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Ampersand Cocktail
A boozy brandy-influenced 'wet' and 'sweet' Martini with a hint of orange. The zesty orange notes help the cleansing attributes of this spirit-forward...
Mason Hanson
13th March at 03:05
I loved this! I didn’t have Old Tom so I used St. George Botanivore instead; Pierre Ferrand and Cinzano. Really nicely balanced. Next I’d like to try the variants that combine Grand Marnier and Cointreau
8th August 2025 at 16:15
Surprisingly dry but very delicious. The ingredients all go together incredibly well. I thought the cognac would overshadow the gin but the juniper and herbs intermingle with the vermouth in a way that enhances them both.
17th June 2025 at 00:14
Very nice! I made mine with Hayman's Old Tom, Courvoisier VSOP, Carpano Antico, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, and Fee Bros. orange bitters. My usual is a Manhattan, and I found this dryer, more fruity and more spicy. I happen to have have a bottle of Bols zeer oude genever, and based on some of the other comments I'd like to try substituting that for the Hayman's next time.
30th August 2024 at 13:53
Definitely on the sweet side for me, and orange strongly present, but also pleasantly herbal and fruity. Very period in its balance. Noted GMG’s use of Courvoisier, which might work better for me with extra spiciness. I used Hennessy VSOP.
30th August 2024 at 14:05
If perusing in this territory, I’d urge you towards the Chauncey also,
30th August 2024 at 13:55
Improved as it warmed a little actually.
28th March 2024 at 03:06
This is great! Hayman's Old Tom, 1889 Royal VS, Dolin Rouge, & Pierre Ferrand. The gin, brandy, vermouth, and orange are well-balanced! A little sweet up front and dry on the finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
25th December 2023 at 07:09
I understand the Martinez comparisons. This is more orangey yes. I used the more cardamom-heavy Boker's Bitters as well as Ransom Old Tom (dominant in whatever it's in); Courvoisier and Vermouth Volume Primo... Its aftertaste leads me to believe this was a fortunate blend of brands. Quite dry. I like it.
29th June 2023 at 18:42
We make a slight variation known as the Samperand (inventive, I know). Double measures of Gin, Cognac. Single vermouth and then maybe 2/3 a measure each of Grand Manier and Cointreau. Two dashes of angostura and one of orange bitters. Shaken over ice and double strained.
Can it be a little overpowering, maybe. Is it delicious, definitely!
Can it be a little overpowering, maybe. Is it delicious, definitely!
11th March 2023 at 00:56
I actually prefer this to the Martinez, which it closely resembles. The cognac adds just the right amount of dryness. I used a local barrel rested gin in place of Old Tom, and Carpano Antica, which played nicely with the gin's spiciness.
10th September 2022 at 18:31
A good balanced drink. I used Cocchi di Torino which became fairly prominent in this drink. Nice tart finish in mine.
20th June 2022 at 00:07
Very impressive cocktail. I love the older style cocktails that are not too sweet and with few ingredients. Perfectly balanced and a nice hint of orange.
19th February 2022 at 15:01
Interesting and orange forward mix.
14th December 2021 at 06:42
I followed Richard's advice and had it on the rocks as a late night December sipper. I love the subtle orange flavor. Interested to try it with genever next.
6th December 2021 at 15:44
Delicious. I made this as written, and it's terrific. I have also tried it in a rocks glass with a single large ice cube as a late night sipper, and that works particularly well also.
21st January 2021 at 20:39
Very tasty cocktail. I used Dutch oude genever instead of the gin and that works well too. It’s boozy but also sweet if you ask me. Did a barspoon of Pierre ferrand dry curaçao, but can’t really detect it in the drink. Will try it with 10 ml next time.
22nd January 2021 at 21:27
Your's and other comments on this page led me to remake, compare, and switch to orange curaçao (from Grand Marnier). I love oude genever and that would move this cocktail into Martinez territory.
Anonymous
21st November 2020 at 15:13
Superb. VSOP Cognac and Antica Vermouth elevates this to the stars. Regans bitters used also but only as my personal preference.
Anonymous
5th July 2020 at 20:54
Fantastic drink. Used Martinis higher end vermouth and pierre ferrand dry curacao.
22nd January 2021 at 21:12
Agreed! I've switched to orange curacao in the above recipe [22.Jan.21] in the pursuit of harmonious balance.
13th June 2020 at 02:41
Delicious! Much smoother than Simon makes it sound.
22nd January 2021 at 21:16
Agreed. I've amended to be more flavorsome.