Melissa Brooke, bar director at New York’s PS and partner in Divine Spirits, dives into the storied history of the Sherry Cobbler, once a darling of the cocktail world. She highlights its revival amid the trend for lower-ABV drinks and the cultural shifts that led to its current status. The conversation also covers the evolution of ice in cocktails, how fresh ingredients update classics, and the artistry behind crafting the perfect Sherry Cobbler. Melissa even shares her go-to recipe, blending tradition with modern mixology.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Mentions in Literature
The Sherry Cobbler is mentioned in 1843 in Charles Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit and The Upper Ten Thousand.
These early mentions describe the drink's preparation and the use of a straw and ice.
question_answer ANECDOTE
First American Bar in London
In 1843, the first American-style bar opened in London, specializing in Sherry Cobblers and Mint Juleps.
This reflects the early popularity and transatlantic spread of American cocktails.
insights INSIGHT
Ice and the Cobbler
The Sherry Cobbler's popularity coincided with the rise of ice in cocktail culture in the 1830s.
Ice harvesting and management became essential bartending skills.
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This book is a groundbreaking reference work that provides an authoritative overview of the world of spirits and cocktails. Compiled by David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, it includes contributions from over 150 experts across the drinks industry. The companion covers a wide range of topics, from the origins of spirits to the evolution of cocktails, offering both historical insights and practical information on production processes.
The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit
Charles Dickens
The novel follows the story of Martin Chuzzlewit, a young man navigating personal and financial intrigues amidst a backdrop of greed, hypocrisy, and social corruption. It contrasts the moral redemption of Martin with the downfall of his relatives, highlighting Dickens's satirical take on selfishness and societal issues. The narrative also includes a satirical portrayal of the United States, reflecting Dickens's experiences during his visit in 1842.
While the Sherry Cobbler taps into the modern trend of lower-ABV cocktails, it’s safe to say that its golden era remains a distant memory. This drink was, as startender Harry Johnson noted in 1888, “without doubt the most popular beverage in the country.” Still, there remains much to enjoy and explore here, including the Sherry Cobbler’s role in inspiring themed bars across the Atlantic and spreading the practice of drinking through a straw. Melissa Brooke, bar director at New York’s PS, joins us to today to unpack all of this and more. Listen on to learn her Sherry Cobbler recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe!
Melissa Brooke’s Sherry Cobbler Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 3 orange slices
- 2 ounces Lustau Amontillado sherry
- Garnish: fresh berries
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Hard shake until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled highball or snifter glass.
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