Quill

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.
Quill

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.

Similar Cocktails

Negroni

The direct predecessor; it is made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, but without the absinthe.

Boulevardier

Swaps the gin for bourbon or rye whiskey, resulting in a richer, spicier flavor profile.

Old Pal

Uses rye whiskey, dry vermouth instead of sweet, and Campari, making for a drier and spicier drink.

You May Also Like

Kentucky Maid

A supremely refreshing bourbon sour, elegantly muddled with fresh mint and crisp cucumber.

Pineapple Margarita

A sweet and tangy tropical twist on the classic Margarita, featuring the vibrant flavor of pineapple.

Aperol & Soda

A simple, crisp, and refreshing low-alcohol highball featuring the iconic Italian bitter aperitif Aperol and sparkling soda water.

Tommy's Margarita

A refreshing and tequila-forward twist on the classic Margarita, sweetened with agave nectar instead of orange liqueur.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Unusual Suspects

A smoky, bittersweet, and complex Scotch-based sour cocktail with a vibrant character.

B-57 Shot

A sweet, layered shot featuring coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and the distinct flavor of anise from Sambuca.

Whiskey Crusta

A sophisticated and aromatic 19th-century sour, featuring whiskey balanced by citrus and liqueurs, served in an iconic sugar-crusted glass with a long lemon peel garnish.

Brandy Fix

A refreshing 19th-century classic that balances rich brandy with bright citrus and a touch of sweet liqueur, served over crushed ice.