Sometimes a morning cocktail is just the thing to get you going. That's the principle behind the Eye Opener cocktail, a delightful breakfast concoction to help get you up and moving. Whether it's because you over-imbibed the night before and need some hair of the dog, or you just want a brunch-worthy cocktail, try the Eye Opener.
Basic Eye Opener
The basic recipe for this Eye Opener includes an egg yolk, apricot liqueur, orange liqueur, rum, and grenadine. However, you'll find all kinds of variations, although typically the rum and the egg yolk remain a constant among them all. The drink is shaken and served in an old-fashioned glass. This recipe makes two servings.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces rum
- ⅓ ounce apricot liqueur
- ⅓ ounce orange liqueur
- ⅔ ounce grenadine
- 1 egg yolk
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, apricot liqueur, orange liqueur, grenadine, and the egg yolk. Shake for about 20 seconds to allow the egg to mix in and emulsify.
- Add the ice to the shaker. Shake again to chill.
- Strain into two old-fashioned glasses.
Licorice Eye Opener
This version has a slight anise flavor, which goes beautifully with the apricot. It serves two.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces rum
- 1 ounce apricot liqueur
- ⅔ ounce licorice liqueur
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, apricot liqueur, licorice liqueur, egg yolk, and confectioners sugar. Shake for about 20 seconds to emulsify the egg yolk into the liquids.
- Add the ice and shake again to chill.
- Strain into two old-fashioned glasses.
Chocolate-Orange Eye Opener
If chocolate is your thing, try this cocoa-flavored version of the morning drink. It serves two.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces rum
- 1 ounce orange liquer
- 1 ounce creme de cacao
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, orange liqueur, creme de cacao, egg yolk, and confectioners sugar. Shake for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg yolk.
- Add the ice and shake again to chill.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass.
Garnishes
Traditionally, Eye Opener cocktails don't include garnishes. However, if you'd like to get a little fancy, consider the following garnishes.
- A twist of orange (works well with the chocolate-orange version)
- A strawberry (try it with the basic version)
- A raspberry (try it with the licorice version)
- Cocoa powder (try dusting the chocolate cocktail with a bit of cocoa powder)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (try it dusting the basic cocktail)
- A lime wedge (try it with the licorice version)
A Morning Cocktail?
Why not! There are many occasions where a morning cocktail like the Eye Opener might be appropriate. Consider them for weddings, holiday brunches such as Mother's Day, Easter, or Christmas, or for breakfast meetings and gatherings. With such a tasty cocktail, you'll want to find as many occasions as possible to serve it.
