XYZ
The cocktail XYZ is a classic rum based drink that first appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Created during the golden age of cocktails, the XYZ is often described as a rum variation of the Sidecar because it replaces cognac with white rum while keeping the citrus and orange liqueur balance. The cocktail’s unusual name comes from the final three letters of the alphabet, symbolising the idea that there is “nothing beyond it” or that it represents the ultimate cocktail experience. Over time, the drink became associated with sophistication and mystery, often appearing in films, novels, and bar culture as a stylish late night cocktail.
The XYZ cocktail traditionally contains white rum, cointreau or another triple sec orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. Its flavour is crisp, citrusy, and slightly dry, with the sweetness of the orange liqueur balancing the sharpness of the lemon and the smoothness of the rum. The cocktail gained popularity during the early twentieth century as rum cocktails became fashionable in Europe and the United States, especially after Prohibition era drinking culture expanded internationally. Bartenders appreciated the XYZ for its simplicity and elegant flavour profile, and it remains a respected classic cocktail served in modern cocktail bars today.
XYZ
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XYZ 〰️
Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
45ml white rum
22.5ml triple sec
22.5ml lemon juice
Dash simple syrup (optional)
Garnish: lemon peel twist
Place coupe/nick & nora glass in freezer to chill and frost over.
In a cocktail shaker add in white rum, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup and fill shaker with ice cubes. Close shaker and shake hard for 12-15 seconds, or until the shaker frosts over and becomes cold to the touch.
Double strain the xyz into the frosted coupe glass before spritzing the oils from a lemon swath over the top and rimming the glass with the lemon oils before cutting into a twist and resting on the rim of the glass and enjoy responsibly.