Remember the Alamo

The Remember the Alamo is a complex and contemplative sipper perfect for whiskey lovers. The spicy backbone of rye whiskey is beautifully complemented by the bittersweet herbal notes of Amaro Lucano. Oloroso sherry adds a layer of nutty, raisin-like sweetness and depth, while a dash of Angostura bitters ties all the elements together into a harmonious whole.
Remember the Alamo

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, similar in style to a Manhattan or a Vieux Carré.

Serving

Served chilled and 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a strong, spirit-forward drink.
Serving size
Approx. 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created at the West Village cocktail bar Little Branch in New York City, this drink is a modern classic riff on the "Remember the Maine" cocktail. It follows a tradition of naming robust, whiskey-based drinks after historical battles or slogans. The drink quickly gained favor among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for its balanced complexity and memorable flavor profile.
Origin
Created at Little Branch, New York City, USA, in the early 2000s.

Remember the Alamo

The drink is consistently known by its original name, 'Remember the Alamo', and does not have common alternative names.
Original name
Remember the Alamo

Characteristics overview

This is a rich and silky cocktail with a deep amber hue, offering a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with a long, warming finish. Its aromas of orange and spice make it feel particularly suited for cooler weather.
Flavor
Spicy, bittersweet, nutty, dried fruit, herbal, complex, whiskey-forward
Aroma
Orange oil, baking spices, rye grain, dark caramel, sherry funk
Taste balance
Bittersweet, spirituous
Aftertaste
Long, warming, herbal, spicy
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep amber, mahogany, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, rich
Seasonality
Warming, autumnal, wintery, year-round sipper

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-intensive drink, characterized by a prominent alcohol presence, moderate bitterness, and subtle sweetness. It is not sour, spicy, or creamy, delivering a bold and complex taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires three key spirits: Rye Whiskey, Amaro Lucano, and Oloroso Sherry. A dash of Angostura bitters completes the recipe.
  • Rye Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A high-rye or 100-proof rye adds a pleasant spicy character.
  • Amaro Lucano22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    If unavailable, another bittersweet Italian amaro like Amaro Montenegro or Ramazzotti can be substituted, though it will alter the profile.
  • Oloroso Sherry22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Adds nutty and dried fruit notes. Do not substitute with a dry Fino or sweet PX sherry.
  • Angostura Bitters1 dash
    Essential for binding the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard stirring equipment: a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger, and a strainer. This drink is stirred, not shaken.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the cocktail
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for straining into the glass

Instructions

To prepare, chill a coupe glass, then combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into the prepared glass and garnish with an expressed orange twist.
1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or Nick & Nora) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add all ingredients—rye whiskey, Amaro Lucano, Oloroso sherry, and a dash of Angostura bitters—to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with large, cold ice cubes.
4. Stir briskly with a bar spoon for about 20-25 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh orange peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it pith-side down, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh orange twist. Expressing the orange oils over the surface of the drink before garnishing adds a crucial aromatic dimension.
  • Orange twist: Express the oils over the drink's surface and drop it in or place it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This drink is typically dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. However, due to the rye whiskey, it may not be suitable for those with severe gluten sensitivities, and the sherry's nutty notes could be a consideration for some allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 210-240 calories per serving, with around 10 grams of carbohydrates, almost all of which are sugars from the amaro and sherry.
Calories
Averagely 210-240 kcal / 880-1000 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal cocktail for a relaxed evening, perfect for sipping slowly. It serves wonderfully as a pre-dinner aperitif or a contemplative after-dinner digestif.
  • Evening Sipping
  • Cocktail Hour
  • After Dinner Drink
  • Cozy Night In

Pairing suggestions

The complex, bittersweet profile of the Remember the Alamo pairs well with savory and rich foods. It's excellent alongside a charcuterie board, aged cheeses, or simply a bowl of high-quality olives or smoked almonds.
  • Cured meats and charcuterie boards
  • Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged Gouda
  • Dark chocolate
  • Smoked nuts or olives

Remember the Alamo: A Modern Classic Sipper

The Remember the Alamo is a stellar example of a modern classic cocktail that feels timeless. It's a spirit-forward drink that rewards slow sipping, revealing layers of spicy rye, bittersweet herbs, and nutty sherry with each taste. Perfect for enthusiasts of drinks like the Manhattan or Boulevardier, it offers a unique and satisfying complexity that is both elegant and bold. A true connoisseur's cocktail, it's a testament to balanced, thoughtful mixology.

Similar Cocktails

Remember the Maine

The original inspiration. It uses rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and a dash of absinthe.

Manhattan

A classic whiskey cocktail featuring rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The Remember the Alamo swaps vermouth for amaro and sherry.

Boulevardier

Often described as a whiskey Negroni, it uses bourbon or rye, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Black Manhattan

A popular Manhattan variation that replaces sweet vermouth with a bittersweet amaro, like Averna.

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