A full-bodied and robust sipper, the Left Hand cocktail melds Campari, sweet vermouth and bourbon together for a smoky, smooth and bittersweet experience.
I’m on the couch at my parents’ house, watching Fantastic Four cartoons while my youngest nephew uses my stomach as a recliner. It’s an early morning, the sky is a tad overcast, which is making both of my nephews a little nervous… Today we’re supposed to go to the fun park, ride a few coasters and hit the arcade… Can’t do that if it’s raining.
And while the youngsters loaf around the house, worrying about the kinds of things we adults wish occupied our minds, I suddenly felt a yearning for another kind of rainy location. Spattered gothic streets, towered over by slate-dark and granite skyscrapers, my fedora pulled close against the inclement weather. A chill from my damp overcoat has crept into my bones, and the neon sign up ahead announcing a dark and dingy dive bar is exactly what I was looking for.
Inside is all stained wood and leather chairs. It’s quiet, save for the low crooning provided by a Johnny Hartman record coming from somewhere unseen. That deep, smooth voice inspired my drink of choice… I wanted something just as robust. A classic cocktail, but with a difference. Something in between a Manhattan and a Negroni, as my cravings waffled between both tipples. The barkeep handed me a Left Hand… Campari, sweet vermouth and bourbon, along with a few dashes of chocolate bitters… As I raised the coupe to my lips, my nephew started screaming about the rain. In an instant, I’m back on the couch, watching cartoons as the thunder begins to rumble outdoors.
I search the internet for this Left Hand cocktail. To my joy—and surprise—it is very real, created in 2006 by celebrity New York City mixologist Sam Ross.
Daydreams do come true.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Left Hand cocktail?
We have our beautifully bitter and sweetly strong Campari, along with a delicious and perfect Carpano Antica Formula for the sweet vermouth. Now all we need is a smooth and smoky bourbon to complement the herbal flavors present in the Campari, which will also play wonderfully with the vanilla and complex spiced notes in the vermouth. If you have a favorite, choose that. For my Left Hand, I opted for Maker’s Mark over my usual brands, which brought some sweet oak and caramel infusions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
- 3/4 ounce Campari
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, Campari, and chocolate bitters.
- Stir the mixture well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a cocktail coupe in your freezer, or by filling it with ice as you prep your drink. Dump that out, then pour your drink in, and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
What is a good substitute for Campari?
Some folks find the deep red Italian liqueur to be a little too flavorful and full-bodied. Aperol is a lighter, orange-tinged alternative that keeps some of the bitter flavor, but in a softer take. There are also some sour citrus notes on the finish. While not an exact “light” version of Campari, it carries enough similarities to be just as popular.
Similar drinks to the Left Hand cocktail
Looking for a few more elegant and sophisticated sippers to delve into over the weekend? Has the Left Hand piqued your interest, as well as your thirst, into exploring more tipples that satiate your sense of adventure and exploration? Allow Twist & Toast to make a few suggestions, then make sure you dig into the site even further for more ideas.
- Paper Plane – Bourbon, Aperol and Amaro will help your evening become more than average.
- Longshoreman – This potent potion is a combo of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Amaro Averna.
- Black Manhattan – Dark, mysterious and delicious.
- Naked and Famous – This inspired cocktail has a smoky mezcal base.
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