If something ails you, reach for a robust and fresh-tasting Modern Medicine cocktail.
The quest had taken our intrepid adventurer beyond the fringes of contemporary society. Within jungles so thick one couldn’t see five feet in front of them, they found themselves lost, jumping at every shadow, and with each creeping minute, a thirst began, soon becoming unquenchable. As their mouth became as dry as the Sahara, their energy and vigor began to drain as well.
Chopping through the thick bush with a now-dull machete, our hero soon found themselves in a manicured clearing. A hundred feet ahead of them stood a modern-looking structure, both welcoming and comfortable in its architecture. The exhausted and thirsty explorer shambled forward, hoping for a reprieve from the heat, insects, and crushing humidity. Only a few more moments, and they could perhaps find an ice-cold glass of lemonade to satiate them, à la Lawrence of Arabia.
Pushing through heavy doors, they came upon a surprising sight… a fully stocked bar, with soft, relaxing music playing overhead. And behind the pristine and ornate counter, a smiling barkeep, who spoke in a chipper, friendly tone.
“You look like you’ve been roughing it lately. Probably need some Modern Medicine.”
The adventurer could only nod and croak in agreement, their throat so parched. Moments later, a glass appeared on the bar, filled with a lightly golden brown libation over ice. They sipped deeply, letting the smoky and flowery tipple soothe their aching spirits, filling their beaten body with a renewed and refreshed vigor.
Modern Medicine, indeed.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Modern Medicine Cocktail?
To successfully craft a Modern Medicine tipple, we’ll need some blended Scotch whisky, elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain, and a smoky Scotch for the float. Some good, accessible options for the blended Scotch base are J&B Rare, Johnnie Walker Black, or Monkey Shoulder, and will complement the fresh and floral flavor from the elderflower nicely with hints of fruit and oak. For the Scotch topper, look for a peated, smoky variety of the spirit, like Lagavulin.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces blended Scotch whisky
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce demerara syrup
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1/4 ounce smoky Scotch
- Candied ginger for garnish
Instructions
- Add the blended Scotch, lemon juice, demerara syrup, and elderflower liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Double-strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
- Gently pour the smoky Scotch over the back of a barspoon so it floats on the top of the drink and garnish with candied ginger.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a rocks glass with ice, and once your cocktail is poured in, garnish with some candied ginger.
What can be used instead of elderflower liqueur?
For a more full-bodied and bitter experience, many takes on the Modern Medicine use the deep red apéritif Campari instead, or the slightly less intense and more citrusy Aperol.
Similar Cocktails To The Modern Medicine
Now that you’ve had a taste of what the Modern Medicine can offer, how about we take a look at other like-minded concoctions that you and your friends can sip on this weekend. Try these recipes below, then explore the site for even more delicious ideas.
- Penicillin – Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup make for a soothing night in.
- Paper Plane – Bourbon and Aperol craft this contemporary favorite.
- Corpse Reviver No. 2 – Floral, citrusy, and gin-based, this popular elixir is both potent and tasty.
- Gold Rush – Smoky, sweet, and perfect for a Friday afternoon.
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