“Something Wicked”
Holidays always bring out the creative side in my cocktail creations, especially Halloween. There are so many themes and flavors to play with to present something that looks and tastes like our favorite spooky holiday.
“Something Wicked” was the favorite of three original Halloween cocktails I created this month. I wanted something dark, rich and bloody, and when I was thinking of a base liquor to use, I had the idea of highlighting sweet vermouth. Vermouth is so rarely used as the main ingredient in cocktails, at most an equal partner to bourbon or gin. Here, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth is the star, giving this drink it’s dark base.
The next thing think cocktails needed was some bitterness to balance out the sweet, so I brought in Fernet Branca and Campari, which also gives us our needed blood red. Something wicked definitely needs some spice, so a dose of Benedictine was essential. Wanting to keep the flavor profile of vermouth upfront, I brought in some port wine to tip the scales.
I finished off the cocktail with some aromatic bitters and a much needed lemon peel to add in a bright, fresh introduction to the drink, awakening your taste buds and nose before the rich, smooth and sweet elixir coats your mouth, throat and belly.
HOW TO MAKE
1.5oz Capano Antica Sweet Vermouth
.5oz Campari
.5oz Port Wine
.25oz Fernet Branca
.25oz Benedictine
2-3 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Lemon Peel
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a coup glass.
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