King James

Other CocktailsRum CocktailsCognac Cocktails

Jun 14

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 30 ml Rum
- 30 ml Brandy
- 22,5 ml Sweet Vermouth
- 7,5 ml Dry Curaçao
- 2 Dashes of Maraschino Liqueur
- 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

GARNISH:
- Orange Twist
- Mint Leaf

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass.
• Add ice and stir for 30-40 sec. or approx. 60 revolutions.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist and a small mint leaf.

Cocktail author: Tobin Shea.

Cognac cocktails are not synonymous with summer style drinks, yet King James draws inspiration from a classic cognac-based drink “East India Cocktail” and creates a masterful stir-down riff full of delicious flavour, that works all year round.

Cocktail base is split between cognac and rum (I used aged blended rum for this cocktail). These spirits bring a number of flavours ranging from oak, vanilla, molasses, dried fruits and tropical spices creating a dry yet complex base. A touch of sweet vermouth brings some sweetness to the mix enriched with notes of dark fruits and subtle wormwood bitterness. Dry Curacao further expands the flavour palette with addition of orange, which pairs very well with the dry nuttiness of a couple of dashes of maraschino liqueur. Last, but not least, Angostura bitters dots all the I’s and crosses all the T's with its complex topical spice laden essence.

King James is a boozy and complex libation that is just as delicious on the summer evening as in the front of a roaring winter fireplace. I highly recommend giving this drink a try.