Adonis

A low-proof aperitif of equal parts fino sherry and sweet vermouth, lifted by orange bitters and stirred to a clear, silky chill. Born at New York's original Waldorf-Astoria in the mid-1880s, it took its name from the 1884 Broadway show Adonis, the first to run past 500 performances. The 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book records a drier 2:1 sherry-to-vermouth pour; the modern equal-parts version is nutty, gently bittersweet, and endlessly drinkable.

AperitivoClassicLow ABV

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ozFino Sherry
  • 1.5 ozSweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashOrange Bitters

Garnish: Orange Peel

Preparation

Stirred · Coupe · None

  1. 1.

    add

    Add the fino sherry, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.

  2. 2.

    stir

    Stir until well chilled and properly diluted; do not shake — stirring keeps the drink clear and silky.

  3. 3.

    strain

    Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.

  4. 4.

    garnish

    Express an orange twist over the surface and drop it in.

Flavor Profile

bitter
32%
herbal
30%
body
30%
earthy
29%
funky
29%
fruity
25%