A flavorful and airy libation, the Adonis cocktail pairs sherry with sweet vermouth.
Are you someone who likes the idea of cocktails, but when it comes to sipping on a Gin Martini or an Old-Fashioned, the bite that most enjoy is just a little too much? And since beer and a regular glass of wine or champagne don’t have the same feeling or vibe, you feel a little stuck. Well, tonight’s cocktail can help you with your dill of a pickle.
The Adonis is a simple and light libation. Consisting of sherry and sweet vermouth, along with a few dashes of orange bitters, this elegant-looking sipper features lower alcohol, as well as a softer sting on the finish. With dry, nutty notes and the bright flourish of citrus, this historic cocktail from the Gilded Age is an excellent option for anyone who wants a fancy drink without getting too inebriated.
The Adonis itself was inspired by the Broadway musical of the same name from 1884, and was first crafted to celebrate the show’s 500th performance. While most folks in our modern era probably won’t know of this bit of historical trivia, it is comforting to know that the cocktail still lives on, carrying the torch.
What is the best alcohol to use in an Adonis cocktail?
To make a successful and balanced Adonis, you’ll need the right ingredients. Our recipe suggests a fino sherry, which is a dry, nutty and pale alcohol. This will meld nicely with the sweet vermouth, resulting in a light, herbal and crisp sip. Brands like Savory & James and Barbadillo are a good place to start when experimenting with sherry for this recipe. As far as the sweet vermouth goes, a Carpano Antica Formula is truly one of the finest choices available. If you can’t find any, pick up a bottle of Dolin or Cinzano.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces fino sherry
- 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the fino sherry, sweet vermouth, and then add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled, which takes about 20-30 seconds.
- Strain the stirred mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Express an orange peel over the cocktail to release its oils and drop it in as garnish.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Serve your Adonis in a chilled cocktail coupe for an extra cold and crisp experience. Garnish with a thin orange peel.
Can you use other varieties of bitters?
If you wish, you can. I’ve found that the orange bitters complements the sherry and vermouth in this drink beautifully, so it is still suggested to use that kind.
Similar drinks to the Adonis cocktail
After spending a lovely evening sipping on an Adonis or two with your friends, your taste for sweet drams with a citrusy zip has stoked your curiosity, causing you to seek out even more beverages that feature flavors guilty of capturing your heart. Here are a few you might enjoy, courtesy of Twist & Toast.
- Bamboo – Another sherry-based concoction, often enjoyed as an aperitif.
- Fogcutter – While not as light as the Adonis, this potent elixir also features a little sherry.
- Vermouth Cocktail – Sweet vermouth takes center stage as the base spirit in this libation.
- Man O’ War – Bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange liqueur make for a great combo on a lazy afternoon.
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