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Mane of Needles

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (39)
Mane of Needles image
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
1 1⁄2 fl oz Straight rye whiskey (100 proof /50% alc./vol.)
1⁄2 fl oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
1⁄3 fl oz Italian red bitter liqueur
1⁄6 fl oz Fernet Branca liqueur
1⁄6 fl oz Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur
1 dash Orange Bitters by Angostura
4 drop Saline solution (20g sea salt to 80g water) or merest pinch of s

Read about cocktail measures and measuring

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How to make

Glass

Photographed in an Urban Bar Alto Cocktail 17cl

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a NICK & NORA GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of orange zest twist.

Method

  1. STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. EXPRESS orange zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
More cocktails with similar strength and taste profile

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Mane of Needles contains 174 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.8 standard drinks
  • 30.86% alc./vol. (61.71° proof)
  • 24.9 grams of pure alcohol

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

History

Adapted from a recipe created in 2012 by Jason O'Bryan at URBN restaurant in North Park, San Diego, California, and inspired by The Violet Hour's Autumn Negroni. This cocktail's name comes from a lyric in the song Cassandra Gemini by The Mars Volta, from the album Frances the Mute.

More cocktails by Jason O'Bryan

Review

For Negroni-lovers seeking depth of flavour, complexity and refinement.

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Makes a minimum of 25 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


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Gallery

Comments & Discussion

Brecht Huysman
Lovely drink! I just wanted to point out that the name comes from a lyric in the song ‘Cassandra Gemini’ by The Mars Volta, from the album Frances the Mute. It’s a little unclear. Cheers!
score: 1
Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member
Many thanks, Brecht. I've added your wording above.
score: 0
Stephen C
One of my favorite drinks. Look at the drinks and drinking blog for a discussion. Don't understand the addition of saline drops as they mute the drink. Without them the layering is superb.
score: 2
Thierry Vandevelde
I second this ! Drop the saline !
score: 1
Andy Parnell-Hopkinson
Good, but the Benedictine struggles against the powerful bitters. Might try doubling and see if it improves or not.
score: 3
Alex Powell
Made this after dinner and instinctively boosted the Benedictine, can be a bit unforgiving otherwise. Enjoyable but didn't exactly fly.
score: 1
Simon Sedgley Premium Member
Way too fussy for our taste...and there is no harmony. The whole is just the sum of its parts.
score: 1
Rick Rosemont
Tasty. I guess more of a Boulevardier than a Negroni but no worries.
The different flavors meld together very well, not as Campari forward as a Negroni or a Boulevardier. If you happen to have the ingredients around give it a try.
score: 1

View 5 comments and discussion

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Difford’s Shop logo
$1.89 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 25 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


Orders are processed by a licensed Fulproof retailer. The buy now button is added simply for convenience.

Checkout

* May not include all ingredients. Price per cocktail is an estimate based on cost of one cocktail with ingredients shown above and does not include shipping.

Visit Difford’s Shop USA

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