottled juices when possible.
- Try using your own homemade sugar syrup instead of the commercial stuff.
- Go with something light! Try adding sparkling water instead of ice cubes.
- Add a splash of club soda instead of tonic water.
If you feel ready, head over to our guide on how to mix up a good old fashioned, and get started.
We’ll see you on the other side!
What Other Recipes Do You Know Of That Are Similar To The Chilton Recipe?
Chilton Cocktail Recipe | How to Make A Classic Drink With Simple Syrup And Lemon Juice | AllRecipes
This recipe is for a classic Chilton cocktail.
It is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Many people enjoy this cocktail year round, while others prefer it during warmer months when they need something more lively than their usual drinks.
You can also make Chiltons with rum instead of vodka or bourbon if you prefer your drinks less sweet.
However, we recommend sticking to standard Chiltons as opposed to using non-standard ingredients so that all readers get an accurate representation of how the classic cocktail tastes.
To find out what else there is in the world of cocktails, check out our article on the different types of martinis.
For more information about this recipe, read on below!
What Other Dishes Can You Make With The Chilton Recipe?
You can use this recipe to create many different cocktails, including drinks like the Sazerac (using rye whiskey instead of bourbon) or the Manhattan (adding orange bitters).
But what else can you cook using these ingredients? Here are some examples from our archives:
- Chilled green goddess salad dressing
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Cauliflower soup
- Spicy chicken kabobs
- Parmesan garlic bread sticks
- Roasted sweet potato fries
- Baked blueberry muffins
- Cheesecake brownies
- Tofu stir fry
- Chicken pot pie
How Long Does It Take To Make The Chilton Recipe?
Chilton cocktails are made with fresh ingredients like citrus fruits, herbs, and spices.
To create them, bartenders need to use their creativity in creating unique combinations of flavors.
When making this cocktail, however, there are some basic guidelines that must be followed so as not to ruin the taste or spoil the fun of enjoying an amazing beverage.
For example, using too much sugar can have negative effects on your stomach because it will cause gas.
Similarly, if the mixture contains too many strong flavors, you might end up overindulging in alcohol.
To avoid these issues, when preparing the Chilton recipe, you should follow these instructions carefully:
- Always start with cold water and ice cubes. Cold water helps keep the temperature down, which prevents the drink from getting too hot.
- Use only freshly squeezed juices instead of bottled ones. Bottled drinks usually contain preservatives, which could affect the flavor of the final product.
- Stir all ingredients together thoroughly before adding them to the glass. Stirring ensures that the entire volume is mixed properly and allows all the flavors to blend together well.
- When finished mixing, strain the contents into a chilled martini glass. If done correctly, you won’t see any visible pieces of fruit left behind after straining.
- Serve immediately. Once the Chilton recipe has been prepared, you shouldn’t wait around for more than 10 minutes before serving it.
What Is The History Of The Chilton Recipe?
Charles Chilton, or “Charlie,” as he was known in his time, began working at the Waldorf in 1885 when he was just 16 years old.
He soon became one of its most popular bartenders.
By 1888, Charlie had saved enough money to buy the hotel’s bar and start serving cocktails there himself.
In 1890, his new restaurant opened on Broadway and 23rd Street (the address now is 622 W.
22nd St).
Chilton’s cocktail recipes were published in several newspapers during this period.
One such article from the New York Times described the ingredients he used in his drinks:
- Two ounces of sweet vermouth
- One ounce of dry sherry
- Half an ounce of orange curacao
- Three dashes of Angostura Bitters
- A dash of absinthe
But it wasn’t until 1893 that Charlie introduced two more ingredients into his signature drink – fresh squeezed lime juice and egg white.
His original recipe included only three ingredients: sugar, water, and alcohol.
In 1898, he added another ingredient to the mix – grenadine.
Grenadine is made from pomegranate seeds and is often served over ice cream.
However, Charlie didn’t use grenadine in the traditional way.
