Gospel
The Gospel is a beautifully balanced cocktail that showcases the versatility of Irish whiskey. It harmonizes the spicy character of single pot still whiskey with the bittersweet orange notes of Amaro Nonino and Aperol. The addition of fresh pineapple and lime juice provides a bright, fruity acidity that ties all the elements together, resulting in a drink that is both complex and refreshingly approachable.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Gospel is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It follows a sour-style template but incorporates complex amari and juices, placing it firmly within the contemporary craft cocktail movement.
Serving
The Gospel is a spirit-forward but balanced drink served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its moderate alcohol content makes it a perfect pre-dinner cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 4.5 oz / 135 ml (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Gospel was created by bartender Jillian Vose at the world-renowned Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog in New York City. The bar is famous for its extensive and historically-inspired cocktail menus. This drink is a testament to their innovative approach, creating a modern classic that feels both timeless and unique.
Origin
Created in the 2010s by Jillian Vose at The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog in New York City, USA.
Gospel
The drink is most commonly known as "The Gospel," a name given to it at its creation. It is sometimes referred to more formally as "The Gospel Cocktail" to distinguish it in menus and conversation.
Original name
The Gospel
Alternative name
The Gospel Cocktail
Characteristics overview
This cocktail presents a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with a fruity, tart backbone and a smooth, silky texture. Its aroma is a delightful mix of citrus, spice, and pineapple, making it a refreshing choice any time of year.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Fruity, Herbal, Spicy, Complex, Tart
Aroma
Orange Peel, Caramel, Whiskey Spice, Pineapple, Herbal Botanicals
Taste balance
Bitter, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Lingering, Bittersweet, Warming, Clean
Fizziness
Still, Non-carbonated
Color appearance
Amber, Deep orange, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
All-Season, Refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, with a prominent balance between sour, bitter, and fruity notes. The alcohol provides a pleasant warmth without overpowering the other complex flavors.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This recipe requires five key ingredients: a good Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lime and pineapple juices. The quality of each component is essential for the final balance.
- Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey1.5 oz / 45 mlPowers John’s Lane 12 Year is the original specification, but another high-quality single pot still whiskey like Redbreast 12 works well.
- Amaro Nonino Quintessentia0.75 oz / 22.5 mlA crucial ingredient for its bittersweet orange and herbal notes. It is also grape-based and contains nut distillates.
- Aperol0.5 oz / 15 mlAdds a vibrant color and a lighter, zesty bitterness that complements the Amaro Nonino.
- Fresh Lime Juice0.75 oz / 22.5 mlMust be freshly squeezed for proper balance and brightness.
- Pineapple Juice0.5 oz / 15 mlFreshly pressed is best, but a high-quality, not-from-concentrate juice is acceptable.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker tin, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to pour the drink while holding back the ice.
- Cocktail shaker for shaking and chilling
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Fine-mesh strainer (Hawthorne strainer is standard)
Instructions
The preparation is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake well, and double-strain into the glass. Serve neat, without a garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine all ingredients (Irish whiskey, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, lime juice, and pineapple juice) into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled and frosted.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
7. Serve immediately while cold.
Garnishing
The Gospel is served straight up without any garnish. Its rich color and aromatic profile are considered sufficient presentation.
- None. The drink is traditionally served without a garnish to let the aromas and flavors speak for themselves.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is vegan and dairy-free but is not gluten-free due to the whiskey base. Amaro Nonino contains nut distillates, so it is not suitable for those with nut allergies.
✓ 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 and sugar content, primarily from the liqueurs and pineapple juice. The exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and juices used.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-18 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-17 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an excellent cocktail for a sophisticated aperitif or cocktail hour. Its complex flavor profile makes it a great choice for impressing guests at a gathering or for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted whiskey drink.
- Cocktail Hour
- Pre-dinner Drink (Aperitif)
- Sophisticated Gatherings
- Whiskey Tasting Events
Pairing suggestions
The Gospel's bittersweet and complex profile pairs well with savory and salty foods. It cuts through richness, making it an excellent companion for charcuterie, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino, and savory bites that can stand up to its bold flavors.
- Charcuterie boards with cured meats and aged cheeses
- Salty snacks like olives or spiced nuts
- Rich, savory appetizers
The Gospel: A Modern Sermon in a Glass
The Gospel is a stellar example of modern mixology, born from one of the world's best bars, The Dead Rabbit. It's a complex yet harmonious blend of spicy Irish whiskey, layered bittersweet liqueurs, and fresh tropical fruit juices. While not yet a household name, it is a highly respected drink among cocktail enthusiasts for its perfect balance and depth of flavor. A must-try for fans of whiskey sours and bittersweet cocktails like the Negroni or Paper Plane.
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Shares a similar equal-parts-adjacent structure with amaro and Aperol but uses bourbon and lemon juice instead of Irish whiskey, lime, and pineapple.
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A tiki classic that also brilliantly combines a bitter liqueur (Campari) with pineapple and lime juice, but uses dark rum as its base spirit.
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