Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Disclosure: Some product links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare glass (optional barrel rinse)
If using the optional barrel-aged spirit rinse for extra barrel character, pour 0.25 oz of the chosen barrel-aged rum or brandy into a chilled rocks glass. Swirl to coat the interior, then discard any excess or pour it back into a separate container if you want to keep it. This leaves a faint barrel aroma on the glass.
Combine ingredients
Add 2 oz aged bourbon or rye, 0.75 oz aged sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz aged amaro, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 3 dashes orange bitters, and 1 dash Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
Ice and stir
Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir gently but thoroughly for 30–45 seconds (about 20–30 revolutions) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted. The drink should be silky and cold — not over-diluted.
Strain
Place a large clear ice cube in the prepared rocks glass (or a chilled old-fashioned glass). Double-strain the mixed cocktail into the glass using a Hawthorne and fine mesh if desired to remove any small ice shards.
Garnish and finish
Express an orange twist over the drink by holding the twist skin side down above the surface and giving it a firm squeeze to release oils, then rub the rim with the twist and drop it into the glass. Optionally add a Luxardo cherry on a pick. Serve immediately.
Tasting notes
A Bittersweet Life showcases barrel-aged depth: the aged spirits and barrel rinse provide toasted oak and caramel notes; sweet vermouth and amaro add herbal, bitter-sweet complexity; bitters and a touch of syrup bring balance and a smooth finish.