Ingredients
- 1½ oz London Dry Gin
- ½ oz Cognac
- ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange zest twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Cocktail Strainer
- Cocktail Glass, Coupe or Martini Style
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Pour 2 dashes Angostura Bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouths: Measure and pour ½ oz Sweet Vermouth and ½ oz Dry Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Cognac: Add ½ oz Cognac.
- Add Gin: Finally, add 1½ oz London Dry Gin 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: Take your Martini glass or cocktail coupe and discard the ice inside. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange twist (express the orange zest on top of the drink and then place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside) and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: If you don't have Gin, try using vodka for a cleaner taste. I've also used white rum for a different but enjoyable flavor profile.
- Cognac: If you are out of Cognac opt for any good quality wine brandy. For a lighter option, use apple brandy.
- