Mint Cobbler

The Cobbler was a fashionable drink in the 19th century, consisting of just sherry, crushed fruit, sugar, and lots of ice. We can hardly think of a more refreshing drink. This Mint Cobbler with Amontillado sherry is great for afternoon sipping or for a pre-dinner aperitif, since having two won't leave you fuzzy headed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Amontillado sherry and Oloroso sherry?

For this recipe we're using Amontillado sherry, which is crafted from barrels formerly destined for Fino or Manzanilla production, though whose layers of flor naturally died off. This means that this unique style of sherry undergoes both biological and oxidative aging, which creates a beautiful mesh of flavor characteristics that come from both styles of aging – think of it like salted caramel meets dark chocolate covered peanuts or pretzels. Oloroso sherry is often less dry than Amontillado, though still remains savory — and just a tad sweet — on the palate.

How do you make crushed ice?

If you don't have crushed ice on hand, you can crush some yourself by taking an ice cube in your hand and whacking it with a spoon until it splits into shards. Repeat until you can fill a glass (we promise it goes faster than you might think). Alternatively, if you're crushing a lot of ice, just fill a plastic gallon bag and whack it with a spoon or rolling pin.

How do you make simple syrup?

To make simple syrup, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil before turning down the heat and simmering until all of the granules are dissolved. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes on the stove, but you’ll need to plan ample time to cool it down to room temperature before adding it into a cocktail. For simple syrup made without a stove, combine a 1-1 ratio of superfine sugar and hot water in a heatproof glass jar. Shake vigorously until the sugar has dissolved. Since the mixture doesn’t come to a boil, it will cool more quickly and be cocktail-ready in just a few minutes. 

Notes From the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

This recipe calls for a quarter of a whole orange. We recommend selecting a juicing orange, like Valencia. Muddling the orange not only releases its juices but the citrus oils in the peel, which impart a bitterness, akin to adding orange bitters. Mint is of course a natural pairing for a drink as refreshing as the Cobbler and this recipe adds a generous amount. The raw sugar simple syrup goes a long way in balancing out the savory elements in the sherry while highlighting its molasses notes.