Beverage Beginning with E: Rare Finds
Introduction
From classic holiday favourites to refreshing twists on timeless cocktails, the world of beverages starting with the letter ‘E’ offers a diverse array of rare finds and must-try options. Explore the unique flavours and histories that make these exceptional drinks stand out in the ever-evolving landscape of the beverage industry.
Key Takeaways
- Eggnog – A rich, creamy holiday cocktail with 10-20% ABV, traditionally made with eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and spirits like rum, brandy, or bourbon.
- Eastside Gimlet – A muddled cucumber twist on the classic Gimlet, with a refreshing, herbaceous profile and a lower calorie count of around 150 calories per serving.
- El Diablo Cocktail – A fiery Mexican-inspired cocktail with a tart, spicy, and sweet balance, made with tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Eau-de-Vie – A clear, unaged, high-proof (40-50% ABV) French fruit brandy, offering flavours from pears, cherries, and plums.
- Espresso Martini – A popular, indulgent cocktail combining the bold flavours of espresso and the smoothness of vodka or coffee liqueur.
Eggnog: A Holiday Classic
Eggnog is a beloved holiday cocktail that has earned its place in the Hall of Fame of must-know and must-try drinks. This rich, creamy concoction is traditionally made with eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and spirits like rum, brandy, or bourbon. The distinct nutmeg spice adds a warm, festive touch to the overall flavour profile.
Typically, eggnog boasts an alcohol content between 10-20% ABV, depending on the recipe and the amount of spirits used. In the United States, eggnog is particularly popular during the holiday season, with over 100 million quarts sold annually.
Eastside Gimlet: A Refreshing Twist
The Eastside Gimlet is a muddled cucumber twist on the classic Gimlet cocktail, earning it a spot in the Hall of Fame of essential ‘E’ cocktails. This refreshing, herbaceous drink is made with gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and cucumber.
The Eastside Gimlet was created in the 2000s New York bar scene and has since gained popularity for its 15-18% ABV and low-calorie count of around 150 calories per serving, making it a healthier alternative to the standard Gimlet.
The addition of cucumber not only adds a fresh, crisp element to the drink but also contributes 90% water content, reducing the perceived alcohol intensity and creating a more balanced and approachable sipping experience.
El Diablo Cocktail: A Fiery Mexican-Inspired Delight
The El Diablo is a fiery Mexican-inspired cocktail that has earned a place in the Hall of Fame of must-try ‘E’ cocktails. This tequila-based drink features a tart, spicy, and sweet balance, with the base ingredients being tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer.
The El Diablo was invented in the 1940s in Tijuana, Mexico, and its ABV range is around 12-15%. The use of agave tequila in this cocktail ties it to the plant-based distillation tradition, adding depth and complexity to the flavour profile.
The ginger beer used in the El Diablo provides 50-100% more carbonation than traditional soda alternatives, creating a refreshing and invigorating drinking experience.
Eau-de-Vie: A Rare French Fruit Brandy
Eau-de-Vie is a unique and rare French-origin clear fruit brandy that falls under the ‘E’ category of beverages. This unaged, high-proof (40-50% ABV) distillation captures the essence of various fruits, such as pears (Poire Williams), cherries (Kirsch), and plums.
Eau-de-Vie, or “water of life,” is a speciality in the world of French brandy distillations, yet it remains relatively uncommon outside of Europe. These fruit brandies are typically bottled at an average of 45% ABV and do not undergo any oak aging, preserving the pure, unadulterated flavours of the fruit.
Conclusion
The realm of beverages beginning with the letter ‘E’ is a treasure trove of rare finds and must-try options, each offering a unique and captivating drinking experience. From the rich, creamy eggnog to the refreshing Eastside Gimlet and the fiery El Diablo, these exceptional drinks showcase the diversity and innovation within the beverage industry. Alongside the distinctive Eau-de-Vie, these ‘E’ beverages are sure to delight and intrigue discerning palates.
Sources:
Difford’s Guide: Hall of Fame and must know/try cocktails starting with E
Wikipedia: List of alcoholic drinks
DrinksWorld: Alcoholic drinks and Beverages – Complete List 2024
Whisky.my: Alcohol Brand Names A-Z | Spirit & Liquor
The Whisky Exchange: A to Z of Spirits Brands
The Beer Guy: Alphabetical list of Liquor
