Rye Whiskey And Sloe Gin Cocktail Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Chill: Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you build the cocktail.

2. 2

   Measure & Combine

   In a mixing glass, add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sloe gin, and 0.5 oz sweet vermouth. If you prefer a slightly sweeter, more rounded profile resembling a spiced Manhattan, add 0.25 tsp rich simple syrup (optional).

3. 3

   Add Bitters

   Add 2 dashes of spiced aromatic bitters (or a combination of aromatic bitters with a pinch of allspice or clove bitters) and 1 dash of orange bitters to lift the citrus and spice notes.

4. 4

   Stir & Dilute

   Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes (about 4 pieces). Stir gently but thoroughly for 25–40 seconds (about 20–30 full rotations) until the mixture is well chilled and properly diluted (the spoon should leave faint trails in the liquid). Aim for a temperature just above freezing and slight absorption of water into the spirit to round flavors.

5. 5

   Prepare Glass

   If you chilled the serving glass with ice water, dump it now. Place a single large clear ice cube in a rocks glass or remove the chilled coupe from the freezer if serving up.

6. 6

   Strain & Serve

   Double-strain (or fine strain) the cocktail from the mixing glass into your chilled serving glass over the large ice cube (or straight up into the coupe).

7. 7

   Garnish

   Express an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down about 3–4 inches above the surface and giving it a sharp twist to release oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and drop it in (or discard). Skewer and add 1 brandied or Luxardo cherry as garnish.

8. 8

   Serve

   Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the interplay of rye spice, tart-sweet sloe berry, and the herbal-sweet backbone of vermouth, finished with warm bitters.