Ode to Viceroy

The Ode to Viceroy is a complex and elegant cocktail that showcases the depth of aged tequila. It drinks like a classic, spirit-forward cocktail such as a Sazerac or Old Fashioned, but with the unique character of agave. The addition of Bénédictine provides a honeyed, herbal sweetness that is balanced by the spicy and aromatic Angostura and Peychaud's bitters. It's a contemplative drink, perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted, stirred cocktail.
Ode to Viceroy

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Ode to Viceroy is a modern classic cocktail, revered in craft cocktail bars. It falls into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, similar to an Old Fashioned but with a unique tequila and herbal profile.

Serving

This is a strong, stirred cocktail served cold over a large ice cube in a chilled Old Fashioned glass. The large cube ensures slow dilution, preserving the drink's bold character.
Serving size
Approximately 90-100 ml / 3-3.4 oz (including dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 35-38% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartender Joaquin Simo at the influential New York City bar Death & Co. around 2011. The cocktail is a clever tequila-based riff on the classic Sazerac. The name "Ode to Viceroy" is a nod to the Viceroy butterfly, which mimics the appearance of the Monarch butterfly, much like this tequila drink mimics a classic rye or cognac cocktail structure.
Origin
United States, created by Joaquin Simo at Death & Co. in New York City, circa 2011.

Ode to Viceroy

The drink is known almost exclusively by its original name, "Ode to Viceroy." While not an official alternative name, it is often described as a tequila-based Sazerac or Old Fashioned variation to give context to its style.
Original name
Ode to Viceroy
Alternative name
Tequila Sazerac Riff

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a rich amber hue and a silky texture, with a complex aroma of orange oils and herbal spice. The flavor is spirit-forward and warming, balancing the sweetness of tequila and Bénédictine with a long, bitter finish.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, Agave, Herbal, Baking Spice, Honey, Anise, Orange Zest
Aroma
Aromatic Bitters, Orange Oil, Cooked Agave, Herbal Liqueur
Taste balance
Spirituous, Slightly Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Complex, Herbal, Spicy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep Amber, Rich Mahogany, Clear
Texture
Silky, Rich, Viscous
Seasonality
Warming, Year-round, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intense and alcohol-forward, with a moderate bitterness and a subtle sweetness. It is not fruity, sour, or creamy, and has no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The cocktail is built on a base of aged añejo tequila, modified with sweet and herbal Bénédictine liqueur. Two types of bitters, Angostura and Peychaud's, are essential for its signature aromatic complexity.
  • Añejo Tequila60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, 100% agave añejo tequila is recommended for its depth and complexity.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    This French herbal liqueur adds sweetness, body, and complexity.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
    Adds classic baking spice notes and a bitter backbone.
  • Peychaud's Bitters1 dash
    Provides characteristic notes of anise and cherry, tying it to the Sazerac family.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring, one large cube for serving.

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass to combine and chill the ingredients, a jigger for accurate measurements, a bar spoon for stirring, and a strainer.
  • Mixing Glass
  • Bar Spoon
  • Jigger or Measuring Tool
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne)

Instructions

The method is simple: all ingredients are combined in a mixing glass with ice, stirred until chilled and diluted, then strained into a glass with a large ice cube. The final touch is an expressed orange peel garnish.
1. Prepare your glassware by placing a large ice cube into an Old Fashioned glass and setting it aside to chill.
2. In a mixing glass, combine the añejo tequila, Bénédictine, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud's bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon briskly for 20-25 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is well-chilled and frosted.
5. Using a strainer, pour the chilled mixture into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over the large ice cube.
6. Take a swath of orange peel and hold it over the drink's surface, skin-side down. Squeeze it to express the fragrant oils over the cocktail.
7. Drop the expressed orange peel into the glass as a garnish and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple but essential orange peel garnish provides aromatic oils that brighten the drink and complement its deep flavors. The visual appeal of the vibrant peel against the dark liquid is also key.
  • Orange Peel: Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the surface of the drink for aroma, then drop it into the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets and contains no 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 Bénédictine. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes almost entirely from the small amount of herbal liqueur.
Calories
Approximately 190-210 kcal / 795-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal sipping cocktail for a relaxed evening, a sophisticated cocktail party, or as a digestif after a meal. Its complex, spirit-forward nature makes it perfect for contemplative moments.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • After Dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Quiet Evening at Home

Pairing suggestions

Its rich and complex profile pairs wonderfully with bold flavors. Consider serving it alongside a platter of aged cheeses, a piece of high-quality dark chocolate, or as an accompaniment to a fine cigar.
  • Aged Cheeses (e.g., Manchego, Gouda)
  • Dark Chocolate with Orange
  • Spiced Nuts
  • Cigars

Ode to Viceroy: The Tequila Sazerac You Need to Try

The Ode to Viceroy is a testament to modern cocktail creativity, transforming the template of a classic Sazerac with the unique character of añejo tequila. Created by Joaquin Simo, it is a spirit-forward, complex sipper that balances the agave spirit with the herbal sweetness of Bénédictine and the aromatic punch of two different bitters. Served on a large rock with an orange twist, it is both visually appealing and deeply flavorful, making it a favorite among discerning cocktail enthusiasts.

Similar Cocktails

Sazerac

The classic inspiration, typically made with rye whiskey or cognac, simple syrup (or a sugar cube), Peychaud's bitters, and an absinthe rinse.

Tequila Old Fashioned

A simpler construction using tequila, a sweetening agent (like agave nectar), and bitters, focusing more purely on the base spirit.

You May Also Like

Mai Tai (1944)

A world-famous Tiki cocktail that offers a perfect balance of aged rum, tart lime, orange liqueur, and nutty orgeat syrup.

Pornstar Martini

A sweet and tangy cocktail featuring vanilla vodka, passion fruit, and a side of sparkling wine.

Dirty Word

A smoky and herbaceous twist on the classic Last Word cocktail, substituting gin with mezcal.

Gin Rickey

A refreshingly tart and simple highball made with gin, fresh lime juice, and carbonated water, characteristically served without sugar.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Cooper Union Cocktail

A sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail balancing spicy rye whiskey with floral elderflower liqueur and dry vermouth.

Sicilian Kiss

A sweet and nutty liqueur-based cocktail that combines the fruity spice of Southern Comfort with the rich almond flavor of amaretto.

Queen Anne Cocktail

A delightful and fruity classic cocktail balancing the botanical notes of gin with sweet vermouth and tropical pineapple juice.

Gin Fix

A refreshing and simple 19th-century classic that balances gin with the sweetness of pineapple and the tartness of lemon.