Quill

Name: Quill
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 30 ml / 1 oz London Dry Gin; 30 ml / 1 oz Sweet Vermouth; 30 ml / 1 oz Campari; 1 Bar Spoon (approx. 5 ml / 1/6 oz) Absinthe

Ingredients Instructions

The Quill is a stirred, gin-based cocktail that presents a complex and layered flavor profile. It builds upon the classic Negroni template of gin, sweet vermouth, and a bitter liqueur, but introduces a small amount of absinthe. This addition transforms the drink, adding a distinct anise and herbal note that cuts through the bitterness and sweetness. It's a bold, aromatic, and perfectly balanced drink for those who appreciate bitter and herbal cocktails.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Quill is classified as a classic cocktail due to its early 20th-century origins and traditional composition. It is also considered an aperitif, perfect for stimulating the appetite before a meal. Its bittersweet profile places it firmly in the category of pre-dinner drinks, often enjoyed during cocktail hour.

Serving

The Quill is a compact, spirit-forward drink served cold in a chilled coupe or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Its alcohol content is notable, placing it in the category of stronger classic cocktails.

Serving size

Approximately 90-100 ml / 3-3.5 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 25-28% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Coupe or Rocks Glass

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The Quill cocktail is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. It is often attributed to Paul Quill, a British writer and diplomat of the era, although historical verification is scarce. The drink gained renewed attention after being featured in cocktail historian Ted Haigh's book "Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails," reintroducing it to a modern audience of mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts.

Origin

The drink is thought to originate from Europe in the early 1900s. Its composition of gin, Italian vermouth, and a bitter aperitif is characteristic of cocktails from that period. The specific year and location of its creation are unknown.

Quill

The drink is most commonly known simply as the Quill. It is sometimes referred to more formally as The Quill Cocktail, but this is less frequent. There are no other widely recognized alternative names for this specific recipe.

Original name

Quill

Alternative name

The Quill Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Quill boasts a complex, bittersweet flavor with a pronounced herbal and anise aroma from the absinthe and Campari. It presents a deep ruby color and has a smooth, silky texture best enjoyed year-round.

Flavor

bittersweet, herbal, anise, citrus, juniper, complex

Aroma

botanical, anise, orange peel, herbaceous

Taste balance

bitter, sweet, herbal

Aftertaste

long, warming, bitter, herbal

Fizziness

still

Color appearance

deep ruby, reddish-brown, clear

Texture

smooth, silky, medium-bodied

Seasonality

year-round, refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Quill is intensely flavored, led by a strong bitterness balanced by moderate sweetness and alcohol strength. It is not sour, salty, or creamy, but carries subtle fruity and spicy notes from its botanicals.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

The Quill requires four key spirits: equal parts London Dry Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, with a bar spoon of absinthe to add complexity. High-quality ingredients are recommended to achieve the best balance of flavors.

London Dry Gin30 ml / 1 oz
A classic London Dry with prominent juniper notes works best to stand up to the other bold ingredients.
Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
A quality Italian-style sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino is recommended.
Campari30 ml / 1 oz
Campari is essential for the drink's signature bitter profile and color.
Absinthe1 Bar Spoon (approx. 5 ml / 1/6 oz)
Just a small amount is needed; it should be a hint, not an overpowering flavor. A dash or two can also be used.

Ice type

Cubed ice for stirring, large cube or sphere for serving (optional).

Mixing equipments

This is a stirred cocktail, so you will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon, and a strainer. A jigger is essential for measuring the ingredients accurately to maintain the drink's balance.

Mixing glass for chilling and combining the ingredients.
Bar spoon for stirring the cocktail properly.
Julep or Hawthorne strainer to hold back the ice when pouring.
Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.

Instructions

To make a Quill, combine gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and a dash of absinthe in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass with a large ice cube and garnish with an expressed orange twist.

1. Chill your serving glass (either a coupe or a rocks glass) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.

2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and absinthe to a mixing glass.

3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.

4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.

5. If serving in a rocks glass, place a large fresh ice cube in the chilled glass. If serving in a coupe, discard the chilling ice.

6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into your prepared serving glass.

7. Take a swath of orange peel, hold it over the drink, and twist it to express the citrus oils onto the surface.

8. Drop the orange peel into the glass as a garnish and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple orange twist is the perfect garnish for the Quill. The citrus oils expressed over the surface add a bright aromatic note that complements the drink's bitter and herbal profile.

Orange Twist: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink's surface and drop it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not considered vegan or vegetarian as Campari's coloring was historically derived from cochineal insects, and some sweet vermouths may use animal-derived fining agents.

✓ 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 sugar in the vermouth and Campari. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to more fruit-juice-heavy drinks.

Calories

Averagely 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 10-12 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 10-12 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal for pre-dinner occasions as an aperitif to awaken the palate. Its sophisticated character makes it a great choice for cocktail parties or any gathering where classic, spirit-forward drinks are appreciated.

Cocktail Hour
Aperitif
Sophisticated Gatherings
Before Dinner

Pairing suggestions

The Quill's bittersweet and herbal profile pairs excellently with salty and savory foods. It is a fantastic companion to a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and hard cheeses, as well as simple snacks like marinated olives or roasted almonds, which balance its intensity.

Salty Snacks (e.g., olives, salted nuts)
Charcuterie Board
Hard Cheeses (e.g., Parmesan, Pecorino)
Cured Meats

The Quill: A Forgotten Classic with a Sharp Point

The Quill is a forgotten classic that offers a delightful variation on the well-loved Negroni. By introducing a small amount of absinthe, it achieves a unique aromatic complexity with a distinct anise note that elevates the drink. It's a perfectly balanced, spirit-forward cocktail that is both bitter and subtly sweet, with a long, satisfying herbal finish. Ideal for the discerning drinker looking to explore beyond the usual classics, the Quill is a testament to the sophisticated simplicity of early 20th-century mixology.