Artist's Special Cocktail

The Artist's Special is an elegant and somewhat forgotten classic from the Prohibition era. It masterfully balances the subtle smoky notes of blended Scotch with the nutty complexity of Amontillado sherry. The cocktail is brightened by fresh lemon juice and tied together with the fruity sweetness of redcurrant syrup, creating a sophisticated and uniquely refreshing drink.
Artist's Special Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Artist's Special is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks due to its inclusion of citrus, but its unique combination of Scotch and sherry places it in a sophisticated category of its own. It is typically served as an aperitif before a meal.

Serving

Served 'straight up' in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this is a refined, spirit-forward drink. Its moderate alcohol content makes it an excellent and approachable aperitif.
Serving size
Approximately 100-120 ml / 3.5-4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The cocktail first appeared in Harry MacElhone's 1927 book, "Barflies and Cocktails." It is said to have been created at the artists' bar, a popular hangout for the creative community in Paris's Montparnasse district. The drink represents the vibrant and experimental spirit of the era, blending ingredients from different parts of Europe into a harmonious whole.
Origin
The Artist's Special Cocktail originated in Paris, France, around 1927. It is widely attributed to Harry MacElhone, the proprietor of the legendary Harry's New York Bar.

Artist's Special Cocktail

The drink is most commonly referred to by its full name, the "Artist's Special Cocktail," though it is sometimes shortened to just "Artist's Special." There are no other significant alternative names for this classic cocktail.
Original name
Artist's Special Cocktail
Alternative name
Artist's Special

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a complex and elegant flavor profile, balancing the tartness of lemon with nutty sherry and a hint of smoky Scotch. It has a smooth, crisp texture and a clean, refreshing finish with a beautiful rosy-amber hue.
Flavor
Tart, nutty, subtly smoky, fruity, complex, balanced
Aroma
Lemon zest, sherry, light peat, red berries, oak
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, nutty
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering nuttiness, hint of smoke
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale blush, light amber, clear, rosy-hued
Texture
Smooth, crisp, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Artist's Special has a well-balanced, medium flavor intensity where sour and fruity notes are elegantly supported by nutty and smoky undertones. The alcohol is present but seamlessly integrated, creating a sophisticated rather than overpowering taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key ingredients: equal parts Blended Scotch Whisky, Amontillado Sherry, and fresh lemon juice, balanced by a small amount of redcurrant syrup. The quality of each component, especially the fresh juice and sherry, is crucial to the final taste.
  • Blended Scotch Whisky30 ml / 1 oz
    A good quality, unpeated or lightly peated blended Scotch works best to not overpower the sherry.
  • Amontillado Sherry30 ml / 1 oz
    The nutty, dry character of Amontillado is key to the drink's profile.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Redcurrant Syrup7.5 ml / 1/4 oz
    If unavailable, high-quality raspberry syrup or grenadine can be used as a substitute.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To prepare this drink, you will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer. Double straining through a fine-mesh strainer is recommended to remove any small ice chips.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Fine-mesh strainer (double straining) to ensure a smooth texture.

Instructions

This is a straightforward shaken cocktail; combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist to finish.
1. Prepare the garnish by cutting a fresh lemon twist.
2. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
3. Add the Blended Scotch Whisky, Amontillado Sherry, fresh lemon juice, and redcurrant syrup to a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-frosted.
6. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
7. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.
8. Express the oils from the lemon twist over the surface of the drink and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish for the Artist's Special. Expressing the citrus oils over the glass adds a bright, aromatic dimension that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Lemon twist, to express its oils over the drink's surface and drop in.

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic beverage that is typically vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, as distilled spirits are considered safe for celiacs. It contains no common allergens like nuts, soy, or eggs, though it is always best to check the specific brands of ingredients used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Artist's Special is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with most of its calories coming from the alcohol. Its sugar and carbohydrate content is moderate, primarily derived from the redcurrant syrup.
Calories
Averagely 150-180 kcal / 628-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-12 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-10 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent aperitif, perfect for sipping before a meal to stimulate the palate. Its sophisticated character also makes it a great choice for cocktail parties or any gathering where classic, well-crafted drinks are appreciated.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's nutty and tart profile pairs wonderfully with savory and salty foods. It cuts through the richness of cheeses and cured meats, while its complexity complements the flavors of olives and light seafood dishes, making it an ideal pre-dinner drink with appetizers.
  • Cheese board with aged cheddar or Manchego
  • Charcuterie and cured meats
  • Marinated olives and nuts
  • Light seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail

The Artist's Special: A Parisian Masterpiece in a Glass

The Artist's Special is a sophisticated and criminally underrated classic cocktail from 1920s Paris. It offers a beautiful balance of smoky Scotch, nutty sherry, tart lemon, and a whisper of red fruit sweetness. Perfect as an aperitif, it's a refreshing and complex drink that showcases how seemingly disparate ingredients can create a harmonious and delicious whole. It's an excellent choice for those looking to explore classic cocktails beyond the usual suspects and experience a taste of Jazz Age creativity.

Similar cocktails

Blood and Sand

A classic Scotch cocktail that also balances spirit, sweet, and citrus elements, but uses cherry liqueur and orange juice for a very different flavor profile.

Cameron's Kick

Another Parisian classic that blends Scotch (with Irish whiskey), lemon juice, and a nutty syrup (orgeat), offering a similarly complex sour.

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