The Friar Tuck is a drink named after the famous character in Robin Hood. In the Robin Hood stories, the character of the same name is depicted in various ways: sometimes he is portrayed as a skilled and athletic swordsman and archer, and other times he is depicted as a fat bald source of comic relief, often citing his love for food and drink.
Similarly – the drink has various versions, but they are connected through one ingredient – and that is Frangelico, the hazelnut liqueur created by Italian monks. This makes sense considering the character was a friar, or monk.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Frangelico
- 2 ounces of cream
- 1 ounce of dark crème de cacao
- Ice
Preparation:
- Pour the Frangelico, dark crème de cacao, and cream into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail glass
Two garnishes associated with the drink are the orange and cherry, but neither are completely necessary unless preferred. The Friar No.2 ends up having a completely different taste, as there is no crème or crème de cacao involved. Essentially, the Friar Tuck No.1 is a dessert drink, whereas the Friar No.2 is not. The Friar No.2 actually uses lemon juice and grenadine as the additional ingredients, with an optional serving of brandy included.
This fits the multiple depictions of the character, because one version is more creamy, and one is fruity, all depending on your mood or preference. The Friar Tuck No.1 is also a shooter in many locations, meaning that it is a popular dessert shot. Regardless of whichever version you choose, there is a good chance that you will walk away from a the cocktail feeling fulfilled and satisfied, no matter what mood you are in. Monks are typically known for their chastity and obedience – but who would have thought that they would contribute to the recipe of such a fun and modern cocktail! Enjoy the drink today, and figure out which version you prefer!