Instead, he mixed it with a small amount of rum and then drizzled it onto the top of each glass filled with his signature cocktail.
By 1902, Charlie Chilton left the Waldorf to open his own place.
In 1903, he moved to Florida where he started a successful business selling canned pineapple.
After his death in 1918, his family sold the rights to his recipes and brand name to Harry Johnson, who continued using them for decades.
How Did The Chilton Recipe Come To Be?
Charles Henry Chilton (1849 – 1935) started his career as an apprentice at the bar of the St.
Nicholas Hotel in Manhattan.
He later worked at other well known hotels including the Grand Central Palace in New York City and the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
Chilton opened his own hotel in 1883.
In 1901, he bought the Waldorf Astoria Hotel from John Jacob Schreiber.
In 1917, he sold the hotel to Harry Helmsley, but continued working there until 1920 when he retired after more than 50 years at the hotel.
His retirement lasted only one year before he died in 1935.
Despite being best remembered for his creation of the Chilton, Chilton also owned a large collection of rare books, many of which have now been donated to the Library of Congress.
These include works on French cooking and architecture.
What Are The Ingredients In The Chilton Recipe?
Chilton’s recipe was inspired by his love of iced tea and mint juleps.
In this version, the primary ingredient is simple syrup, which is made from equal parts sugar and water.
The second main component in the Chilton recipe is fresh lemon juice.
Finally, there is Angostura bitters, which adds complexity to the drink.
This recipe calls for one ounce (30ml) of simple syrup, three ounces (100 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and half an ounce (15ml) of Angostura bitters.
For those who want a little more spice, they can add another quarter of an ounce (7.5ml) of the same bitters as well.
If you prefer your drinks on the sweeter side, then you should increase the amount of simple syrup in the recipe.
If you really like it spicy, you could also add more bitters to your Chilton cocktail.
How Do You Make The Chilton Recipe?
First, pour one ounce (30 ml) of Old Tom gin into an ice-filled shaker with two ounces (60 ml) of water.
Add one teaspoon (5 ml) of sugar syrup, half a slice of cucumber, and then add three dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture.
Shake it vigorously before adding one large wedge of fresh lime followed by another dash of bitters.
Finally, strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a lowball glass filled with crushed ice, and top off with club soda.
For a more intense flavor, try making this cocktail using rye whiskey instead of gin.
To create the same effect as above but substituting the rye for bourbon, simply add two teaspoons (10 ml) of brown sugar syrup to your mix and shake it like normal.
Then, follow up by straining the liquid through a fine sieve into a lowball glass filled with crushed ice, topping off with club soda, and garnishing with a sprig of mint.
If you want to add some extra spice to the Chilton recipe, consider using ginger beer or even orange liqueur such as Cointreau.
For those looking for something completely different, try adding a shot of Fernet Branca to the mix!
To learn more about how to craft cocktails at home, check out these helpful guides from Bon Appétit and Epicurious.
What Is The Taste Of The Chilton Recipe?
Chilton’s original recipe calls for simple syrup, which is just sugar dissolved in water.
Lemon juice is added to the mix.
Then, some bitters are poured into the glass before serving it up.
These three ingredients give the Chilton recipe its signature tangy flavor.
However, there are many variations on this classic cocktail today.
Some people add rum or vodka to their drinks.
Others prefer to use different types of liqueur instead of bitters.
There may be no shortage of cocktails out there with the same name as the one made by Chilton back then!
How Did You Like The Chilton Recipe?
We asked our readers to share their thoughts on this topic, and here are some of your responses:
- It tastes very good! I would definitely order it in a restaurant if available because it has such a nice flavor profile.
- I really liked it. I am not much of a mixologist but I can see how this would be great with some ice and maybe a splash of water or club soda.
- This recipe looks delicious. I love mixing cocktails so I will give it a try.
Our reader’s choice winner is @carlos_diaz from San Diego, California, who wrote: “A little bit sweet, just enough sour, and a lot of fun!”
