Inspired by William "Cocktail Bill" Boothby and his Ruby Cocktail, here's a new drink which pertly rules the center of the bitter/sweet/tart Venn diagram.
This rich burgundy-colored cocktail, in its royal form, is ideal for holiday parties. You can make it in batch in advance, then simply serve from the chilled bottles, garnish, and brighten with a pour of champagne on top.
Sweet William
3 oz Bitter Truth sloe gin*
3 oz regular ol' sweet vermouth (e.g., Martini & Rossi, Cinzano)
1/16 oz Cherry Heering
scant 1/16 oz Parfait Amour**
3 dashes orange bitters
Chill and serve to a few friends, garnishing with an orange twist.
With a champagne float, it's a Sweet King William, and delicious.
*If using another, sweeter brand, use less of the two liqueurs.
** If you don't have this, do not buy a bottle—you will never ever use it up—just put in a little more Cherry Heering.
Remember: if making it for a party and then chilling the bottles (rather than stirring with ice and adding dilution that way as you would when mixing on demand), add water before bottling; 3 parts ingredients to 1 part water. Yep, good cocktails really are 25% dilution.
Recent Comments