Rosalind Russell

The Rosalind Russell is an elegant and complex sipper that pays homage to its Golden Age Hollywood namesake. It artfully combines the spicy character of rye whiskey with the crisp, botanical notes of dry vermouth. The addition of Bénédictine liqueur introduces a unique layer of honeyed herbs, creating a drink that is both strong and nuanced, perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, classic-style cocktail.
Rosalind Russell

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Rosalind Russell is classified as a classic, spirit-forward cocktail. It belongs to the stirred family of drinks, similar in style and preparation to a Manhattan or a Martinez.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward drink served cold and 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, with a relatively high alcohol content.
Serving size
Approx. 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Named in honor of the witty and sophisticated American actress Rosalind Russell, famous for her roles in films like 'His Girl Friday' and 'Auntie Mame'. The cocktail reflects her on-screen persona: elegant, strong, and complex. It is believed to have been created during the mid-20th century, at the height of her fame.
Origin
United States, circa mid-20th century. The exact creator and location are not well-documented, but it's part of a tradition of naming drinks after celebrities of the era.

Rosalind Russell

The cocktail is consistently known as the Rosalind Russell, sometimes with 'Cocktail' appended. It is named directly after the famous American actress of the same name.
Original name
Rosalind Russell
Alternative name
Rosalind Russell Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Rosalind Russell has a silky texture and a complex, herbal flavor profile driven by spicy rye and sweet Bénédictine, with a warming, clean aftertaste. It is a clear, amber-colored cocktail best enjoyed any time of year.
Flavor
Herbal, Spicy, Semi-sweet, Botanical, Complex
Aroma
Whiskey spice, Herbal, Hint of honey, Lemon oils
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Dry, Hint of sweetness
Aftertaste
Warming, Long, Herbal, Clean
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, Golden-brown, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
Year-round, Slightly warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a strong, spirit-forward drink with moderate sweetness and rye spice, balanced by herbal complexity and a touch of bitterness. It is not sour, salty, creamy, or carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key liquid ingredients: a base of spicy rye whiskey, dry vermouth, the herbal liqueur Bénédictine, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
  • Rye Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A high-rye bourbon or Canadian whisky can be substituted.
  • Dry Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Ensure it's fresh; store opened bottles in the refrigerator.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A key ingredient for the unique herbal and honeyed sweetness.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters1 dash
    Adds complexity and binds the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to prepare this cocktail.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the drink.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) to hold back ice.

Instructions

To make the Rosalind Russell, chill a coupe glass, then stir all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain the chilled liquid into the prepared glass and garnish with an expressed lemon peel.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled serving glass.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a lemon peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it, and then use it as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist serves as the garnish, with its oils expressed over the surface to add a bright citrus aroma.
  • Lemon twist expressed over the drink and dropped in or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is caffeine, dairy, egg, soy, and nut free. While rye whiskey is distilled from gluten grains, the final spirit is considered gluten-free by many standards, but those with sensitivities should be cautious.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of this cocktail contains approximately 210 calories and about 10 grams of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the Bénédictine liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 200-220 kcal / 837-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal for a classic cocktail hour, as an elegant pre-dinner aperitif, or for any sophisticated social gathering. Its connection to classic Hollywood also makes it a perfect choice for a movie night.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Classic Movie Night

Pairing suggestions

This spirit-forward cocktail pairs well with savory and rich foods. Consider serving it with a cheese plate, charcuterie, smoked nuts, or a piece of high-quality dark chocolate to complement its complex flavors.
  • Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or Gruyère.
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats.
  • Salted or smoked nuts.
  • Dark chocolate.

The Rosalind Russell: A Star-Studded Classic Cocktail

The Rosalind Russell is a timeless and elegant cocktail that stands as a tribute to its Golden Age Hollywood namesake. It's a stirred, spirit-forward drink built on a foundation of spicy rye whiskey, beautifully complemented by dry vermouth and the unique herbal sweetness of Bénédictine liqueur. Served chilled in a coupe glass with a lemon twist, it offers a sophisticated and complex sipping experience. This drink is perfect for lovers of classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Martinez who are looking for a delightful and less-common variation.

Similar Cocktails

Manhattan

Uses sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth and omits the Bénédictine.

Bobby Burns

Uses Scotch whisky as the base and sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth, but also includes Bénédictine.

Vieux Carré

A more complex New Orleans classic using rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both Peychaud's and Angostura bitters.

Martinez

Traditionally uses Old Tom Gin instead of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur instead of Bénédictine.

Brooklyn

Features rye and dry vermouth, but uses maraschino liqueur and an amaro instead of Bénédictine.

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