Cooper Union Cocktail
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Drink Classification
Serving
Backstory
Cooper Union Cocktail
Characteristics overview
Flavor intensity & Experience
Ingredients
- Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ozA bold, spicy 100-proof rye (e.g., Rittenhouse) works best to stand up to the other ingredients.
- St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 ozThe key floral and sweet component.
- Dry Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 ozUse a fresh, good-quality dry vermouth like Dolin Dry or Noilly Prat.
- Orange Bitters2 dashesAdds complexity and a subtle citrus note. Regan's No. 6 or Angostura Orange are good choices.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
- Mixing glass: for combining and stirring the ingredients with ice.
- Bar spoon: for stirring the cocktail to the correct temperature and dilution.
- Jigger or measuring tool: for accurately measuring the liquid ingredients.
- Julep or Hawthorne strainer: for straining the chilled liquid into the glass while holding back the ice.
Instructions
Garnishing
- Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in or place it on the rim.
Dietary Information
Nutrition information
Occasions
- Cocktail Hour
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Sophisticated Gathering
- Nightcap
Pairing suggestions
- Mild cheeses (like goat cheese or brie)
- Charcuterie boards
- Light appetizers
- Roasted nuts
The Cooper Union Cocktail: A Modern Classic of Balance and Elegance
Similar Cocktails
Manhattan
A classic cocktail using sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters instead of St-Germain, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. It is the spiritual predecessor.
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Another rye-based Manhattan variation, but it uses dry vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, and an amaro, creating a drier, more bitter profile.
Lucien Gaudin
A Negroni-like cocktail made with gin, dry vermouth, Campari, and Cointreau. It shares the dry vermouth and orange notes but uses gin as a base for a more bitter profile.
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