Make the Clandestine Cocktail recipe this winter! Blend Scotch, Gentian Liqueur, Italicus, and Honey Syrup for a warm drink perfect for cold nights.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 243
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blended Scotch Whisky
- ¾ oz Gentian Liqueur
- ½ oz Italicus
- 1 bar spoon honey syrup
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel - for garnish
Equipment
- Old Fashioned or Rocks Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned or Rocks glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Honey Syrup: Pour 1 bar spoon honey syrup into the mixing glass.
- Add Italicus: Measure and pour ½ oz Italicus into the mixing glass as well.
- Add Gentian Liqueur: Add ¾ oz Gentian Liqueur of your choice.
- Add Whisky: Finally, add 2 oz Blended Scotch Whisky to the mix.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to pour the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange peel (express the orange zest on top of the drink and place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside) and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Scotch: You can use any bottle of Scotch whisky you’d like. If you don't have Scotch, try using bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
- Gentian Liqueur: A liqueur like Suze or Salers are perfect to make this cocktail. If you cannot find any gentian liqueur at all, you can try using Aperol or even Campari as a substitute; it's a bit less bitter but adds complexity.
- Italicus: Triple sec can work in a pinch, though it will be more citrusy and less floral. On
- Honey Syrup: Honey syrup is really easy to make at home. To do so, mix together 2 parts honey and 1 part honey in a saucepan over low heat. Stir well to combine, remove from heat and let cool down to room temperature before using. Store in the fridge after use Agave syrup is an excellent alternative to keep it vegan or prefer a different sweetness.
Making a Pitcher of Clandestine Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Scotch, 6 oz of Gentian Liqueur, 4 oz of Italicus, and 1,5 oz of Honey Syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Scotch whisky, Gentian Liqueur, Italicus, and Honey Syrup. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled Old Fashioned or rocks, and garnish each glass with an orange zest twist. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep them in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.
Making it Vegan:
- Honey Syrup Substitute: Replace honey syrup with agave or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using agave or maple syrup instead of honey syrup for a delicious vegan cocktail.
What is a Clandestine Cocktail?
A Clandestine Cocktail is a whisky-based cocktail made of Scotch, Gentian Liqueur, Italicus, and Honey Syrup. This complex (yet quite easy to make) cocktail offers an intriguing blend of herbal bitterness from the gentian liqueur and floral notes from the Italicus, balanced by the sweetness of honey syrup.
What is a Clandestine Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Prepare these ingredients to craft a Clandestine Cocktail:
- Honey Syrup: A mixture of honey and water, this syrup brings a smooth, floral sweetness to the drink.
- Italicus: A liqueur made from Italian bergamot and other botanicals, offering floral, citrus, and light herbal notes.
- Gentian Liqueur: Known for its bitter, earthy flavor, this liqueur is made from the root of the gentian plant, adding depth and complexity.
- Blended Scotch Whisky: A harmonious blend of malt and grain whiskies, providing a smoky, malty base with a touch of sweetness and spice.
- Orange Peel: A citrus garnish that adds aromatic oils, enhancing the drink’s freshness and complexity.
