The Left Hand Cocktail is a delicious drink that combines bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters. It is a modern classic that was created by Sam Ross, one of the most renowned bartenders in the world. It is inspired by the Negroni and the Manhattan, but with a unique chocolate flavor that makes it stand out. In this article, we will show you how to make a Left Hand Cocktail, what are its origins, and how to enjoy it.
What is a Left Hand Cocktail and How Did It Come to Be?
A Left Hand Cocktail is a stirred drink that consists of four ingredients: bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters. It is served in a coupe glass and garnished with a brandied cherry. It has a smooth and balanced flavor, with notes of spice, bitterness, sweetness, and chocolate.
The Left Hand Cocktail was invented by Sam Ross in 2006, when he was working at Milk & Honey, one of the most influential cocktail bars in New York City. Milk & Honey was founded by Sasha Petraske, who was known for his high standards and minimalist approach to cocktails. Petraske and his team revived many old classics and created some new ones, using simple and quality ingredients and precise measurements.
Sam Ross is one of the most respected bartenders in the world, who has created several modern classics such as the Penicillin and the Paper Plane. He started his career in Melbourne, Australia, before moving to New York City in 2004. He worked at Milk & Honey for eight years, learning from Petraske and developing his own style. He later opened his own bars, Attaboy and Diamond Reef, with his partner Michael McIlroy. Ross has described his cocktails as “simple but not simplistic”, using few ingredients but making them shine.
Ross created the Left Hand Cocktail as “the love child of a Negroni and a Manhattan”. He took the bourbon-Campari-sweet vermouth combination of the Boulevardier (a Negroni made with bourbon instead of gin) and added chocolate bitters to give it a twist. He used bourbon as the base spirit instead of rye whiskey, which is more common in Manhattans, to give the drink a softer and sweeter edge.
The Left Hand Cocktail was part of a series of ‘Hand’ cocktails that Ross and his colleagues created at Milk & Honey. The series included the Right Hand (a rum version), the Tres Hands (a mezcal-and-tequila version), and the Smoking Hand (a Scotch-and-peated-whiskey version). The names were inspired by different styles of boxing stances. Ross has said that Petraske rarely complimented his drinks, but he loved the Left Hand Cocktail and praised him for it.
How to Make a Left Hand Cocktail at Home
Making a Left Hand Cocktail is easy and quick. You only need four ingredients, some basic tools, and a few minutes of your time. Here is what you need:
The Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon. You can use any bourbon you like, but preferably one that is smooth and not too strong. Some popular brands are Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Knob Creek.
- 3/4 ounce of Campari. Campari is a bitter Italian liqueur that gives the drink its distinctive red color and bitter-sweet flavor. It is one of the most iconic cocktail ingredients and a staple in many classics such as the Negroni, the Americano, and the Spritz.
- 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth. Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with various herbs, spices, and botanicals. It adds sweetness and complexity to the drink. You can use any brand you like, but some of the best ones are Carpano Antica, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Dolin Rouge, or Punt e Mes.
- 3 dashes of chocolate bitters. Chocolate bitters are a type of aromatic bitters that add a subtle hint of chocolate and spice to the drink. They are not very common, but you can find them online or at specialty stores. One of the most popular brands is Bittermen’s Xocolatl Mole Bitters, which are inspired by the Mexican mole sauce and have notes of cacao, cinnamon, and chili.
The Tools
- A mixing glass. A mixing glass is a large glass or metal vessel that is used to stir cocktails with ice. You can use any glass or metal container that is big enough to hold the ingredients and some ice, such as a pint glass, a cocktail shaker, or a measuring cup.
- A barspoon. A barspoon is a long-handled spoon that is used to stir cocktails in a mixing glass. It has a twisted stem that helps to create a smooth and even stir. You can use any long spoon that can reach the bottom of the mixing glass, such as a teaspoon or a chopstick.
- A jigger. A jigger is a measuring device that is used to measure the ingredients for cocktails. It usually has two cones of different sizes, one on each end, that measure different volumes. You can use any measuring tool that can measure ounces or milliliters, such as a shot glass, a measuring cup, or a kitchen scale.
- A strainer. A strainer is a device that is used to separate the liquid from the ice and any solid particles when pouring the cocktail into the glass. You can use any type of strainer that can fit over the mouth of the mixing glass, such as a Hawthorne strainer, a Julep strainer, or a fine mesh strainer.
The Method
- Add all the ingredients into the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. This usually takes about 25 to 30 seconds, or until the outside of the mixing glass feels cold to the touch.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. A coupe glass is a stemmed glass with a shallow bowl that is used to serve cocktails without ice. It has an elegant shape and helps to preserve the temperature and aroma of the drink. You can chill the glass by filling it with ice and water before making the drink, or by putting it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry. A brandied cherry is a cherry that has been soaked in brandy and sugar syrup. It adds a touch of sweetness and color to the drink. You can use any type of cherry you like, but preferably one that is dark and plump, such as Luxardo maraschino cherries, Amarena cherries, or Griottines cherries. You can skewer the cherry on a cocktail pick or drop it into the drink.
How to Enjoy a Left Hand Cocktail with Food and Snacks
A Left Hand Cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. Here are some tips on how to make the most of it:
The Glassware
While a coupe glass is the traditional choice for serving a Left Hand Cocktail, you can also use other types of glassware depending on your preference and occasion. For example, you can use:
- A rocks glass. A rocks glass is a short and wide glass that is used to serve cocktails with ice or neat (without ice). It has a sturdy base and allows you to appreciate the color and aroma of the drink. You can serve your Left Hand Cocktail in a rocks glass with ice if you prefer it colder and more diluted, or without ice if you prefer it stronger and warmer.
