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Ampersand Cocktail

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (152)
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
1 fl oz Hayman's Old Tom Gin
1 fl oz Cognac (brandy)
1 fl oz Strucchi Rosso Vermouth
1/6 fl oz Ferrand Dry Curaçao liqueur
1 dash Orange Bitters by Angostura

How to make

Glassware

Serve in a Coupe glass

Prepare

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

Method

  1. STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. FINE 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

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Ampersand Cocktail contains 192 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.8 standard drinks
  • 25.86% alc./vol. (51.73° proof)
  • 24.7 grams of pure alcohol

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

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History

First published in Albert Stevens Crockett's 1934 Old Waldorf Bar Days.

AMPERSAND
Two dashes Orange Bitters
One-third Brandy
One-third Tom Gin
One-third Italian Vermouth
Stir; strain; two dashes of Curaçao on top

A. S. Crockett, 1934


The name may be a reference to the '&' in Martini & Rossi, likely the brand of vermouth originally used.

Review

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 cocktail, so making it equally suited to the pre-dinner and after-dinner occasions.

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$1.55 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.

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* 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.

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Comments & Discussion

Mason Hanson Premium Member
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
score: 1
Caspian Berggren Premium Member
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.
score: 1
Scott McIsaac Premium Member
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.
score: 2
John CARR Premium Member
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.
score: 1
John CARR Premium Member
Improved as it warmed a little actually.
score: 1
John CARR Premium Member
If perusing in this territory, I’d urge you towards the Chauncey also,
score: 1
Peter M Premium Member
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.
score: 1
G. M. Genovese Premium Member
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.
score: 1
Matthew Ovens
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!
score: 1
William Smith
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.
score: 2
Miguel Perales Premium Member
A good balanced drink. I used Cocchi di Torino which became fairly prominent in this drink. Nice tart finish in mine.
score: 1
John Hinojos Premium Member
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.
score: 3

Showing the first 10 of 17 comments.

Difford’s Shop logo
$1.55 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.