Delmonico Cocktail

Name: Delmonico Cocktail
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces / 45 ml London Dry Gin; 0.5 ounces / 15 ml Brandy; 0.5 ounces / 15 ml Sweet Vermouth; 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Ingredients Instructions

The Delmonico Cocktail is a timeless classic from the Gilded Age of New York City. It offers a rich and balanced flavor profile, combining the botanical notes of gin with the subtle fruitiness of brandy. Sweet vermouth adds depth and a touch of sweetness, while aromatic bitters tie all the elements together. This drink is a smooth, elegant sip that appeals to those who appreciate historic, spirit-driven cocktails.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Delmonico is classified as a classic cocktail, originating from the golden age of mixology in the late 19th century. It falls into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, similar in style to a Manhattan or Martinez.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward drink in a chilled cocktail glass, such as a coupe or Nick & Nora, to keep it cold. It has a moderately high alcohol content and is served without ice.

Serving size

Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml

Alcohol content

Approximately 28-32% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Cocktail glass

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is named for the legendary Delmonico's Restaurant in New York, a pinnacle of American fine dining in the 19th century. While its exact creator is debated, with credit often given to either the famed Jerry Thomas or his successor Charles Ranhofer, the drink embodies the elegance of its namesake. Several different "Delmonico" recipes existed, but this gin-and-brandy version is one of the most recognized historical forms.

Origin

The Delmonico Cocktail originated in the United States, specifically at Delmonico's Restaurant in New York City, during the late 1800s.

Delmonico Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Delmonico Cocktail. Some historical texts refer to it as Delmonico No. 1 to distinguish it from other cocktails served at the restaurant that also bore its name. These other versions are now considered distinct drinks.

Original name

Delmonico Cocktail

Alternative name

Delmonico No. 1

Characteristics overview

The Delmonico boasts a complex herbal and botanical aroma, leading to a smooth, spirit-forward flavor with a balanced sweetness. Its light amber appearance is matched by a silky texture and a clean, warming finish.

Flavor

Spirit-forward, Herbal, Botanical, Slightly sweet, Subtle grape, Citrus notes

Aroma

Juniper, Herbal, Wine, Lemon oils, Aromatic spice

Taste balance

Balanced, Spirituous, Sweet

Aftertaste

Warming, Clean, Herbal, Lingering botanicals

Fizziness

Still, None

Color appearance

Clear, Light amber, Golden straw

Texture

Smooth, Silky, Medium-bodied

Seasonality

Year-round, Evening drink

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is alcohol-forward with moderate sweetness and fruitiness from the vermouth and brandy. It is not sour, salty, or creamy, and has a very low level of bitterness from the bitters.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need London Dry Gin and Brandy as the base spirits, complemented by sweet vermouth. A couple of dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters are required to complete the flavor profile.

London Dry Gin1.5 ounces / 45 ml
A classic juniper-forward gin is recommended to stand up to the other ingredients.
Brandy0.5 ounces / 15 ml
A good quality V.S. or V.S.O.P. Cognac works well.
Sweet Vermouth0.5 ounces / 15 ml
Use a quality Italian-style sweet vermouth.
Angostura Bitters2 dashes
Aromatic bitters are essential for balancing the drink's sweetness.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

Preparation requires a cocktail shaker filled with ice to chill the ingredients properly. You'll also need a jigger for measurement and a strainer to serve the drink neatly.

Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to pour the drink without ice.

Instructions

To make the Delmonico, shake all ingredients—gin, brandy, sweet vermouth, and bitters—with ice until very cold. Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an expressed lemon twist.

1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

3. Add the gin, brandy, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

5. Discard the ice from your chilled cocktail glass.

6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.

7. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the drink to express its oils onto the surface, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist serves as the perfect garnish. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink's surface adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's botanicals.

Lemon twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is suitable for most dietary preferences as it is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. It contains alcohol and is caffeine-free.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric drink due to its high spirit content, with around 170 kcal per serving. The carbohydrate and sugar content is low, coming almost entirely from the sweet vermouth.

Calories

Averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-755 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 3-4 grams

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 3-4 grams

Sugar level

Occasions

This elegant drink is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate. It's an excellent choice for a classic cocktail party or any sophisticated gathering where vintage, spirit-forward drinks are appreciated.

Cocktail Hour
Aperitif
Formal Gathering
Classic Cocktail Party

Pairing suggestions

The Delmonico's rich and herbal profile pairs wonderfully with classic steakhouse appetizers. Consider serving it with Oysters Rockefeller (another Delmonico's invention), steak tartare, or a simple plate of high-quality olives and charcuterie.

Oysters Rockefeller
Steak Tartare
Olives and cured meats
Rich cheeses

Delmonico Cocktail: A Taste of 19th Century New York Elegance

The Delmonico Cocktail is a journey back to the opulent Gilded Age of New York. As a precursor to many modern classics, it showcases a beautiful balance between the botanicals of gin and the warmth of brandy, elegantly tied together with sweet vermouth. While not as famous as some of its contemporaries, it remains a testament to classic cocktail craftsmanship. It's an ideal choice for the discerning drinker looking to explore the roots of mixology with a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink.

Similar Cocktails

Martinez

Often considered a precursor to the Martini, the Martinez features a similar profile but typically uses Old Tom Gin, a larger proportion of sweet vermouth, and often includes Maraschino liqueur.