Ten Strike Drink Recipe

The Ten Strike cocktail is a traditional drink recipe. It marries two of the more distinctive flavors available in the alcohol world: the juniper-herbal notes of gin with the anise of Pernod, with nothing more to tame them than a couple of dashes of orange bitters. It’s definitely different.

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Tasting Notes

The Ten Strike is a bold drink with flavors that stand out right away. The first thing you’ll notice is the strong herbal aroma from the Pernod.

This carries through to the taste, where the licorice-like anise flavor is front and center. Gin adds a layer of botanicals—mostly juniper, but there can be hints of citrus, coriander, or other herbs depending on the gin you use.

The orange bitters don’t overpower, but they bring just enough citrus and spice to help tie the other flavors together. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, thanks to the Pernod’s texture.

The finish is long, with lingering notes of anise and a gentle bitterness from the orange bitters. There’s a bit of warmth from the alcohol, but this isn’t a harsh drink—just strong and flavorful.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Pernod

Pernod is a French liqueur known for its bright anise (licorice) flavor. It’s clear, but turns cloudy when mixed with water or ice because of the essential oils present.

In cocktails, Pernod is used in small amounts due to its strong flavor. Here, it forms the base of the drink, so its character really comes through.

Gin

Gin brings its own set of flavors: mostly juniper (which tastes piney and a bit peppery), plus whatever other botanicals the distiller has chosen. London Dry gins tend to be crisp and clean, while some modern gins have more pronounced citrus or floral notes.

The gin provides structure and balances out the sweetness and richness of Pernod.

Orange Bitters

Bitters are basically concentrated extracts of fruits, spices, and roots. Orange bitters add both bitterness and a hint of orange peel flavor.

They help cut through the richness of Pernod and highlight some of the citrus notes in gin.

Choosing Your Gin

Since gin plays a supporting role in the Ten Strike, your choice will have a noticeable effect on the drink. If you want something clean and classic, go with a London Dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray. These won’t compete too much with the Pernod and will let the anise shine.

If you like more complexity, try a gin with strong herbal or citrus flavors—something like Bombay Sapphire or even a craft gin with unique botanicals. Just avoid gins that are too floral or sweet; those might clash with the Pernod.

Serving Suggestions

For the best experience, make sure your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing. Here’s how I’d serve it:

1. Chill Your Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink. A cold glass helps keep everything crisp.
2. Shake Well: Since Pernod is a liqueur, shaking with plenty of ice helps blend it smoothly with gin and bitters.
3. Strain Carefully: Use a fine mesh strainer if you want to avoid any ice shards in your glass.

If you want to add a garnish, an orange twist is perfect—it echoes the orange bitters and adds a nice aroma when you take a sip. Just twist a strip of orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in or hang it on the edge of the glass.

Presentation Tips

Since this drink is all about bold flavors, keep the presentation simple and classic:

• Use clear glassware so you can see the pale color of the finished drink.
• Serve straight up (no ice in the glass).
• If you want to get fancy, try chilling your martini glass with crushed ice while you make the drink, then dump out the ice before straining in your cocktail.

If you’re serving several people, you can batch this cocktail ahead of time—just mix everything together without ice and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Shake individual servings with ice right before pouring.

When to Serve

The Ten Strike works well as a pre-dinner drink (aperitif). The herbal and citrus notes will wake up your palate and get you ready for food. It also fits right in at any gathering where people enjoy martinis or other strong cocktails.

Because it’s got such strong flavors, it’s probably not something you’d want to sip all night long—but it’s perfect for when you’re looking for something different or want to impress friends who enjoy trying new drinks.

Food Pairings

The Ten Strike is pretty intense on its own, so it pairs best with foods that can stand up to those strong flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Shellfish: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, or mussels work well because their briny taste matches the herbal-anise notes.
• Cheese: Strong cheeses like Roquefort or aged cheddar are good matches for the cocktail’s boldness.
• Charcuterie: Salty cured meats like prosciutto or salami contrast nicely with the sweetness of Pernod.
• Tapas: Olives, marinated artichokes, and pickled vegetables provide a savory counterpoint.

Try to avoid pairing with very sweet dishes—desserts will fight with the drink’s flavors. Instead, lean toward savory snacks or appetizers.

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