The Colonial Cooler is a vintage gin-based cocktail from the early 20th century combining sweet vermouth, triple sec, and Angostura bitters with soda water and fresh mint. Its light, herbaceous profile makes it an elegant low-proof aperitif.
Recipe Source
Visit Mr. Boston DrinksFrom Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide
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Pour first four ingredients into ice-filled Collins glass.
soda water.
Garnish with mint and pineapple.
Cocktails are best served fresh immediately after preparation. Pre-batched (spirit) ingredients may be stored in a sealed bottle for up to 1 week.
mixing glass · bar spoon or long-handled spoon · jigger · fine strainer
Yes. Substitute with dry curaçao or skip it entirely for a lighter vermouth-forward drink; reduce soda water slightly if omitting to maintain balance.
Stir all ingredients except soda water with ice for 10–15 seconds, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice before topping with soda water.
London dry gin is traditional; choose a lighter botanical style to avoid overpowering the delicate vermouth and triple sec.
Yes. Mix gin, vermouth, triple sec, and bitters in advance; add ice and soda water individually per serving to maintain carbonation.
Partially. At 1.5 oz gin per serving, it's moderate-strength; increase soda water and reduce gin to 1 oz for a lighter version.
