The Atty

The Atty is a sophisticated and lesser-known classic from the Savoy Cocktail Book. It's a beautifully balanced stirred drink that combines the botanical notes of gin with dry vermouth. The addition of crème de violette lends a lovely floral sweetness and a subtle hue, while a dash of absinthe provides an intriguing herbal complexity and a whisper of anise on the finish.
The Atty

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Atty is a classic cocktail from the pre-Prohibition era. It falls into the category of stirred, aromatic gin cocktails, similar in structure to a Martini but with unique floral and herbal modifiers.

Serving

Served chilled and straight up in a coupe or cocktail glass, The Atty is a potent but elegant drink. Its alcohol content is significant, characteristic of classic stirred cocktails.
Serving size
approx. 90-120 ml / 3-4 oz
Alcohol content
approx. 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Atty first appeared in Harry Craddock's famous "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. The name is widely believed to be an abbreviation for "attorney," suggesting it was considered a suitable and refined drink for a member of the legal profession. Its creation is rooted in the early 20th century's fascination with new and exotic liqueurs like crème de violette and absinthe.
Origin
The recipe was published in London, England in 1930 in "The Savoy Cocktail Book". The exact creator is unknown, but its inclusion in this iconic book cemented its place in cocktail history, albeit as a more obscure classic.

The Atty

The drink is primarily known as 'The Atty' or 'Atty Cocktail'. The name is believed to be a shortened form of 'Attorney', suggesting a sophisticated drink for a person of the legal profession.
Original name
The Atty
Alternative name
Atty Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Atty is an aromatic and floral cocktail with a smooth texture and a dry, complex taste profile. Its pale, violet-tinged appearance is as elegant as its long, clean, herbal finish.
Flavor
floral, herbal, botanical, crisp, complex, hint of anise
Aroma
aromatic, floral, gin botanicals, herbal
Taste balance
dry, slightly sweet, herbal
Aftertaste
long, clean, floral, herbal
Fizziness
still, none
Color appearance
pale, clear, slight violet or greyish hue
Texture
smooth, silky, medium-bodied
Seasonality
refreshing, all-season, elegant

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense and alcohol-forward, characterized by a low sweetness and a complex interplay of herbal and floral notes rather than fruitiness or spice.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key alcoholic ingredients: an equal-parts base of dry gin and dry vermouth, modified with small amounts of absinthe and crème de violette.
  • Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic London Dry Gin works beautifully here.
  • Dry Vermouth45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Use a fresh, quality French dry vermouth.
  • Absinthe2 dashes or 1.25 ml / 0.25 teaspoon
    Just a small amount is needed for its aromatic complexity; an absinthe rinse of the glass is an alternative.
  • Crème de Violette2 dashes or 1.25 ml / 0.25 teaspoon
    This provides the signature floral note and subtle color.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring

Mixing equipments

Standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail are needed, including a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for combining and chilling ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for pouring into the glass.

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling the serving glass, combining all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stirring until cold, and straining into the glass. The final touch is a lemon twist garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, dry vermouth, absinthe, and crème de violette to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express its oils, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's floral and herbal notes.
  • Lemon Twist: Express the oils over the drink's surface and drop it in or place it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Atty is a relatively low-calorie cocktail for its strength, with minimal carbohydrates and sugar, primarily coming from the vermouth and liqueurs.
Calories
Averagely 170-190 kcal / 711-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 3-4 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 3-4 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal pre-dinner aperitif or a sophisticated choice for a cocktail party. Its elegant and complex profile makes it perfect for moments that call for a classic, refined drink.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Classic Cocktail Night

Pairing suggestions

Its dry, herbal, and aromatic profile pairs well with light, savory appetizers. Oysters, mild cheeses, or a simple bowl of high-quality olives complement its flavors without overpowering them.
  • Oysters
  • Mild cheeses
  • Olives and nuts
  • Light appetizers

The Atty: A Forgotten Classic for the Discerning Drinker

The Atty is a forgotten gem from the golden age of cocktails, perfect for those who appreciate a gin-forward, aromatic drink. It offers a more complex and floral alternative to a classic Martini, with the crème de violette and absinthe adding layers of intrigue. While its ingredients may require a bit of searching, the reward is a uniquely sophisticated and elegant cocktail. It's an ideal choice for expanding one's classic cocktail repertoire.

Similar Cocktails

Aviation

The Aviation uses gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. It is shaken and has a sour profile, whereas The Atty is stirred and spirit-forward.

Martinez

A precursor to the Martini, it typically uses Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, making it a sweeter and richer counterpart.

Jupiter Cocktail

Another gin and dry vermouth cocktail, but it uses Parfait Amour and orange juice, resulting in a different floral and citrus profile.

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