- A Nick & Nora glass. A Nick & Nora glass is a stemmed glass with a small bowl that is used to serve cocktails without ice. It has a similar shape to a coupe glass, but smaller and more delicate. It is named after Nick and Nora Charles, the main characters of The Thin Man series of novels and films, who were famous for their witty banter and love of cocktails. You can serve your Left Hand Cocktail in a Nick & Nora glass if you want to serve it in a more elegant and refined way.
- A martini glass. A martini glass is a stemmed glass with a wide and conical bowl that is used to serve cocktails without ice. It has a classic and iconic shape that is associated with sophistication and glamour. You can serve your Left Hand Cocktail in a martini glass if you want to make it more festive and eye-catching.
The Garnish
While a brandied cherry is the standard garnish for a Left Hand Cocktail, you can also experiment with other types of garnishes depending on your taste and mood. For example, you can use:
- An orange twist. An orange twist is a thin strip of orange peel that is twisted over the drink to release its oils and aroma. It adds a touch of citrus and freshness to the drink. You can use a vegetable peeler, a knife, or a channel knife to cut the peel, and then twist it over the drink and drop it in or discard it.
- A chocolate shavings. Chocolate shavings are thin slices of chocolate that are sprinkled over the drink to add some texture and flavor. They enhance the chocolate notes of the bitters and create a contrast with the bitterness of the Campari. You can use a grater, a peeler, or a knife to shave some chocolate over the drink, or use pre-made chocolate shavings.
- A mint sprig. A mint sprig is a small bunch of mint leaves that are slapped between the palms to release their fragrance and then placed on top of the drink. It adds a touch of herbaceousness and coolness to the drink. You can use fresh mint leaves and gently slap them before putting them on the drink.
The Pairings
A Left Hand Cocktail is a versatile drink that can pair well with various types of food and snacks. Here are some suggestions on what to eat with your Left Hand Cocktail:
- Cheese. Cheese is a great companion for cocktails, as it offers a range of flavors, textures, and aromas that can complement or contrast with the drink. For example, you can pair your Left Hand Cocktail with:
- Aged cheddar. Aged cheddar is a hard cheese that has a sharp and nutty flavor and a crumbly texture. It can balance the sweetness and bitterness of the drink and bring out its richness.
- Gorgonzola. Gorgonzola is a soft cheese that has a creamy and tangy flavor and a blue-green mold. It can contrast the smoothness and spiciness of the drink and add some complexity.
- Brie. Brie is a soft cheese that has a mild and buttery flavor and a white rind. It can complement the smoothness and sweetness of the drink and create a harmonious pairing.
- Chocolate. Chocolate is another classic pairing for cocktails, as it offers a range of sweetness, bitterness, richness, and creaminess that can match or enhance the drink. For example, you can pair your Left Hand Cocktail with:
- Dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that has a high percentage of cocoa solids and little or no added sugar. It has a bitter-sweet and intense flavor and a firm texture. It can enhance the chocolate notes of the bitters and create a decadent pairing.
- Milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is a type of chocolate that has a lower percentage of cocoa solids and more added sugar and milk solids. It has a sweet and creamy flavor and a soft texture. It can balance the bitterness of the Campari and create a smooth pairing.
- White chocolate. White chocolate is not technically chocolate, as it does not contain any cocoa solids, but only cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. It has a sweet and buttery flavor and a smooth texture. It can contrast the spiciness of the bourbon and create an interesting pairing.
- Nuts. Nuts are another great snack for cocktails, as they offer a range of crunchiness, saltiness, nuttiness, and oiliness that can go well with the drink. For example, you can pair your Left Hand Cocktail with:
- Almonds. Almonds are nuts that have a mild and sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. They are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. They can complement the nuttiness of the bourbon and add some crunch to the pairing.
- Pistachios. Pistachios are nuts that have a distinctive green color and an earthy flavor and a crunchy texture. They are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, potassium, and phosphorus. They can contrast the sweetness of the vermouth and add some color to the pairing. – Walnuts. Walnuts are nuts that have a wrinkled and brown appearance and a bitter flavor and a soft texture. They are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, manganese, and copper. They can balance the bitterness of the Campari and add some softness to the pairing.
Summary
The Left Hand Cocktail is a modern classic that you should try if you love bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters. It is a simple but sophisticated drink that was created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York City. It is inspired by the Negroni and the Manhattan, but with a unique chocolate twist. It is easy to make and enjoy, and it can pair well with various types of food and snacks. It is one of the best ‘Hand’ cocktails ever created.
FAQs
- Q: What is the difference between a Left Hand Cocktail and a Boulevardier?
- A: A Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that consists of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a 1:1:1 ratio. A Left Hand Cocktail is a modern variation that uses a 2:1:1 ratio and adds chocolate bitters.
- Q: What is the best bourbon to use for a Left Hand Cocktail?
- A: You can use any bourbon you like, but preferably one that is smooth and not too strong. Some popular brands are Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Knob Creek.
- Q: What are some other ‘Hand’ cocktails that I can try?
- A: Some other ‘Hand’ cocktails that you can try are the Right Hand (a rum version), the Tres Hands (a mezcal-and-tequila version), and the Smoking Hand (a Scotch-and-peated-whiskey version).
- Q: How can I make my own chocolate bitters?
- A: You can make your own chocolate bitters by infusing vodka with cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and sugar. You can find many recipes online or experiment with your own ratios.
- Q: Where can I find more information about Sam Ross and his cocktails?
- A: You can find more information about Sam Ross and his cocktails on his website, his Instagram, or his YouTube channel. You can also visit his bars Attaboy and Diamond Reef in New York City.
