Sherry and vermouth come together in the Adonis cocktail, a low ABV aperitif that is an elegant and easy sipper.
Adonis Cocktail – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Not a recent drink that is part of the low ABV movement, the Adonis cocktail dates back to the 1800s. The 19th century cocktail was created in 1884 and named after the Broadway show purported to be the first-ever Broadway musical. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City created the cocktail in its honour, using a combination of sherry and sweet vermouth with orange bitters.
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Various sources differ on the ratio of sherry to vermouth which begs the question, is the Adonis an equal parts cocktail or has it been modified through time?
In the 1930 edition of The Savoy Cocktail Book, the ratio of sherry to vermouth is 2:1:
- 1 Dash Orange Bitters.
- 1/3 Italian Vermouth.
- 2/3 Dry Sherry.
Stir well and strain into cocktail glass.
The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book 1935 Reprint specifies equal parts:
- Two dashes Orange Bitters
- One-Half Sherry
- One-Half Italian Vermouth (Stir)
Named in honor of a theatrical offering which first made Henry E. Dixey and Fanny Ward famous.
Originally published in 1948. In The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David A. Embury,
- 1 part Italian vermouth
- 2 parts Dry Sherry
- 1 or 2 dashes of Bitters to each drink
Stir quickly with large cubes of ice. A twist of orange peel over each glass.
Whether you opt for mixing equal parts sherry and sweet vermouth or prefer the drier 2:1 ratio, the Adonis is a lower proof cocktail is easy to mix and makes an ideal aperitif.
Adonis Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 60ml fino or manzanilla sherry
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Glassware: coupette
Garnish: orange peel
Method
In a mixing glass, add all the ingredients over ice and stir. Strain into a chilled coupette. Express the orange peel over the drink and discard.
