The Rebujito cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant drink with deep roots in Spanish culture, particularly in the Andalusian region. Known for its light and crisp flavor, this cocktail is a perfect companion to warm summer days, festivals, and gatherings. With its combination of local ingredients and refreshing characteristics, the Rebujito has gained popularity beyond Spain, becoming a go-to drink for those seeking a taste of Andalusia. It is typically a mix of sherry, most commonly fino or manzanilla, and lemon-lime soda, creating a bubbly, effervescent drink with a slight sweetness and a crisp minerality from the Lustau Fino Jarana. Try our Rebujito and you will discover your new favorite all-day sipper.
COCKTAIL: Rebujito
Full Ingredients list
- 3oz(90ml) Lustau Fino Jarana
- 6oz(180ml) Lemon-Lime Soda
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel & Mint Sprig
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
THE ORIGINS OF THE REBUJITO COCKTAIL – A COCKTAIL INVENTED IN ANDALUCIA
The term “rebujito” comes from the Spanish word ‘arrebujar’ which translates to “mix” or “stir,” which reflects the nature of the cocktail. The Rebujito’s origins trace back to Sevilla, a city in the south of Spain, where it is traditionally associated with the “feria”, or the regional festival season. Specifically, the drink has become synonymous with the Feria de Abril, Seville’s famous spring fair. During the fair, locals gather to enjoy music, dancing, and food, often indulging in a diverse amount of alcohol. The Rebujito emerged as a lighter, more refreshing alternative to classic drinks like wine and sherry, which were traditionally consumed during such events. Some are convinced the Rebujito’s origin story harkens back to before the American Civil War and the dawn of the Sherry Cobbler, which is said to have been invented in the United States sometime in the 1820s, when ingredients like ice, sugar, and citrus all became widely available.
The drink became a seminal, epochal cocktail, wildly influential on the development of cocktail culture (and credited with helping popularize the drinking straw), with a literary drinking history unrivaled in the 19th century; the Sherry Cobbler shows up everywhere, from Charles Dickens and Jules Verne to Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry James. Whether intentional or not, the Rebujito acts as a sort of carbonated approximation of a Sherry Cobbler, but with a ready-made mixture of citrus, carbonation and sweetness in the form of lemon-lime soda.
WHAT SHERRY IS BEST FOR A REBUJITO COCKTAIL?
Any dry, biologically aged sherry will work well in this cocktail. For our Sherry Rebujito, Lustau Fino Jarana was chosen due to its balance and subtle saline notes. This is ideal because the Fino Jarana does not overpower the lemon-lime soda, which creates a synergistic and homogenous effect on the palate. These characteristics enhance the cocktail’s light and invigorating nature. This results in a well-rounded and highly drinkable cocktail, where the crispness of the fino melds seamlessly with the soda.
WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE A REBUJITO COCKTAIL IN?
Along with most Highball cocktails, The Rebujito is traditionally served in a Collins glass. This tall, narrow glass typically holds between 300 to 410 milliliters (10 to 14 ounces) and is specifically designed to maintain the drink’s effervescence by minimizing the surface area exposed to air, thereby preserving carbonation longer. Additionally, its height accommodates ample ice, which helps keep the beverage chilled without diluting its flavors too quickly.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A REBUJITO COCKTAIL WITH LUSTAU SHERRY?
Creating a Lustau Fizz cocktail either at home or for a cocktail program is both an enjoyable and cost-effective endeavor.
Crafting a Rebujito at home or behind the bar is very simple and affordable.
● Cost-Effective: At approximately $2.53 per serving, making a Rebujito is inexpensive and easy to build.
● Controlled Alcohol Content: With an ABV of around 4.2%, the Rebujito offers a moderate alcohol level, making it a refreshing choice for most situations.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs and alcohol by volume (ABV) for each ingredient, along with the total cost per serving:
HOW TO PREPARE A REBUJITO COCKTAIL WITH SHERRY AT HOME
1 Fill a Collins glass with ice.
2 Pour Lustau Fino Jarana over the ice.
3 Top off with lemon-lime soda.
4 Stir gently until well mixed.
5 Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.
FAQ
Where was the rebujito invented?
The Rebujito was invented in the south of Spain in the city of Sevilla. It is believed to have been invented at Feria de Abril, a very popular spring festival, as a way to drink all day long with a light, refreshing drink.
Is the rebujito the official cocktail of Spain?
No, the Rebujito is not the official cocktail of Spain as the country does not have an official national drink. However, along with the Sangria or Kalimotxo, the Rebujito is one of the signature drinks that Spain is known for.
How can Rosé Vermouth be paired?
Rosé vermouth pairs excellently with light appetizers like olives, almonds, and charcuterie. Its versatility also complements any moment such as brunch, afterworks. Due to its adaptability it can also combine with music. Check our curated music playlist for Lustau cocktails.
What is the difference between a rebujito and a sherry cobbler?
A Rebujito can be considered a carbonated version of the Sherry Cobbler. A Sherry Cobbler consists of dry sherry, fruit, and sugar, which can be simplified by using a fruited carbonated beverage like lemon-lime soda. Without the need to muddle fruit or shake the cocktail, a Rebujito is an express version of the classic Sherry Cobbler.
How Can Rebujito Be Paired?
Rebujito pairs excellently with light appetizers like olives, almonds, and charcuterie. Its versatility also complements any moment such as brunch or afterworks. Due to its adaptability it can also combine with music. Check our curated music playlist for Lustau cocktails.
If you want to learn more about the important impact of sherry wine in cocktails, don’t miss this podcast episode:
