Delmonico Cocktail
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 mlA classic juniper-forward gin is recommended to stand up to the other ingredients.
- Brandy0.5 ounces / 15 mlA good quality V.S. or V.S.O.P. Cognac works well.
- Sweet Vermouth0.5 ounces / 15 mlUse a quality Italian-style sweet vermouth.
- Angostura Bitters2 dashesAromatic 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
You May Also Like
Campari and Soda
A brilliantly simple and refreshing Italian aperitivo combining the iconic bittersweet liqueur Campari with crisp, sparkling soda water.
Rusty Nail
A simple, sophisticated, and warming sipper made with Scotch whisky and the honeyed herbal liqueur, Drambuie.
Elderflower Sour
A refreshingly elegant and floral twist on the classic sour, balancing sweet elderflower liqueur with tart citrus and a spirit of your choice.
Sazerac
A classic New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar, known for its bold, anise-scented character.
Have You Tried These Yet?
Closing Argument
A smoky, herbaceous, and complex riff on the classic Last Word, using mezcal instead of gin.
Garibaldi Sbagliato
A vibrant and bubbly aperitif that brilliantly combines the bittersweet notes of Campari, the freshness of orange juice, and the sparkle of prosecco.
Scotch Rickey
A crisp, dry, and wonderfully refreshing highball featuring Scotch whisky, fresh lime juice, and sparkling soda water.
Honeymoon Cocktail
A sophisticated and aromatic pre-prohibition classic featuring apple brandy, Bénédictine, and citrus.