If you are a fan of gin cocktails, you might want to try the ampersand cocktail, a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. This cocktail recipe combines Old Tom gin, cognac, and sweet vermouth in equal parts, seasoned with orange bitters and optionally orange liqueur. It has a rich and smooth taste with a hint of orange, and it is easy and quick to make with a mixing glass and a cocktail glass. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the ampersand cocktail, including its history, ingredients, recipe, variations, and tips.
What is an Ampersand Cocktail?
An ampersand cocktail is a stirred drink that consists of equal parts of Old Tom gin, cognac, and sweet vermouth, seasoned with orange bitters and optionally orange liqueur. It is served in a chilled cocktail glass, usually garnished with an orange twist. The name of the drink comes from the symbol “&”, which is also known as an ampersand. Some say that the name refers to the brand Martini & Rossi, which was likely the original vermouth used in the drink. Others say that the name implies that the drink is a combination of two popular gin cocktails: the martini (gin and dry vermouth) and the Tom Collins (gin and lemon juice).
The History of the Ampersand Cocktail
The ampersand cocktail is one of the oldest cocktails in existence, and its origins can be traced back to the 19th century. The first recorded mention of the drink was in 1888, in a book called American Bar-Tender by William Schmidt. Schmidt described the drink as follows:
“Ampersand
One-third Tom Gin
One-third Brandy
One-third Italian Vermouth
Two dashes Orange Bitters
Stir up well with ice; strain into cocktail glass; serve.”
The drink was also featured in other classic cocktail books, such as Harry Johnson’s Bartenders’ Manual (1900), The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), and The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book (1935). The latter book was written by Albert Stevens Crockett, who was a historian and journalist who collected recipes from the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Crockett’s version of the ampersand cocktail added a dash of Grand Marnier orange liqueur to the mix:
“Ampersand
Two dashes Orange Bitters
One-third Brandy
One-third Tom Gin
One-third Italian Vermouth
Stir; strain; two dashes of Grand Marnier on top”
The ampersand cocktail was popular during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), when alcohol was illegal in the United States. People would smuggle or make their own liquor, often of poor quality and taste. To mask the harshness of the spirits, they would mix them with other ingredients, such as vermouth, bitters, and liqueurs. The ampersand cocktail was one of these concoctions that helped people enjoy their drinks despite the low-quality alcohol.
The ampersand cocktail faded from popularity after Prohibition ended, as people had access to better-quality spirits and more variety of cocktails. However, it has recently experienced a revival, thanks to the interest in classic cocktails and craft bartending. Many modern bartenders have rediscovered and reinvented this drink, using different types of gin, brandy, vermouth, bitters, and liqueurs.
The Ingredients of the Ampersand Cocktail
The ampersand cocktail is a simple drink that only requires four or five ingredients, depending on whether you add orange liqueur or not. Here are the main ingredients of the drink and their roles:
Old Tom Gin
Old Tom gin is a style of gin that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, before London dry gin became the dominant style. Old Tom gin is sweeter and richer than London dry gin, as it is often sweetened with sugar or honey, and sometimes aged in barrels. It has a more pronounced juniper flavor and a smoother mouthfeel than London dry gin. Old Tom gin is essential for the ampersand cocktail, as it adds texture and sweetness to the drink. Some brands of Old Tom gin that you can use are Hayman’s, Tanqueray, Ransom, and Jensen’s.
Cognac
Cognac is a type of brandy that is made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. It is distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Cognac has a complex and refined flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Cognac adds depth and warmth to the ampersand cocktail, as well as a touch of elegance. Some brands of cognac that you can use are Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, and Martell.
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is flavored with various herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals. It has a sweet and bitter taste, with aromas of citrus, cherry, anise, clove, and cinnamon. Sweet vermouth adds balance and complexity to the ampersand cocktail, as well as a hint of color. Some brands of sweet vermouth that you can use are Carpano Antica, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Dolin Rouge, and Martini & Rossi.
Orange Bitters
Orange bitters are a type of aromatic bitters that are made from the peels and oils of bitter oranges, along with other ingredients such as gentian root, cardamom, coriander, and quinine. They have a bitter and citrusy flavor, with a floral and spicy aroma. Orange bitters add brightness and contrast to the ampersand cocktail, as well as a subtle orange note. Some brands of orange bitters that you can use are Angostura, Regans’, Fee Brothers, and Scrappy’s.
Orange Liqueur (Optional)
Orange liqueur is a type of liqueur that is made from the peels and oils of sweet or bitter oranges, along with sugar and alcohol. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, with a strong orange aroma. Orange liqueur is an optional ingredient for the ampersand cocktail, as some recipes include it and some do not. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and orange flavor to the drink. Some brands of orange liqueur that you can use are Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Combier, and Pierre Ferrand.
How to Make an Ampersand Cocktail
Making an ampersand cocktail is easy and quick. You only need a few basic tools and steps to prepare this drink.
The Equipment You Need
To make an ampersand cocktail, you will need the following equipment:
- A mixing glass: This is a large glass or metal container that you use to stir your ingredients with ice.
