Chrysanthemum
Made with Brandy
main ingredients
- Absinthe (Pernod) - 1/4ounce
- Brandy - 3/4ounce
- Dry vermouth - 2ounce
- Garnish: orange peel (thin strip) - As needed
instructions
In a cocktail shaker, pour the ingredients and stir.
Add ice and stir for one minute.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Squeeze an orange peel over the drink, making sure the oils fall into the glass, then drop the peel into the drink.
Tips
You may have noticed that the vermouth outweighs the other two ingredients. It is not a typo—this is how Pernod designed the recipe and it works very well. A drink that is this heavy on the vermouth is going to have a much drier profile than most. This makes it an ideal choice for a dinner cocktail, especially when served as an aperitif.
For some tastes, even a 1/4-ounce pour may be a little too much absinthe. It's a very powerful flavor that can be rather surprising if you're not used to it. You may want to take that down a bit when mixing up the next round or simply begin with a little less than recommended right from the start.
Since this cocktail is so clean and heavy on the alcohol, it's important to choose quality ingredients. If you haven't already, consider upgrading your vermouth—and ensure it's fresh—as well as the brandy. This is a nice use for small-batch brandies, cognac, or Armagnac.
While it's designed to be served up, the chrysanthemum is a good drink to serve on the rocks. As the ice melts the flavors will mellow out slightly and create a wonderful sipper that you can enjoy slowly.
Add ice and stir for one minute.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Squeeze an orange peel over the drink, making sure the oils fall into the glass, then drop the peel into the drink.
Tips
You may have noticed that the vermouth outweighs the other two ingredients. It is not a typo—this is how Pernod designed the recipe and it works very well. A drink that is this heavy on the vermouth is going to have a much drier profile than most. This makes it an ideal choice for a dinner cocktail, especially when served as an aperitif.
For some tastes, even a 1/4-ounce pour may be a little too much absinthe. It's a very powerful flavor that can be rather surprising if you're not used to it. You may want to take that down a bit when mixing up the next round or simply begin with a little less than recommended right from the start.
Since this cocktail is so clean and heavy on the alcohol, it's important to choose quality ingredients. If you haven't already, consider upgrading your vermouth—and ensure it's fresh—as well as the brandy. This is a nice use for small-batch brandies, cognac, or Armagnac.
While it's designed to be served up, the chrysanthemum is a good drink to serve on the rocks. As the ice melts the flavors will mellow out slightly and create a wonderful sipper that you can enjoy slowly.