Sharpie Moustache

The Sharpie Moustache is a complex and intriguing cocktail that masterfully balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey against the intensely herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca. The sweetness and nutty character of orgeat syrup smooths the edges, while fresh lemon juice and mint provide a bright, aromatic lift. It's a shaken drink, served up, that offers a layered tasting experience for the adventurous palate.
Sharpie Moustache

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Sharpie Moustache is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It emerged from the craft cocktail revival of the 2000s and is recognized for its unique combination of ingredients and balanced, complex flavor profile.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward drink served cold and straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It delivers a potent but balanced alcoholic character without ice in the serving glass.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartenders Jim Meehan and John Deragon at the acclaimed New York City bar PDT (Please Don't Tell) around 2009. The name is a playful nod to the distinct, bold character of the drink, reminiscent of a sharply drawn mustache. It quickly became a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward yet refreshing drink.
Origin
This cocktail originated around 2009 at the Please Don't Tell (PDT) bar in New York City, USA. It is a product of the modern craft cocktail movement, showcasing inventive uses of classic and modern ingredients.

Sharpie Moustache

The drink is consistently known by its unique name, "Sharpie Moustache," and does not have any common alternative names or aliases. It was created at the New York bar PDT and the name reflects its bold and distinct character.
Original name
Sharpie Moustache

Characteristics overview

It boasts a complex aroma of mint and spice, leading to a balanced taste where rye's spice, Fernet's bitterness, and orgeat's sweetness interplay beautifully. The texture is smooth with a long, cooling herbal finish.
Flavor
Herbal, Spicy, Minty, Nutty, Tart, Complex
Aroma
Mint, Menthol, Baking spices, Almond, Anise
Taste balance
Bitter, Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Cooling, Herbal, Complex
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep amber, Brownish-gold, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink presents a high-intensity flavor profile, led by a strong bitterness from Fernet-Branca and noticeable alcohol strength from the rye. This is balanced by moderate sourness and spice, with sweetness playing a supporting role.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires spicy rye whiskey, the distinctly bitter Fernet-Branca, and nutty orgeat syrup. Fresh lemon juice and mint leaves are essential for balancing the profile.
  • Rye Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A 100-proof (50% ABV) rye like Rittenhouse is often recommended to stand up to the other bold ingredients.
  • Fernet-Branca15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This specific Italian amaro is key to the drink's signature bitter and mentholated profile.
  • Orgeat Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A sweet almond syrup with a hint of orange or rose water. Quality orgeat makes a significant difference.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • Mint Leaves6-8 leaves
    Used in the shaker to infuse the drink with fresh mint flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and two strainers (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) for a clean, smooth pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining to remove mint flecks.

Instructions

The method involves shaking all ingredients with ice to chill, dilute, and infuse the mint flavor. It is then double-strained into a chilled glass to ensure a smooth texture free of ice shards or mint particles.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the mint leaves to the bottom of your cocktail shaker.
3. Add the rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca, orgeat, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker tin three-quarters full with cubed ice.
5. Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside is frosted and well-chilled.
6. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
7. Garnish with a slapped fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The sole garnish is a fresh mint sprig, which should be 'woken up' by slapping it to enhance the aroma and overall sensory experience of the drink.
  • A fresh mint sprig, slapped gently between your palms to release its aromatic oils before placing it in the glass.

Dietary Information

This is a vegan and dairy-free cocktail, but it contains almonds from the orgeat syrup, making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies. It is not considered gluten-free due to the rye whiskey base.
✓ 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, mainly from the alcohol and the orgeat syrup. Its carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a sour-style cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

With its complex and bold flavor profile, the Sharpie Moustache is an excellent choice for a sophisticated cocktail party or as an after-dinner digestif. It serves well as a thoughtful nightcap for those who appreciate herbal, spirit-forward drinks.
  • Cocktail Party
  • After-Dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Nightcap

Pairing suggestions

The Sharpie Moustache pairs well with bold and savory flavors that can stand up to its intensity. Consider serving it with a charcuterie board, rich cheeses, or dark chocolate to complement its bitter and herbal notes. Salty and spicy snacks also work well to contrast its profile.
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Dark chocolate (70% or higher)
  • Spicy roasted nuts
  • Rich, hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan

The Sharpie Moustache: A Bold Stroke of Genius

The Sharpie Moustache is a sophisticated modern cocktail from the legendary New York bar, PDT. It's a spirit-forward drink that masterfully balances the spiciness of rye whiskey with the intense herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca. Sweetened with nutty orgeat and brightened with lemon and mint, it offers a complex, refreshing, and memorable drinking experience. It's an ideal choice for adventurous drinkers looking to explore beyond the basics of classic cocktails.

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