Sherry Cobbler
A quintessentially 19th-century American cocktail that fundamentally altered the course of mixed drinks, popularizing crushed ice and drinking straws with its refreshing simplicity.
16%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
collins
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Sherry Cobbler emerged in 19th-century America with no single documented inventor, though some historians point to Martha King Niblo as a possible originator. The most credible first-hand account comes from Katherine Jane Ellice's 1838 diary. By the 1830s, it had become the most popular mixed drink in America, spreading internationally and captivating European palates. At the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, Americans served so many Sherry Cobblers they went through 500 bottles of sherry daily. Charles Dickens immortalized it in "Martin Chuzzlewit" (1844), cementing its international fame. The cocktail revolutionized drinking culture by popularizing both crushed ice and drinking straws.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Gently muddle orange slices with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
Add the amontillado sherry to the shaker
Fill shaker with cubed ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds
Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed or pebbled ice
Garnish lavishly with orange wheel, lemon wheel, berries, and fresh mint
Serve with a straw
Glassware
Served over crushed ice in a tall Collins or highball glass
Garnish
Fresh orange slice
Fresh lemon slice
Gently slapped to awaken oils
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-quality dry Amontillado sherry for the best flavor
Pre-chill the serving glass for at least 15 minutes
Gently muddle oranges to avoid bitter pith
Serve immediately to prevent over-dilution from crushed ice
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Sherry Cobbler.
Dry Cobbler
Less sugar for drier palate
Changes
Citrus Forward
Adds fresh lemon juice for brightness
Changes
Whiskey Cobbler
Substitutes whiskey for sherry for a more robust drink
Changes
Champagne Cobbler
Luxurious version using champagne as the base
Changes
Fino Cobbler
Lighter, more saline version using Fino sherry
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Chilean Pisco Sour
Chile's national cocktail featuring pisco, lime juice, and simple syrup – crisp, clean, and spirit-forward without egg white or bitters.
Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban rum sour that showcases perfect balance—just rum, lime and sugar shaken icy cold.
Frozen Daiquiri
A blender classic—white rum, lime, and sugar blended smooth with ice.