- A bar spoon: This is a long spoon with a twisted handle that you use to stir your ingredients in the mixing glass.
- A jigger: This is a measuring device that has two cones of different sizes connected by a handle. You use it to measure your ingredients in ounces or milliliters.
- A strainer: This is a metal device that has holes or slots that you use to strain your drink from the mixing glass into your serving glass.
- A cocktail glass: This is a stemmed glass with a cone-shaped bowl that you use to serve your drink.
The Steps to Follow
To make an ampersand cocktail, you will need to follow these steps:
- Fill your mixing glass with ice.
- Add 1 ounce (30 ml) of Old Tom gin to the mixing glass using your jigger.
- Add 1 ounce (30 ml) of cognac to the mixing glass using your jigger.
- Add 1 ounce (30 ml) of sweet vermouth to the mixing glass using your jigger.
- Add 2 dashes of orange bitters to the mixing glass using your bar spoon.
- Optionally, add a dash of orange liqueur to the mixing glass using your bar spoon.
- Stir the ingredients well with your bar spoon for about 15 seconds, or until the drink is well-chilled and diluted.
- Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass using your strainer.
- Garnish the drink with an orange twist by cutting a thin strip of orange peel, twisting it over the drink to release its oils, and dropping it into the glass. 10. Enjoy your ampersand cocktail!
Variations and Tips for the Ampersand Cocktail
The ampersand cocktail is a versatile drink that can be customized and tweaked according to your preferences and availability of ingredients. Here are some variations and tips for the ampersand cocktail:
How to Adjust the Sweetness and Strength of the Drink
The ampersand cocktail is a fairly sweet and strong drink, as it contains three equal parts of spirits and a dash of liqueur. If you find it too sweet or too strong for your taste, you can adjust it by changing the ratios of the ingredients or adding some water. For example:
- If you want a less sweet drink, you can reduce the amount of sweet vermouth or orange liqueur, or use a dryer vermouth or liqueur instead. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with some acidity.
- If you want a less strong drink, you can reduce the amount of gin or cognac, or use a lower-proof spirit instead. You can also add some water or club soda to dilute the drink and make it more refreshing.
How to Garnish the Drink
The traditional garnish for the ampersand cocktail is an orange twist, which adds a nice aroma and color to the drink. However, you can also experiment with other garnishes that complement the flavors of the drink. For example:
- You can use a lemon twist instead of an orange twist, which adds a more zesty and fresh aroma to the drink.
- You can use a cherry instead of an orange twist, which adds a more fruity and sweet flavor to the drink.
- You can use a sprig of mint instead of an orange twist, which adds a more herbal and refreshing touch to the drink.
Other Cocktails You Can Make with Similar Ingredients
The ampersand cocktail is a great drink to make if you have gin, brandy, vermouth, bitters, and liqueur in your bar. However, you can also use these ingredients to make other delicious cocktails that have different flavors and styles. For example:
- You can make a martini by mixing London dry gin and dry vermouth in a 2:1 ratio, seasoned with orange bitters, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
- You can make a Manhattan by mixing whiskey and sweet vermouth in a 2:1 ratio, seasoned with Angostura bitters, and garnished with a cherry or an orange twist.
- You can make a sidecar by mixing cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a 2:1:1 ratio, shaken with ice, strained into a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass, and garnished with an orange twist.
Conclusion
The ampersand cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for over a century. It is a simple but sophisticated gin cocktail that combines Old Tom gin, cognac, vermouth, bitters, and optionally liqueur in equal parts. It has a rich and smooth taste with a hint of orange. It is easy and quick to make with basic tools and steps. It can also be customized and tweaked according to your preferences and availability of ingredients. It is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
If you are looking for a new cocktail to try or an old favorite to revisit, you might want to give the ampersand cocktail a shot. It is a drink that will impress your guests and satisfy your palate.
FAQs
Q: What is Old Tom gin?
A: Old Tom gin is a style of gin that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, before London dry gin became the dominant style. Old Tom gin is sweeter and richer than London dry gin, as it is often sweetened with sugar or honey, and sometimes aged in barrels. It has a more pronounced juniper flavor and a smoother mouthfeel than London dry gin.
Q: What is cognac?
A: Cognac is a type of brandy that is made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. It is distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Cognac has a complex and refined flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Q: What is sweet vermouth?
A: Sweet vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is flavored with various herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals. It has a sweet and bitter taste, with aromas of citrus, cherry, anise, clove, and cinnamon.
Q: What are orange bitters?
A: Orange bitters are a type of aromatic bitters that are made from the peels and oils of bitter oranges, along with other ingredients such as gentian root, cardamom, coriander, and quinine. They have a bitter and citrusy flavor, with a floral and spicy aroma.
Q: What is orange liqueur?
A: Orange liqueur is a type of liqueur that is made from the peels and oils of sweet or bitter oranges, along with sugar and alcohol. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, with a strong orange aroma.
