A subtly citrus-forward spirit blend of Mandarine Napoléon, vodka, triple sec, and dry vermouth, balanced with a bright citrus twist and bitters to elevate complexity and refine texture. Served over quality cracked ice for a crisp finish.
Ingredients
- 2/3 oz (20 ml) Mandarine Napoléon
- 1 oz (30 ml) vodka (medium‑high proof)
- 2/3 oz (20 ml) triple sec
- 1 oz (30 ml) dry vermouth
- 1/4 oz (7 ml) fresh lemon juice (adds acidity/balance)
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters (e.g., Angostura) (adds depth & dries the sweetness)
- Garnish: lemon twist + maraschino cherry
- Ice: cracked or a single large cube
Steps to Make It
- Chill: Place the old-fashioned glass in the freezer for 5 minutes or rotate with ice while prepping.
- Build & Shake: In a shaker, combine all spirits, lemon juice, bitters, and ice.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously (~10–15 seconds) to chill, slightly dilute, and integrate.
- Strain & Serve: Strain into the chilled glass over cracked ice or a single large cube.
- Garnish: Express oils from a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in; finish with a maraschino cherry.
Optional Tweaks for Exploration
- Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a sharper edge (à la Pegu Club).
- Add a pinch of fine sea salt to enhance brightness subtly.
- Rinse the glass with a light amaro (e.g., Cynar) before pouring for herbal bitterness.
(Updated: 6/8/25)
Author: Howard
Meet Howard, a dedicated blogger and mixologist from Patchogue, New York. With more than 11 years of expertise in the field, he has developed his abilities to craft distinctive and avant-garde cocktails with the best ingredients and methods. He has experience in the art of mixology thanks to his employment as a qualified bartender at some of the best bars and eateries. He likes to experiment with novel flavor combinations in their own time and post their results on the well-known blog Drinks.Wiki. In addition to their bartender abilities, they are also informed about the background and traditions of mixing drinks, frequently include this information in their blog entries. Follow him for advice from the pros, recipes, and behind-the-scenes looks at the mixology industry.
