The Modernista

The Modernista is a sophisticated cocktail that balances the smoky and malty notes of blended Scotch with the funky, aromatic sweetness of Swedish Punsch. Fresh lemon juice provides a sour backbone, while dashes of absinthe and orange bitters add layers of herbal and citrus complexity. It is a well-structured drink for those who appreciate nuanced flavors and historical cocktails that tell a story.
The Modernista

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Modernista is classified as a classic sour-style cocktail. Its structure, combining a base spirit, a sour element, and a sweet element, fits perfectly within the sour category. It is typically served as an aperitif or a sophisticated evening drink.

Serving

Served "straight up" in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a compact, spirit-forward cocktail. Its alcohol content is noticeable but elegantly integrated into the complex flavor profile.
Serving size
Approximately 3.5-4 oz / 105-120 ml
Alcohol content
Estimated 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Modernista first appeared in Harry Craddock's influential "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. Its name reflects the Modernist art and cultural movement of the early 20th century, suggesting a drink that was contemporary and forward-thinking for its time. The use of Swedish Punsch, a now-obscure liqueur, places it firmly in a specific era of cocktail creation, offering a taste of history.
Origin
United Kingdom, circa 1930. The recipe was published at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar in London, a hub of cocktail innovation during that period.

The Modernista

The drink is consistently known as "The Modernista" or "Modernista Cocktail". It originates from the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book and does not have any significant alternative names or translations. Its name reflects the Modernist art movement of the era.
Original name
The Modernista
Alternative name
Modernista Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Modernista presents a complex harmony of smoky Scotch, spicy Swedish Punsch, and bright lemon, with a subtle herbal aroma from absinthe. It has a smooth texture and a long, warming aftertaste.
Flavor
Complex, smoky, spicy, sweet, tart, herbal
Aroma
Citrus, anise, arrack, malt, spice
Taste balance
Balanced, sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Long, complex, warming, herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Hazy, pale gold, light yellow
Texture
Smooth, crisp
Seasonality
All-season, refreshing yet complex

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, balancing sour citrus against the unique spicy-sweet notes of Swedish Punsch and the maltiness of Scotch. The alcohol provides a pleasant warmth without being overwhelming.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are blended Scotch whisky, the unique Swedish Punsch liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Absinthe and orange bitters are crucial for adding aromatic complexity.
  • Blended Scotch Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality blended Scotch with a hint of smoke works best.
  • Swedish Punsch15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A key ingredient that is difficult to substitute. It is an arrack-based liqueur with spices.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Absinthe2 dashes
    Use sparingly as its anise flavor is very potent. A rinse or an atomizer spray can also be used.
  • Orange Bitters2 dashes
    Adds a layer of citrus complexity and helps tie the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set for mixing and chilling. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, and double-straining with both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer results in a smooth, professional texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining

Instructions

The method is a standard "shake and double-strain" technique. All ingredients are shaken with ice, then strained into a pre-chilled coupe glass, ensuring a cold and smooth drink without ice shards.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the blended Scotch, Swedish Punsch, fresh lemon juice, absinthe, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the cocktail from the shaker into the chilled glass to remove any ice shards.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and squeeze it to express the citrus oils onto the surface.
8. Garnish with the lemon twist and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink's surface is a critical step, as it adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors.
  • Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink's surface before dropping it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and is generally considered gluten-free as it uses distilled spirits.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 180 kcal per serving, primarily from the alcohol and the Swedish Punsch. Its sugar and carbohydrate content is relatively low for a sour-style drink.
Calories
Averagely 170-190 kcal / 711-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent pre-dinner aperitif or a sophisticated choice for a cocktail party. Its complex and unique flavor profile makes it a great conversation starter for enthusiasts looking to try something different.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Evening Drink
  • Pre-dinner Aperitif

Pairing suggestions

The Modernista's complex, slightly smoky, and tart profile pairs well with savory and rich appetizers. Consider serving it with smoked salmon, charcuterie boards, or mild, creamy cheeses that won't overpower the drink's nuanced flavors. Its acidity also makes it a great match for briny oysters.
  • Smoked Salmon Blinis
  • Mild Cheeses like Brie or Camembert
  • Oysters on the half shell
  • Charcuterie Board

The Modernista: A Taste of Art Deco Sophistication

The Modernista is a sophisticated classic cocktail from the 1930s that offers a unique taste experience. It beautifully marries the familiar character of blended Scotch with the exotic, spicy sweetness of Swedish Punsch, all brightened by fresh lemon juice. Accents of absinthe and orange bitters add aromatic depth, making it a memorable and well-balanced sour. It is an excellent choice for cocktail aficionados looking to explore drinks beyond the usual standards and experience a piece of cocktail history.

Similar Cocktails

Penicillin

Uses ginger liqueur and a honey-ginger syrup instead of Swedish Punsch, and is often floated with a peated Islay Scotch.

Blood and Sand

Also uses Scotch, but combines it with sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice for a sweeter, fruitier profile.

Artist's Special Cocktail

Another Scotch sour, but it uses Oloroso sherry and redcurrant syrup for a different kind of fruity sweetness and nutty depth.

Morning Glory Fizz

A Scotch sour that also features absinthe, but it includes egg white for texture and is served long with soda water.

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