Chunnel

The Chunnel is a sophisticated sour that offers a journey of flavors. The initial sip presents a delicate balance of the smoky notes from blended Scotch and the distinct anise and herbal character of absinthe. This is beautifully softened by the sweet, floral essence of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, while fresh lemon juice provides a necessary tart backbone. The result is a layered, intriguing, and surprisingly harmonious drink that appeals to adventurous palates.
Chunnel

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Chunnel is firmly categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It emerged in the 21st-century craft cocktail revival, utilizing classic techniques but with a contemporary flavor combination. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks due to its citrus and sweetener components.

Serving

This cocktail is served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe glass, presenting an elegant appearance. It's a spirit-forward drink of moderate strength, best enjoyed sipped and cold.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before chilling)
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Chunnel was created circa 2011 by bartender Meaghan Dorman at The Raines Law Room, a renowned speakeasy-style bar in New York City. The cocktail's name is a creative nod to the Channel Tunnel connecting the UK and France. It cleverly represents this connection through its ingredients: Scotch whisky for the UK, and absinthe and St-Germain elderflower liqueur for France.
Origin
Created by Meaghan Dorman at The Raines Law Room in New York City, USA, around 2011. It is considered a significant contribution to the modern classic cocktail canon.

Chunnel

The drink is almost exclusively known as the "Chunnel." The name is a clever portmanteau referencing the Channel Tunnel, which connects England (represented by Scotch) and France (represented by absinthe and St-Germain).
Original name
Chunnel
Alternative name
The Chunnel Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Chunnel boasts a complex aroma of anise and flowers, leading to a balanced flavor profile where smoky Scotch, herbal absinthe, and sweet citrus intertwine. Its smooth texture and lingering herbal aftertaste make it a memorable, year-round sipper.
Flavor
Herbaceous, smoky, floral, citrusy, sweet, complex, anise
Aroma
Anise, lemon, elderflower, light smoke, honey
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour, herbal
Aftertaste
Lingering, complex, herbal, warming
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow, slightly hazy, translucent
Texture
Smooth, silky, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink leads with a pronounced sourness balanced by moderate sweetness and alcohol strength. Its flavor is primarily driven by herbal and smoky notes, with low bitterness and no creaminess or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a specific set of spirits: a mild blended Scotch, quality absinthe, and St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Fresh lemon juice and a rich honey syrup are crucial for balancing the drink's complex profile.
  • Blended Scotch Whisky45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A mild, unpeated blended Scotch like Famous Grouse or Monkey Shoulder works well to not overpower the other ingredients.
  • Absinthe7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    A quality blanche or verte absinthe is essential. This is a primary flavor component, not just a rinse.
  • St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Provides floral sweetness and bridges the gap between the other spirits.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and proper balance.
  • Honey Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Use a rich 3:1 honey-to-water ratio for texture and sweetness. To make, gently heat 3 parts honey with 1 part water until combined, then cool.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and two types of strainers. Double straining is key to achieving the drink's refined, smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer (for double straining) to ensure a silky smooth texture.

Instructions

The process involves chilling a coupe glass, shaking all ingredients vigorously with ice, and then double straining into the prepared glass. The final touch is garnishing with an expressed lemon twist for aroma.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine the blended Scotch, absinthe, St-Germain, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the glass.
5. Take a fresh lemon peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it pith-side down, and then use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

The garnish is a simple but essential lemon twist. Expressing the oils over the drink adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the flavors within the cocktail.
  • Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the surface of the drink before dropping it in or placing it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegetarian but not vegan due to the use of honey syrup. It is also not considered gluten-free because of the Scotch base. It is free from dairy, eggs, nuts, and caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugars in the liqueurs and honey. Its carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively low for a sour-style drink.
Calories
Averagely 190-210 kcal / 795-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a drink for sophisticated occasions where its complexity can be appreciated. It's an excellent choice for a craft cocktail party, as an aperitif before a fine meal, or simply for an evening when you desire a thoughtful and well-crafted drink.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Impressing a Guest

Pairing suggestions

The Chunnel's complex profile pairs well with foods that have complementary smoky, briny, or herbal notes. Oysters, smoked fish, and creamy cheeses provide a wonderful contrast to the drink's bright and herbaceous character, cleansing the palate between sips.
  • Oysters on the half shell
  • Smoked salmon blinis
  • Soft goat cheese with crackers
  • Herbed almonds

The Chunnel: A Sophisticated Bridge of Flavors

The Chunnel is a testament to the creativity of the modern cocktail era, a drink that is both challenging and rewarding. Created by Meaghan Dorman, its clever name reflects the union of Scottish and French spirits. The unlikely combination of smoky whisky, potent absinthe, floral elderflower, and tart lemon creates a balanced and deeply complex flavor experience. Served ice-cold in a coupe, it is an elegant, aromatic, and unforgettable cocktail for the discerning drinker.

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