Mainbrace
4.7 104 ratings
Ingredients
How to make
Serve in a coupe glass
Prepare
- 1 Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
- 2 Prepare garnish of orange zest twist.
Method
- 3 SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
- 4 FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.
Garnish
- 5 EXPRESS orange zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.
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Flavour profile
19.9% alc./vol. · 1.4 standard drinks · 148 calories
History
Tangy grapefruit is laced with gin and a hint of orange. Tart finish.
The name of this gin cocktail originates from a Navy term, typically linked to rum. However, while the enlisted men on British Navy ships consumed rum, the officers preferred gin. "Braces" are the ropes controlling the angle of sails on square-rigged vessels, and the "mainbrace" is the longest rope in the rigging. Should the mainbrace be severed in combat, the ship would become unmaneuverable. The mainbrace passes through blocks, preventing repair by a short splice or knot; a long splice is required. Therefore, even in peacetime, this task was complex and demanded expertise. Consequently, it became customary for those who spliced the mainbrace to receive an additional ration of rum. Eventually, the command to "splice the mainbrace" signified that the entire crew would be granted an extra rum ration, distributed after a victory or to commemorate a special event like a royal birth.