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Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (26)
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
10 fresh Basil leaves
2/3 fl oz Ketel One Vodka
2/3 fl oz Bols Black Raspberry Liqueur
1/2 fl oz Cointreau L'Unique triple sec liqueur
1/6 fl oz Grand Marnier or other cognac orange liqueur
1 2/3 fl oz Cranberry juice (sweetened)
1 2/3 fl oz Strawberry purée

How to make

Glassware

Serve in a Martini (large 10oz) glass

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a MARTINI (LARGE 10OZ) GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of ground black pepper.

Method

  1. SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
  2. STRAIN into glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish

  1. Dust with freshly ground black pepper.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 5/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 4/10

Health & Nutrition

Alcohol content:

  • 1.1 standard drinks
  • 9.28% alc./vol. (18.57° proof)
  • 15.9 grams of pure alcohol
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History

Based on the Basil Grande, this recipe for the legendary Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster was created circa 2011 by Christos Chouseas at his Bar 42 in Athens, Greece – a bar where the work of Douglas Adams influenced many of the drink names.

In Adams' thought-provoking and amusing book, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the number 42 is the "answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything", while the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is considered by the Guide to be the "Best Drink in Existence."

According to the guide, the original Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster was invented by ex-President of the Universe Zaphod Beeblebrox. "After two of those babies, the dullest, most by-the-book Vogon will be up on the bar in stilettos, yodeling mountain shanties and swearing he's the king of the Gray Binding Fiefdoms of Saxaquine."

Review

Orange, basil and red berries laced with vodka makes for a well-balanced, easy-drinking fruity cocktail - arguably too easy for a drink titled Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster which is said to be like "having your brains smashed in by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick." Remember, Beeblebrox advises, "never drink more than two Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters unless you are a thirty ton mega elephant with bronchial pneumonia."

AKA: Pangalactic Gargle Blaster

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Comments & Discussion

Joseph Murray
There are many different recipes for “strawberry puree”, some with lemon, some with sugar, some with neither, some reduced over heat, some just processed cold. Any suggestions what is recommended here?
score: 1
Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member
A brand like Boiron Strawberry puree, either frozen or ambient. 99% strawberry, hassle-free and better than homemade.
score: 1
John CARR Premium Member
I really did feel like an alien from a distant planet! Quite worth the fuss of strawberries and basil- all from fresh here. Feels like something Heston Blumenthal might have dreamt up. I enjoyed the combination of savoury, sweet … and peppery!
score: 1
Alan Cattermoul Premium Member
Made with passionfruit puree as wife can't eat strawberries. On the sweet side but very drinkable.
score: 1
Florian Ruf Premium Member
A tad too sweet for my taste. Depending on the ingredients I would add some lime juice and perhaps lift the vodka.
score: 2