Ingredients
- 1½ oz Fino Sherry
- 1½ oz sweet Vermouth
- 1 dash of orange bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel - for garnish
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Strainer
- Coupe Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice, stir and set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Add 1 dash of orange bitters to the mixing glass.
- Add Sherry: Add 1½ oz Fino Sherry to the mix.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour 1½ oz sweet Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Prep Mixing Glass: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently until well chilled.
- Prep Glass: Discard the ice from the coupe glass.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in for garnish or place another on the rim.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Fino Sherry: If you don't have Fino Sherry, try using dry white wine for a similar dryness, though it will lack some complexity.
- Sweet Vermouth: In place of sweet vermouth, try using dry vermouth for another famous drier version.
- Orange Bitters: If you're out of orange bitters, use Angostura bitters instead or other citrus bitters for a twist.
Making a Pitcher of Adonis:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 dashes of orange bitters, 12 oz of Fino Sherry and 12 oz of Sweet Vermouth.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the sherry, vermouth, and bitters. Stir well with ice.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with an orange peel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Sherry Substitute: Use non-alcoholic white grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Vermouth Substitute: Try using pomegranate juice mixed with a bit of herbal tea for depth.
- Orange Bitters: Try using a drop of orange blossom water.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is an Adonis?
An Adonis is a sherry-based cocktail made of Fino Sherry, Sweet Vermouth, and orange bitters. It’s easy to make because it involves simple mixing without any complex techniques. This drink dates back to the late 19th century and was named after a Broadway musical hit at that time, adding an interesting historical touch to its classic appeal.

What is an Adonis made of – The ingredients
You need these ingredients for an Adonis recipe:
- Fino Sherry: Delivers a dry, crisp flavor that serves as the cocktail’s foundation.
- Sweet Vermouth: Contributes sweetness and herbal notes to balance the sherry.
- Orange Bitters: Adds a touch of citrus and aromatic complexity to the drink.
- Orange Peel (Garnish): Provides a fresh citrus aroma and enhances presentation.







