Sweet, citrusy and with a smoky bite, the Man O’ War cocktail is a fine companion in the late afternoon.
The dream starts the same every night: The work boat I’m on is rolling back and forth amongst some very choppy surf. No shoreline can be seen for miles, and the cloud cover is so thick above us that you can’t even begin to tell if it is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Spray from the waves that blast against the vessel’s hull spatters my face as I try to adjust my diving mask and rebreather. In a few moments, I’ll be falling backwards into the briny deep, following the anchor chain down, down down…
And here’s where the dream begins to get weird. In it, I am researching the giant Portuguese Man O’ War jellyfish, but I never come across them. Instead, I descend into a never-ending forest of swimming racehorses, all wearing giant dive helmets and participating in synchronized choreography. An infinite ocean, filled with equestrian Esther Williams-inspired movement, hypnotizes me, as the happy neighs and whinnies from the aquatic ballet around me echo through the deep like whale songs.
And then I awaken, pondering the meaning of jellyfish, racehorses and an almost unrestrained craving for a cocktail called the Man O’ War, a robust mixture of bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange liqueur. Could that cocktail, a Kentucky creation, have been inspired by the legendary horse with the same name?
Probably. And hopefully that’ll put my overwrought mind to rest. These dreams are getting a little weird.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Man O’ War cocktail?
Let’s start with the sweet vermouth. I used to think that I wasn’t a fan of this type of alcohol, especially when I’d use it in Martinis or Negronis, but it turns out I didn’t like cheap vermouth. I recommend a bottle of Dolin or Carpano Antica Formula for the sweet variety. For the liqueur, you can opt for a simple triple sec, or splurge a little on a bottle of Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Dry curaçao works nicely, too. For the bourbon, I’ve become a big fan of High West and Bulleit, but if you have a favorite, by all means, mix your cocktail with that.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon peel for garnish
- Brandied cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, orange liqueur, sweet vermouth, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel and a brandied cherry.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a cocktail coupe in the freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving. Once your drink is mixed and poured in, garnish with a lemon twist and a brandied cherry on a skewer.
Why do you double-strain cocktails?
Double straining your drink ensures a silky and smooth beverage, devoid of any small ice particles that might sneak in due to the shaking. Some people enjoy that though, so it is up to you if you prefer a softer sip, or one with a subtle crunch.
Similar cocktails to the Man O’ War
Bourbon isn’t just for sipping on straight up, but has a home in many sophisticated and elegant mixed drinks. If you’ve ever been curious as to what some of these recipes are like, and how to make them, allow Twist & Toast to guide you through the smoky and romantic world of the noir-like spirit.
- Bourbon Sour – A legend that soothes as well as bites.
- Lion’s Tail – Raise a glass or two to civil disobedience with this sleek elixir.
- Revolver – Reload with this bourbon, coffee and orange-tinged tipple.
- Boulevardier – Bourbon, sweet vermouth and Campari combine to create this robust and beautifully bitter experience.
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