Congratulations Carlos Diaz, we hope you enjoy making more drinks at home!
Would You Make The Chilton Recipe Again?
Let us look at what makes this cocktail so special.
First off, it has an interesting history behind it.
When Chilton opened his hotel in 1890, he wanted to set himself apart from his competitors.
To do this, he decided to bring in new ingredients, such as fresh pineapple, lime juice, orange liqueur, and absinthe.
Chilton also added a few more ingredients to the mix.
He used vermouth instead of simple syrup, which gave the entire beverage a richer taste.
In addition, Chilton included both Angostura Bitters and Peychaud’s Bitters.
These two bitters were extremely popular back then, but have since fallen out of favor among bartenders.
However, they still remain a key ingredient in many cocktails today.
The final ingredient in this recipe is absinthe.
Absinthe is not something most people would find appealing these days.
Back in its heyday, however, it was considered one of the best alcoholic beverages available.
Today, the spirit is banned because of its high alcohol content (upwards of 70 percent) and hallucinogenic properties.
While absinthe is no longer legal, it can be purchased online or through some liquor stores.
A lot of different variations on the Chilton recipe exist, including ones with rum, gin, brandy, tequila, whiskey, and vodka.
Each variation will produce a slightly different flavor profile.
For example, if you use rum instead of vermouth, the end result will be a sweeter drink than if you choose gin.
If you want to try another version of the Chilton recipe, check out our list of the five best cocktail recipes ever!
What Other Recipes Do You Know Of That Are Similar To The Chilton Recipe?
There are several different cocktails that call for the same ingredients as the Chilton recipe, but they differ in their proportions or how much alcohol is used.
For example, the Manhattan uses more rye whiskey than the Chilton, while the Martinez calls for sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth.
Both drinks use orange peel (or angostura) bitters, which will be discussed later on.
Some of these cocktails include:
- Manhattan – 2 oz bourbon + 1/3 cup water + 3 dashes Angostura Bitters.
- Martini – 2 oz gin + 1/4 oz dry vermouth + dash Angostura Bitters.
- Old Fashioned – 2 oz bourbon +1/2 tsp sugar + splash of club soda.
These cocktails may have been inspired by the Chilton recipe, but none of them follow it exactly.
That said, here are some other recipes that are very similar to the Chilton recipe:
What Other Dishes Can You Make With The Chilton Recipe?
If you love your cocktails, then this is an excellent recipe for you! You will be able to enjoy this delicious beverage all year round because it is not only tasty, but also has health benefits.
Some people think that the Chilton recipe is too sweet and don’t like how much sugar is added to it.
However, when you look at the ingredients list, there isn’t very much in terms of calories or fat content, which makes this dish healthy.
If you want something more on the savory side, try adding some olives into your Chilton recipe instead of using salt.
While the Chilton recipe may seem complicated due to its number of steps, it really isn’t difficult if you follow the instructions carefully.
Once you get used to making it, you will start enjoying it even more than before.
It is important to remember that every time you prepare the Chilton recipe, you should use fresh eggs, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.
If you keep them around for a while, they will go bad quickly.
How Long Does It Take To Make The Chilton Recipe?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish to prepare the ingredients needed for this recipe.
However, there are some steps involved in making these drinks.
For example, in order to create the simple syrup, water must be boiled over high heat until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Afterward, sugar needs to be added slowly while stirring constantly so as not to burn your mixture.
- 1 cup cold water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
After all of these liquids have been mixed together, they need to cool down before adding the remaining ingredients.
Lemon juice, spirits, and ice cubes should also be mixed together at room temperature to avoid burning yourself on hot liquids.
Finally, add the garnish, which includes a cherry and an orange slice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka such as Tito’s
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- Soda water chilled
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Salt rim
Instructions
- Any glass will do; just salt the rim of a highball glass before adding ice. Vodka and lemon juice should be added.
- Add soda water on top, then stir. Enjoy with a lemon wheel as a garnish!
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