Article One

The Article One is a sophisticated modern classic from Chicago's renowned bar, The Violet Hour. It builds upon a classic gin sour structure, using Old Tom gin for a touch of sweetness and a softer profile. A small amount of Green Chartreuse adds complex herbal and botanical notes, while an orange flower water rinse provides a beautiful, captivating aroma before the first sip. The result is a perfectly balanced, aromatic, and memorable cocktail.
Article One

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Article One is categorized as a cocktail, specifically a modern classic. It was created in the mid-2000s but follows a traditional sour structure, earning it a place among contemporary standards in the craft cocktail world.

Serving

This is a moderately strong cocktail served 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe glass. The essential orange flower water rinse makes the glass itself a key aromatic component.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 22-26% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled and rinsed with orange flower water

Backstory

Created by acclaimed bartender Toby Maloney at the influential Chicago bar, The Violet Hour, in the mid-2000s. The name "Article One" is a reference to the first article of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the legislative branch of the federal government. This constitutional naming convention is a signature of The Violet Hour's menu, reflecting a thoughtful and classic American approach.
Origin
The Violet Hour, Chicago, Illinois, USA, around 2007.

Article One

The drink is consistently known as Article One, named after the first article of the U.S. Constitution. Sometimes the number is written as a digit, 'Article 1', but the name itself is not commonly varied.
Original name
Article One
Alternative name
Article 1 Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This is a smooth, silky cocktail with a bright citrus and herbal flavor profile, perfectly balanced between sweet and sour. The aroma is dominated by floral orange blossom, leading to a clean, refreshing finish with lingering botanical notes.
Flavor
Citrusy, Herbal, Botanical, Slightly sweet, Floral
Aroma
Floral (orange blossom), Juniper, Lemon, Herbal
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Herbal
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering floral notes, Herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow, Slightly hazy, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Spring

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a refreshing balance of sour citrus and gentle sweetness. The profile is defined by a distinct herbal character from the Chartreuse and a pronounced floral aroma from the rinse.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe calls for Old Tom gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a touch of Green Chartreuse. The defining ingredient is the orange flower water used to rinse the glass for a captivating floral aroma.
  • Old Tom Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A slightly sweeter, less botanical gin than London Dry. It is key to the original recipe's balance.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for brightness.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Standard 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.
  • Green Chartreuse5 ml / 1 bar spoon
    Adds intense herbal complexity. Use sparingly.
  • Orange Flower Water2 dashes
    Used to rinse the glass, not mixed in the shaker. It is crucial for the aroma.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set for this drink. Double straining with both a Hawthorne and a fine-mesh strainer is recommended for a silky-smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining

Instructions

The method involves first preparing the glass by chilling and rinsing it with orange flower water. The remaining ingredients are then shaken with ice and double strained into the aromatic glass.
1. Place your coupe glass in the freezer to chill for at least 15 minutes.
2. Once chilled, add a few dashes of orange flower water to the glass. Swirl it around to coat the entire inner surface, then discard the excess liquid.
3. Combine the Old Tom gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Green Chartreuse in a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
6. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared, rinsed coupe glass.
7. If desired, express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink and serve immediately.

Garnishing

This cocktail is often served without a physical garnish to allow the orange flower water aroma to be the star. An expressed lemon twist can add a complementary layer of citrus oil on the surface.
  • Lemon twist (optional) expressed over the drink for added citrus oils.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, assuming purely distilled spirits are used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink is moderately caloric, with most of its energy coming from the alcohol and sugar content. It contains roughly 10-12 grams of carbohydrates and sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect as a sophisticated aperitif before dinner or as a standout offering at a stylish party. Its elegant and balanced profile also makes it suitable for special occasions or a quiet, contemplative evening drink.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Sophisticated Evening
  • Celebration

Pairing suggestions

Its bright, herbal, and citrus-forward profile pairs exceptionally well with light, fresh, and slightly briny foods. It's an excellent companion for seafood appetizers like oysters or smoked salmon, as well as tangy goat cheese or crisp salads.
  • Oysters on the half shell
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Smoked salmon blinis

Article One: A Modern Classic of Constitutional Proportions

The Article One is a sophisticated modern classic that perfectly balances the subtle sweetness of Old Tom gin with the tartness of fresh lemon. Its defining characteristics are the complex herbal notes from a touch of Green Chartreuse and the captivating floral aroma from an orange flower water rinse. Created by Toby Maloney at The Violet Hour in Chicago, it stands as a testament to balanced, aromatic, and thoughtful cocktail creation. It is an elegant and memorable drink for those who appreciate nuanced flavors and a multi-sensory experience.

Similar Cocktails

The Last Word

An equal-parts classic with gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. It is more intensely herbal and less sour-focused.

White Lady

A classic gin sour made with gin, Cointreau (or other orange liqueur), and lemon juice. It shares the base structure but lacks the herbal complexity and floral aroma.

Bee's Knees

Another gin sour variation that uses honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a richer sweetness and omits the Chartreuse.

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