Romulan Ale

 From the Star Trek television series

Ah, the notorious Romulan Ale. A drink so infamous in the Star Trek universe that it's banned in the Federation, yet somehow always manages to find its way into the hands of rule-breaking Starfleet officers. This electric blue concoction is said to hit harder than a Klingon headbutt and leave you with a hangover worthy of a week in sickbay. Naturally, I couldn't resist the allure of such an iconic libation, I had to craft my own version... Several, in fact! You can find the original much sweeter (but still very potent) recipe in The Geeky Bartender Drinks. This version aims to capture the bold, belligerent, and relentlessly hostile spirit of the Romulans.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Navy Strength Gin (or Overproof Vodka)
• 3/4 ounce Blue Curaçao
• 4 to 6 drops Grapefruit Bitters
• 2 to 3 ounces Ginger Beer or Dry Ginger Ale, chilled*

 

*Best to get a clear or very pale colored one, lest the drink turn green on you. I used Q brand ginger beer because of its pale color, bold and spicy flavor, and because, you know, it's Q...

Directions:

1. Add the rum, blue curacao, and bitters to the serving glass and stir to combine.
2. Add ice to the serving glass until it's 2/3 full, or to taste.
3. Top with ginger beer to fill. 
4. Give it a very brief stir to combine, if necessary.
5. Prepare for diplomatic consequences.

 

Note: This version can be on the dry side, depending what kind of ginger soda you use. If you prefer things a bit sweeter, feel free to add a bit more Blue Curaçao (or even a splash of simple syrup) to taste in Step 1.