No word of a lie, I think this may be my new #1 favourite cocktail. The heart-shaped box cocktail simply fantastic. Fresh strawberry, a hint of elderflower, aged balsamic, and cinnamon bark syrup make this cocktail a serious treat for the tastebuds. The result is delicious, complex, and exciting; with a savoury element. But don't just take my word for it, try making this very fancy cocktail at home!
This cocktail seems absolutely perfect for Valentine's Day or another romantic occasion. But I can see myself enjoying it on just a regular evening, as well.
Where did the heart-shaped box cocktail originate?
This masterpiece came from Brad Farran, of Death & Co bar, 2013. It is featured in one of my favourite cocktail books - Death & Co book.
Great Gift for Cocktail Lovers
How to make the heart-shaped box cocktail
Cut the stem off of a strawberry and roughly chop it. Add it into a cocktail shaker and muddle it. (A muddler came with this great cocktail bar set that I use myself and highly recommend.)
Add all of the other cocktail ingredients. Short shake for two to four seconds. Short shaking is a popular shaking method for drinks served on crushed ice. The purpose is to mix and chill without causing much dilution. Strain the cocktail into a crushed ice filled double rocks glass. Serve with a straw and a half strawberry garnish.
How to make cinnamon bark syrup
In a small saucepan, smash cinnamon sticks into shards. Add water and sugar, and stir occasionally while bringing to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for four minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and set out, covered, overnight. Line a sieve with cheesecloth. Pour the syrup through to strain. This will make more cinnamon bark syrup than you need, which is great! You can save it in an airtight container to have on hand for your next cocktail.
Looking for more great cocktails?
I have plenty to find in my drink recipes category! For example, the east 8 hold up. This amazing cocktail from London, England, is made with fresh pineapple and passionfruit syrup. Refreshing is an understatement.
Heart-Shaped Box Cocktail
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fresh strawberry, a hint of elderflower, aged balsamic, and cinnamon bark syrup make the heart-shaped box cocktail a serious treat for the tastebuds. The result is delicious, complex, and exciting; with a savoury element.
Ingredients
1 strawberry
2 oz (60 ml) Hine H cognac
¾ oz (22.5 ml) St. Germain elderflower liqueur
¾ oz (22.5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar
¼ oz (7.5 ml) cinnamon bark syrup (see recipe below)
1 dash (12 drops) angostura bitters
Cinnamon Bark Syrup:
½ ounce (14 g) cinnamon sticks
1 cup (225 g) superfine sugar
1 cup (237 ml) water
Garnish:
½ strawberry
straw
Instructions
Heart-Shaped Box:
Add a roughly chopped strawberry into a cocktail shaker and muddle it (a muddler comes in this cocktail bar set that I use and highly recommended).
Add all of the other cocktail ingredients. Short shake 2-4 seconds, then strain into a crushed ice filled double rocks glass.
Serve with a straw and a half strawberry garnish.
Cinnamon Bark Syrup:
In a small saucepan, smash the cinnamon sticks into shards.
Add water and sugar, and stir occasionally while bringing to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and set out, covered, overnight.
Line a sieve with cheesecloth. Pour the syrup through to strain.
Notes
This cocktail was created by Brad Farran of Death & Co in 2013, and is featured in the Death & Co book.
Estimated time does not include time to make cinnamon bark syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 69
- Sugar: 19.7 g
- Sodium: 2.3 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.9 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: heart-shaped box cocktail
Isabel says
Oh my gosh this is so good!!!
Asha says
Thanks! I agree 🙂
Ted says
Great flavor!
Asha says
Thanks 🙂
Heather says
This drink is really, really good.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂
Bonnie says
Definitely my new favorite cocktail.
Asha says
I love it so much too! Thanks for the review 🙂
Melanie says
Definitely a keeper for me.
Asha says
Thanks 🙂
Faye says
This is absolutely my new favourite cocktail.
Asha says
Thanks, welcome to the club! 😀
Trisha says
A great treat for me alone or when a friend stops by. Thanks for sharing.
Asha says
Thanks for the review ❤️