Marble Hill Cocktail Recipe

Marble Hill is a neighborhood in Manhattan that’s actually associated more closely with the Bronx. This cocktail was named for it.

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The Marble Hill is a sophisticated cocktail with a strong kick – three ounces of alcohol. Two of them are gin, so this drink is not for gin-haters.

It does have some orange juice, but this is not one of those drinks with a full serving of vitamin C – the fruit juice is just enough to bring the gin and Dubonnet together in sweet harmony.

Tasting Notes for the Marble Hill

When you take a sip of the Marble Hill, the first thing you’ll notice is the gin. The botanicals in the gin come through clearly, giving it a fresh and slightly piney flavor with hints of juniper and herbs.

Next, the Dubonnet adds a smooth, slightly sweet, and herbal layer. It has a mild bitterness from the quinine, but it’s balanced by its sweetness, so it’s never overpowering. You might also catch subtle notes of spices and dried fruit from the Dubonnet.

The orange juice provides a light citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the gin and Dubonnet. It’s not a juicy or fruity punch like some cocktails but more of a gentle lift that brightens the overall flavor.

The drink feels smooth and silkier than you’d expect from a high-alcohol cocktail because the orange juice and Dubonnet soften the edges. There’s no sharp alcohol burn, just a warm finish that lingers nicely.

What is Dubonnet?

If you’ve never heard of it, Dubonnet is a French fortified wine that has been around since 1846. It’s made from a blend of wine, herbs, spices, and quinine.

Quinine is the same ingredient that gives tonic water its bitter taste, originally used to prevent malaria. This means Dubonnet has a slightly bitter, herbal flavor with a touch of sweetness.

It pairs really well with gin because both have botanical notes. It comes in a few varieties, and the one you want for this is Dubonnet Rouge. It has a deep red color and rich taste.

If you’re curious about other drinks with Dubonnet, you might want to try the classic Phoebe Snow Cocktail.

Why Use Orange Juice in the Marble Hill?

The orange juice in the Marble Hill isn’t there to make it fruity or sugary like some other cocktails. It’s just enough to lighten the strong flavors of the gin and Dubonnet and add a slight citrus brightness. This small amount of juice keeps the drink from tasting too heavy or bitter.

Freshly squeezed orange juice is best here because it has a natural brightness and freshness that bottled juice often lacks. Using fresh juice also means you control how much sweetness or acidity goes into your cocktail.

How to Choose the Right Gin for a Marble Hill

Since gin is the base of the Marble Hill and makes up two-thirds of the alcohol, picking the right gin matters. Gin varies widely in flavor depending on the botanicals used and the distillation style. Here are a few tips to help you pick a gin that will work well in this cocktail:

• London Dry Gin: This style is classic and tends to have a crisp, juniper-forward profile. It works well if you want the piney, herbal notes to be clear and bold in your Marble Hill.
• New Western or Contemporary Gin: These gins often tone down the juniper and highlight other botanicals like citrus, floral, or spice. They can add interesting complexity without overpowering the Dubonnet.
• Navy Strength Gin: If you like your drink with an extra punch, consider a navy strength gin (usually around 57% ABV). Just be mindful that it will make the cocktail stronger and more intense.
• Avoid overly sweet or flavored gins: Since the Marble Hill already has sweetness from Dubonnet and orange juice, a heavily flavored or sweet gin might make the cocktail too sweet or one-dimensional.

Try a few different gins to find what suits your taste best in this cocktail.

Tips for Making the Perfect Marble Hill

Here are some pointers to help you make this cocktail just right:

• Use fresh ice: Fresh, clear ice chills your drink without watering it down too quickly.
• Shake well: Shaking with ice not only chills but also dilutes the drink slightly, which helps balance the strong flavors.
• Strain carefully: Use a fine strainer to keep any ice shards or pulp from the orange juice out of your glass.
• Chill your glass: Pop your martini glass in the fridge or freezer before making the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail colder longer.
• Adjust orange juice to taste: This recipe calls for 1 ounce of orange juice, but you can tweak this slightly if you want a bit more brightness or sweetness.

Serving Occasions for Marble Hill

This cocktail fits well in several settings because of its strong but balanced character:

• Evening drinks: The strong alcohol content makes it good for slow sipping after dinner.
• Cocktail parties: It’s a nice change from usual favorites for guests who like gin-based drinks.
• Small gatherings: Its complexity sparks conversation without being too heavy.
• Pairing with appetizers: Because of its bold flavors, it works well alongside snacks with strong tastes like cheese plates or smoked meats.

Pairing Food with the Marble Hill

Because the Marble Hill has strong flavors from both the gin and Dubonnet, it pairs well with food that can stand up to bold tastes. Here are some ideas:

• Charcuterie and cheese boards: Salty meats and sharp cheeses balance out the cocktail’s sweetness and bitterness.
• Grilled meats: A grilled steak or lamb chops work well because their smoky flavors complement the botanicals.
• Mediterranean appetizers: Olives, roasted peppers, and hummus bring out some of the herbal notes in the drink.
• Light seafood dishes: Ceviche or grilled shrimp offer fresh flavors that don’t overpower the cocktail.