Drink This: Imperial Cocktail
When you think of cocktails, you probably think of classics like the Martini, the Manhattan, the Old-Fashioned or the Sazerac. Well, here is another simple, yet classic cocktail that you may not have known about, but should definitely give a try the next time you are in the mood for a martini.
The Imperial cocktail is similar to a dry martini, but is different in two ways. First, more dry vermouth is used compared to the amount in a more traditional martini. The second difference is also the Imperial’s secret ingredient: Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur (cherry flavor). Don’t think bright red Cherry Pucker. Think a luscious cherry that adds just a little bit of flavor on top of the gin and vermouth. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to find the amount of cherry that works for you. Beware: the more you use, the sweeter it will be and just like any cocktail, it can ruined by adding too much. I recommend following this recipe below, which, in my opinion, calls for the perfect amount of Luxardo. After tasting, then alter the recipe to your taste preferences.
Imperial Cocktail
- 2 oz Dry Gin
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1 tsp* Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Chill your cocktail or martini glass with ice and water. Build your cocktail in a pint glass by adding the ingredients without ice. Add ice and stir for 45 seconds to one minute. Strain into your chilled cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
*Add more if you like, but not too much!
What cocktail have you recently fell in love with?
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