The Slope
The Slope is a modern classic cocktail that beautifully showcases the spicy character of rye whiskey. Created by renowned bartender Julie Reiner, it combines rye with the stone fruit sweetness of apricot liqueur and the complex herbal notes of dry vermouth. A dash of Angostura bitters ties all the flavors together, resulting in a balanced, elegant, and contemplative sipper.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Slope is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It emerged during the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s and has since earned a respected place in the modern cocktail canon. It is considered a spirit-forward, stirred cocktail.
Serving
Served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this cold, spirit-forward cocktail has a significant but balanced alcohol presence.
Serving size
Approximately 110 ml / 3.75 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This cocktail was created by Julie Reiner for the opening menu of her iconic bar, Clover Club, in Brooklyn, New York, around 2008. It is named after the Park Slope neighborhood where the bar is located. The drink quickly became a favorite among regulars and a respected example of the modern cocktail renaissance.
Origin
United States, Brooklyn, New York, circa 2008.
The Slope
The drink's name, "The Slope," is a direct tribute to the Park Slope neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. This is where its creator, Julie Reiner, opened the renowned Clover Club bar. There are no common alternative names for this modern classic.
Original name
The Slope
Alternative name
Slope Cocktail
Characteristics overview
The Slope presents a spicy, fruity aroma leading to a silky, spirit-forward palate where rye is balanced by sweet apricot and dry, herbal vermouth. Its appearance is a clear, inviting amber, making it perfect for year-round sipping.
Flavor
rye spice, stone fruit, apricot, herbal, subtly sweet, bitter finish
Aroma
aromatic bitters, spicy whiskey, faint apricot, orange oils
Taste balance
spirit-forward, balanced, bittersweet
Aftertaste
lingering spice, dry, clean, herbal
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
amber, golden-brown, clear
Texture
silky, smooth, slightly viscous
Seasonality
year-round, warming, autumnal
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a spirit-forward drink with a moderate flavor intensity, where the spiciness of the rye and bitterness from bitters are balanced by the subtle fruitiness of apricot liqueur. The alcohol strength is noticeable but well-integrated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires four key ingredients: a spicy rye whiskey as the base, a sweet apricot liqueur, a touch of dry vermouth for herbal complexity, and a dash of Angostura bitters to tie it all together.
- Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 ouncesA high-rye, 100-proof whiskey like Rittenhouse is often recommended.
- Apricot Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 ouncesBrands like Rothman & Winter or Giffard Abricot du Roussillon work well.
- Dry Vermouth7.5 ml / 0.25 ouncesA quality French dry vermouth such as Dolin Dry is preferred.
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters1 dashA single dash is enough to add complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
To prepare The Slope, you'll need standard bar equipment for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass for stirring the cocktail
- Jigger for accurate measurement of ingredients
- Bar spoon for stirring
- Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) to hold back the ice when pouring
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, stirring the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, and then straining into the prepared glass. The final touch is garnishing with an expressed orange peel.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Combine rye whiskey, apricot liqueur, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with large, clear ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for approximately 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. If you used ice water to chill your serving glass, discard it.
6. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the chilled coupe glass.
7. Take a fresh orange peel and express its oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it with the peel-side facing the drink.
8. Drop the orange peel into the glass as a garnish and serve immediately.
Garnishing
The Slope is traditionally garnished with an orange twist. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink's surface adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors.
- Orange Twist: Express the oils over the drink surface and then drop it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is vegan and free from dairy, eggs, and caffeine, but it is not considered gluten-free due to the rye whiskey base. While distillation removes most gluten proteins, those with high sensitivity should be cautious.
✓ 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, primarily from the alcohol and apricot liqueur, and contains a relatively low amount of carbohydrates and sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
The Slope is an excellent choice for sophisticated sipping occasions, such as a pre-dinner aperitif or an evening drink at a cocktail party. Its elegant and spirit-forward nature makes it ideal for moments that call for a well-crafted cocktail.
- Evening Drink
- Cocktail Party
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Sophisticated Sipping
Pairing suggestions
The Slope's spirit-forward and subtly sweet profile pairs well with savory and salty snacks. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board, aged hard cheeses, or a simple bowl of mixed nuts or olives to complement its complex flavors.
- Salty nuts
- Charcuterie board
- Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda
- Olives
The Slope: A Modern Classic from Brooklyn
The Slope is an elegant, rye-forward modern classic from New York's famed Clover Club. It masterfully balances the spice of rye whiskey with the delicate sweetness of apricot liqueur and the botanical notes of dry vermouth. Served chilled and up in a coupe glass with an orange twist, it's a sophisticated sipper perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted, spirit-driven cocktail. It represents the best of the cocktail renaissance: simple, balanced, and delicious.
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