Phlogiston Cocktail

The Phlogiston is a complex and assertive modern cocktail that expertly balances the smokiness of mezcal with the vegetal bitterness of Cynar and the herbal intensity of Green Chartreuse. Tied together with the bright acidity of fresh lime juice, it presents a sophisticated sour that is simultaneously challenging and rewarding. It's a spirit-forward drink designed for those who appreciate bold, layered, and unconventional flavors.
Phlogiston Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Phlogiston is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It emerged from the craft cocktail scene in the early 21st century and follows a sour-style template. Its use of bold, challenging ingredients places it firmly in the modern era of mixology.

Serving

The Phlogiston is served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It's a potent, cold cocktail with a complex and challenging character.
Serving size
Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created in 2009 by bartender Kyle Webster at the now-defunct Sovereign Tavern in Portland, Oregon. The drink quickly gained a cult following among cocktail enthusiasts for its audacious use of an equal-parts formula with such powerful ingredients. Its name is a clever nod to the archaic phlogiston theory, perfectly capturing the smoky essence of its mezcal base.
Origin
Portland, Oregon, USA, created in 2009.

Phlogiston Cocktail

The drink is primarily known by its original name, "Phlogiston." The name refers to a superseded scientific theory about a fire-like element that was thought to be released during combustion. This is a fitting metaphor for the smoky character of the mezcal used in the cocktail.
Original name
Phlogiston
Alternative name
The Phlogiston

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a bold tapestry of smoky, herbal, and bitter notes, all cut through with a sharp citrus backbone. The resulting experience is complex and memorable, with a long, lingering finish.
Flavor
Smoky, Herbal, Vegetal, Bitter, Tart, Complex
Aroma
Smoky Agave, Herbaceous, Botanical, Lime Zest
Taste balance
Sour, Bitter, Smoky
Aftertaste
Long, Lingering, Smoky, Herbal Bitterness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale, Hazy, Greenish-Yellow
Texture
Smooth, Crisp, Clean
Seasonality
Year-round, Refreshing yet Intense

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a potent, still drink where bitterness, smokiness, and sourness are the dominant, intense flavors. It has very little sweetness and a noticeable alcohol strength.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring smoky mezcal, bitter Cynar, herbal Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice. The quality and freshness of the ingredients are key to achieving the intended balance.
  • Mezcal1 oz / 30 ml
    A joven (unaged) mezcal with a moderate level of smoke is recommended.
  • Cynar1 oz / 30 ml
    This artichoke-based amaro provides the signature vegetal bitterness.
  • Green Chartreuse1 oz / 30 ml
    Adds intense herbal complexity and proof.
  • Lime Juice1 oz / 30 ml
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and two types of strainers for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and dilute the ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back the ice.
  • Fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture.

Instructions

The process is straightforward: add all four ingredients to an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Finish with a lime twist garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice and water.
2. Measure and pour the mezcal, Cynar, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
7. Express the oils from a lime twist over the surface of the drink and use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lime twist is the perfect garnish, adding a bright citrus aroma that complements the drink's sharp flavors.
  • Lime twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils and then dropped in or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and caffeine-free, and generally considered gluten-free as it is made with distilled spirits.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This spirit-forward cocktail has a moderate calorie count, with carbohydrates and sugars primarily coming from the two liqueurs, Cynar and Green Chartreuse.
Calories
Approximately 240 kcal / 1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 13g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal drink for a sophisticated cocktail hour or for an evening when you crave something complex and thought-provoking. It serves well as an aperitif to stimulate the palate before a meal. It's particularly suited for drinkers looking to explore bold and modern flavor combinations.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Evening Sipping
  • Adventurous Tasting
  • Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Phlogiston's bold, bitter, and smoky profile pairs well with foods that can stand up to its intensity. Salty snacks, grilled meats, and acidic dishes like ceviche work particularly well, as their flavors either complement the smoke or cut through the bitterness.
  • Salty snacks like Marcona almonds or olives
  • Ceviche or other citrus-cured seafood
  • Grilled and smoked meats
  • Strong, aged cheeses

The Phlogiston: A Symphony of Smoke and Herbs

The Phlogiston is a modern classic cocktail for the adventurous drinker, an equal-parts formula that showcases a powerful interplay of smoky mezcal, bitter Cynar, and complex Green Chartreuse, all balanced by fresh lime. It is a challenging yet harmonious sour that rewards with every sip, offering a deep and lingering flavor experience. Created in Portland, it perfectly represents the craft cocktail movement's love for bold and unconventional combinations that push the boundaries of flavor.

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