Description
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dry vermouth
- 3/4 oz Benedictine liqueur
- 3/4 oz absinthe
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the dry vermouth, Benedictine liqueur, and absinthe.
- Stir well for about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Note: If you find the absinthe to be too overpowering, you can adjust the recipe by using a smaller amount or substituting it with another type of herbal liqueur.
The Origin of the Chrysanthemum Cocktail
The origin of the Chrysanthemum cocktail is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the early 1900s. Some sources attribute its creation to a bartender named Hugo Ensslin, who included the recipe in his 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks”.
The cocktail was named after the chrysanthemum flower, which has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is also a symbol of autumn in Japan. The drink itself features a blend of herbal flavors from the dry vermouth and absinthe, which are balanced out by the sweetness of the Benedictine liqueur.
While the Chrysanthemum cocktail was quite popular in the early 1900s, it fell out of favor during Prohibition when many of its ingredients became difficult to obtain. However, it has since experienced a resurgence in popularity and can still be found on the menus of many modern cocktail bars.
Chrysanthemum Cocktail Traditions
There are no specific cultural or regional traditions associated with the Chrysanthemum cocktail, as it is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed in many parts of the world since the early 1900s.
However, like many classic cocktails, the Chrysanthemum has its own unique flavor profile and can be enjoyed in different ways depending on personal taste preferences. Some people prefer the original recipe with its distinct herbal notes, while others may prefer to adjust the recipe to suit their individual tastes by adding more or less of a particular ingredient.
Additionally, some bartenders may choose to experiment with different garnishes, such as a sprig of fresh herbs or a twist of orange peel, to add their own unique touch to the cocktail.
Overall, the Chrysanthemum cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings, from formal cocktail bars to casual gatherings with friends and family.
Modern Chrysanthemum Cocktail Trends
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using more natural and locally sourced ingredients in cocktails, and the Chrysanthemum cocktail is no exception. Many modern bartenders are now using artisanal vermouths and liqueurs that are made from organic or locally grown herbs, which can enhance the cocktail’s herbal notes and add complexity to its flavor profile.
There is also a trend towards creating low-alcohol or alcohol-free versions of classic cocktails, and the Chrysanthemum is no exception. Some bartenders are experimenting with non-alcoholic vermouths or aperitifs, which can be used to replace the traditional dry vermouth in the recipe. This allows those who don’t drink alcohol to still enjoy the unique flavor profile of the Chrysanthemum.
Another trend in modern Chrysanthemum cocktails is the use of creative and unique garnishes. Bartenders may use fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to garnish the drink, or add a splash of flavored syrup to complement the cocktail’s herbal notes.
Overall, the Chrysanthemum cocktail continues to be a popular classic cocktail that has been adapted to suit modern tastes and trends in the cocktail industry.
Related Сocktails
The Chrysanthemum cocktail is a classic cocktail that has its own unique flavor profile, but there are a few related cocktails that share some similarities:
- Hanky Panky – This cocktail is made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca, a bitter Italian herbal liqueur. Like the Chrysanthemum, it has a complex herbal flavor profile that can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences.
- Bijou – This cocktail is made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse, a French herbal liqueur. It has a similar herbal flavor profile to the Chrysanthemum but is slightly stronger due to the addition of gin.
- Tuxedo – This cocktail is made with gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. It has a similar balance of herbal and citrus flavors to the Chrysanthemum but with a slightly different ingredient profile.
- Corpse Reviver #2 – This cocktail is made with gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe. It has a citrusy and floral flavor profile with a touch of herbal bitterness from the absinthe, making it a good alternative for those who enjoy the Chrysanthemum’s use of absinthe.
Overall, these cocktails share some similarities with the Chrysanthemum but each have their own unique twist on the classic herbal cocktail.
