Veep Cocktail
The Veep Cocktail is a bold, spirit-forward drink that showcases the beautiful interplay of smoky mezcal with bitter and herbal liqueurs. It is a contemplative sipper, where each ingredient—mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Cynar, and dry vermouth—plays a distinct and crucial role. The result is a complex, layered, and deeply satisfying cocktail that is both challenging and rewarding to the palate. It is perfect for those who appreciate drinks like the Negroni or Bijou but are seeking a modern twist with an agave spirit base.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Veep is classified as a modern classic cocktail, valued for its complex, spirit-forward profile. It is often enjoyed as a digestif due to its herbal and bitter components from Cynar and Chartreuse. It fits squarely within the category of stirred, agave-based drinks.
Serving
The Veep is a spirit-forward cocktail served cold and straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its alcohol content is significant, making it a potent sipper.
Serving size
Approx. 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Nick & Nora
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Created by bartender Derek Brown around 2012 at the Columbia Room in Washington, D.C., the Veep Cocktail is a tribute to its political hometown. The drink's complex and somewhat bracing character was said to mirror the intricate nature of politics. It quickly gained acclaim within the craft cocktail community as a masterclass in balancing strong, assertive flavors.
Origin
Washington, D.C., USA, circa 2012. It is a distinctly modern creation that reflects the contemporary renaissance of classic cocktail structures with new spirit combinations.
Veep Cocktail
The drink is consistently known as the Veep Cocktail or simply The Veep. The name is a nod to its creation in Washington, D.C., referencing the office of the Vice President.
Original name
Veep Cocktail
Alternative name
The Veep
Characteristics overview
This cocktail presents a complex symphony of smoky and herbal aromas, leading to a silky, bitter-forward flavor with an earthy depth. The aftertaste is long and lingering, making it a perfect contemplative sipper for any time of year.
Flavor
Smoky, Herbal, Bitter, Earthy, Vegetal, Complex
Aroma
Smoky Agave, Alpine Herbs, Lemon Oils, Botanical
Taste balance
Bitter, Slightly Sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Lingering, Herbal, Bitter, Smoky
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep Amber, Greenish-Brown Hue, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
Year-round, Leans towards Autumn/Winter
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Veep is intensely flavorful, dominated by bitterness and a high alcohol strength, with very low sweetness and no fruitiness or creaminess. It is a bold, spirit-driven cocktail for experienced palates.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This is a four-ingredient cocktail requiring smoky mezcal as the base, complemented by the bitter amaro Cynar, the powerful herbal liqueur Green Chartreuse, and a small amount of dry vermouth.
- Mezcal45 ml / 1.5 ozAn espadín mezcal with a moderate smoke level works best to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cynar22.5 ml / 0.75 ozProvides the distinctive bittersweet, vegetal, and artichoke notes.
- Green Chartreuse15 ml / 0.5 ozAdds intense herbal complexity, sweetness, and high proof.
- Dry Vermouth7.5 ml / 0.25 ozAdds a touch of dryness, floral notes, and helps to bind the other strong flavors together.
Ice type
- Cubed (for stirring)
Mixing equipments
You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients.
- Bar spoon for stirring.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
- Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) to strain the drink.
Instructions
Preparation is straightforward: chill a glass, combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until cold, and strain into the chilled glass. Garnish by expressing a lemon twist over the drink.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer.
2. Add all ingredients—mezcal, Cynar, Green Chartreuse, and dry vermouth—to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-25 seconds until the drink is well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh peel of lemon, express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it pith-side down, and then drop it into the glass or place it on the rim.
Garnishing
The drink is garnished simply with a lemon twist. The oils should be expressed over the surface of the drink to add a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's complexity.
- Lemon twist, expressed over the drink and used as a garnish.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, and soy, making it suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with most calories coming from the alcohol and the sugar content of the liqueurs. It has a relatively low carbohydrate and sugar count compared to fruit-juice-heavy drinks.
Calories
Averagely 210-240 kcal / 880-1005 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an ideal drink for a quiet evening or as an after-dinner digestif. Its sophisticated profile also makes it suitable for cocktail parties or any occasion that calls for a serious, contemplative drink.
- Evening Sipping
- After Dinner
- Cocktail Hour
- Sophisticated Gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The Veep's bold, bitter, and smoky profile pairs well with strong, savory flavors. It stands up beautifully to the richness of dark chocolate, the saltiness of aged cheeses and cured meats, or the brininess of olives. These pairings complement the drink's complexity without being overpowered.
- Dark Chocolate
- Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino
- Cured meats (charcuterie)
- Olives
The Veep Cocktail: A Modern Sip of Smoky Sophistication
The Veep Cocktail is a testament to modern mixology, a sophisticated and spirit-forward creation that balances smoke, bitterness, and herbal intensity. Invented in Washington, D.C., its complex character is perfect for seasoned cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy a contemplative sipper. Combining mezcal, Cynar, Green Chartreuse, and dry vermouth, it is stirred and served up in a coupe. This drink is an excellent choice for an after-dinner digestif or a moment of quiet reflection.
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