T.N.T. Cocktail

The T.N.T. Cocktail is a bold and herbaceous drink with a surprisingly refreshing quality, living up to its explosive name. The spicy, smooth notes of Canadian whisky provide a solid backbone for the powerful anise and wormwood character of absinthe. Fresh lemon juice provides a sharp, sour counterpoint, all tied together with a hint of aromatic bitters, creating a complex yet balanced flavor profile for the adventurous palate.
T.N.T. Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The T.N.T. is classified as a classic cocktail, having been recorded in the early 20th century. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks due to its core structure of a base spirit, a sour element (lemon juice), and a modifying liqueur (absinthe).

Serving

Served cold and straight up in a pre-chilled coupe glass, this is a potent, spirit-forward cocktail with a significant alcohol content. It is a relatively small but powerful drink meant for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

First appearing in Harry Craddock's legendary "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930, the T.N.T. Cocktail's name is a clear warning of its formidable potency. The combination of whisky and absinthe was popular in the early 20th century, capturing the era's taste for strong, complex flavors. This drink is a prime example of that style, a historical artifact that still offers a thrilling experience.
Origin
The cocktail's precise origin is unknown, but it was likely created in the United States or England during the early 20th century. Its first known publication in "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930 cemented its place in the classic cocktail canon.

T.N.T. Cocktail

The drink is primarily known as the T.N.T. Cocktail, a name that alludes to its potent character, like the explosive trinitrotoluene. Some historical texts may refer to it as T.N.T. No. 1. This distinguishes it from other similarly named, powerful concoctions from the same era.
Original name
T.N.T. Cocktail
Alternative name
T.N.T. No. 1

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a bold aroma of anise and bright lemon, leading to a complex flavor profile where whisky spice meets powerful herbal notes and sharp citrus. The aftertaste is long and warming with a smooth, clean texture.
Flavor
Anise, herbal, spicy, tart, complex, bold
Aroma
Strong anise, lemon zest, whiskey spice, herbaceous
Taste balance
Sour, strong spirit, herbal bitterness
Aftertaste
Long, warming, anise, lingering spice
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow-green, slightly cloudy
Texture
Smooth, crisp, clean
Seasonality
Year-round, refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense and spirit-forward, dominated by sour and spicy notes with a distinct herbal bitterness. It is a strong, still drink with very little sweetness or fruitiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a base of Canadian or rye whisky, complemented by a small but powerful measure of absinthe, fresh lemon juice, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.
  • Canadian Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality Canadian Club or a spicy rye whiskey works well as the base.
  • Absinthe7.5 ml / 1/4 oz
    A traditional verte (green) absinthe is preferred for its color and complexity.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 1/2 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best taste and acidic balance.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    Adds a layer of aromatic spice that binds the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer to properly prepare and serve this drink without ice shards.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
  • Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer for a clean pour.

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling a coupe glass, shaking all liquid ingredients vigorously with ice, and then double-straining the mixture into the prepared glass. A final garnish with an expressed lemon twist completes the drink.
1. Prepare your serving glass by chilling it, either by filling it with ice and water or by placing it in a freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine the Canadian whisky, absinthe, fresh lemon juice, and Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, or until the exterior is thoroughly frosted and cold.
5. Discard the ice from your now-chilled serving glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
7. Cut a swath of lemon peel for the garnish. Twist it over the drink's surface to express the citrus oils, then drop it into the glass.

Garnishing

Garnish with a freshly cut lemon twist. Be sure to express its oils over the surface of the drink to add a bright, fragrant citrus aroma that complements the flavors.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. However, it is not considered gluten-free because whisky is derived from gluten-containing grains, though the distillation process removes most gluten proteins.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a spirit-forward drink with moderate calories, derived almost entirely from the alcohol content. It is very low in carbohydrates and sugar, containing only the small amount naturally present in lemon juice.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 4-5 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 3-4 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a strong and sophisticated drink, best suited as a sharp apéritif to awaken the palate before a meal. Its bold flavors also make it a standout choice for a classic cocktail party or any gathering of spirits enthusiasts.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering

Pairing suggestions

The T.N.T. Cocktail's bold, herbal, and sour profile pairs exceptionally well with briny and salty foods that can stand up to its intensity. Oysters are a classic companion to absinthe drinks. A platter of charcuterie, a simple bowl of high-quality olives, or some smoked nuts would also beautifully complement its character.
  • Oysters on the half shell
  • Salty cured meats (charcuterie)
  • Marinated olives
  • Smoked almonds

The T.N.T. Cocktail: An Explosive Classic

The T.N.T. Cocktail is a potent classic from the Savoy Cocktail Book that fully delivers on the promise of its explosive name. It masterfully balances the spiciness of Canadian whisky with the formidable herbal power of absinthe, all brought into sharp focus by the acidity of fresh lemon juice. This is not a drink for the faint of heart; it is a complex, aromatic, and deeply satisfying experience for those who appreciate spirit-forward cocktails. As a true connoisseur's choice, it serves as a delicious testament to the bold flavors of a bygone era.

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