Ingredients
- 2/3 oz Condensed Milk
- 2/3 oz Banana Liqueur
- 10 oz Lemonade
- 1 Dash(s) Lemon Juice
Instructions
Prepare Glass:
- Place two ice cubes in a highball glass.
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 2/3 oz condensed milk, 2/3 oz banana liqueur (Pisang Ambon), 10 oz lemonade (Sprite), and 1 dash lemon juice over the ice cubes.
Stir:
- Stir well to mix the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy and refreshing delight!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Asterix Cocktail doesn't have a clear, documented origin story in the classic bartending texts. It likely emerged from the modern cocktail revival, possibly as a house special or a creative bartender's invention, rather than a pre-Prohibition staple. Its name suggests a whimsical, perhaps European, influence, but specifics are scarce.
At its core, this rendition is a gin sour, a direct descendant of the foundational sour family. It differentiates itself with the addition of elderflower liqueur for floral notes and a whisper of absinthe, which adds a subtle anise backbone. Think of it as a botanical cousin to a classic Gin Sour, with a touch more intrigue.
You'd find this type of drink on a modern cocktail bar menu that appreciates botanical ingredients and nuanced flavors. It's a solid choice for a spring or summer evening, or as a sophisticated aperitif before dinner. It works well in a setting that values craft and thoughtful ingredient pairings.
What it tastes like
Expect a bright, citrus-forward opening from the lemon, quickly followed by the juniper and botanicals of the gin. The elderflower liqueur introduces a delicate, sweet floral layer, while a hint of absinthe provides a subtle, almost imperceptible anise complexity that rounds out the finish. It's refreshing, tart, and fragrant, with a balanced sweetness.
With 2 oz of gin, this drink typically clocks in around 20-22% ABV, depending on the proof of your gin. That puts it roughly in the same ballpark as a strong craft beer or a glass of wine, making it a medium-strength cocktail. It's potent enough to be a proper drink, but not so heavy it'll knock you sideways after one.
The technique
To build an Asterix Cocktail, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
The crucial technique here is a vigorous shake. You need to emulsify the lemon juice and properly chill and dilute the gin and liqueurs. A weak shake leaves it watery and flat. Go for it, give it some muscle.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater for a classic backbone. For a more floral note, try Hendrick's.
- Skip
- Heavily savory or barrel-aged gins will clash with the delicate elderflower.
- Why
- Gin provides the primary botanical structure and alcohol content. Its juniper and citrus notes marry well with lemon and elderflower.
Elderflower Liqueur
- Use
- St-Germain is the industry standard for its consistent floral sweetness.
- Skip
- Overly sweet or artificial-tasting fruit liqueurs.
- Why
- This liqueur is the floral heart of the drink, providing sweetness and a distinctive aroma that defines the cocktail's character.
Absinthe
- Use
- A high-quality, authentic absinthe like Lucid or Pernod Absinthe. A little goes a long way.
- Skip
- Anise-flavored liqueurs that are too sweet or lack the herbal complexity of true absinthe.
- Why
- A mere dash adds a subtle, herbaceous complexity and a hint of anise that ties the other flavors together without dominating.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
French Asterix
- Berry-kissed with a touch of sparkle.
- Add 0.5 oz of crème de cassis and top with a splash of dry sparkling wine for a fruitier, effervescent twist.
Herbal Asterix
- Earthier and more aromatic.
- Infuse the simple syrup with fresh rosemary or thyme, or swap the absinthe for a small rinse of Chartreuse.
Floral Fizz
- Light and effervescent.
- Shake all ingredients except absinthe, strain into a tall glass with ice, and top with soda water. Add the absinthe dash directly to the glass.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try vodka for a cleaner profile, or a light rum for a hint of sweetness.
Fresh lime juice works in a pinch, though it will shift the flavor profile to be tarter.
A floral gin or a dash of orange blossom water with extra simple syrup could work, but the character will change significantly.
A tiny rinse of pastis or even a crushed fennel seed could mimic the anise note, but it's optional if you don't have it.
A chilled martini glass or even a small rocks glass without ice will do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Asterix Cocktail?
This interpretation of the Asterix Cocktail typically contains gin, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, and a dash of absinthe.
Is the Asterix Cocktail a strong drink?
With 2 oz of gin, it's a medium-strength cocktail, similar to a glass of wine or a strong beer in terms of alcohol content.
What kind of gin should I use?
A London Dry gin is a solid choice. If you prefer a more floral profile, a gin with prominent botanical notes works well too.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the simple syrup, especially if your elderflower liqueur is already quite sweet.
What does elderflower liqueur taste like?
It has a delicate, sweet floral taste, often described as light, honeyed, and slightly fruity, reminiscent of lychee.
Why the dash of absinthe?
The absinthe adds a subtle layer of herbal complexity and a hint of anise that complements the other botanicals without overpowering them.
Is this a classic cocktail?
The Asterix Cocktail is not a widely recognized classic. Its recipe is open to interpretation and likely a more modern creation.
What kind of garnish works best?
A lemon twist is the standard and provides a fragrant citrus oil aroma that enhances the drink.
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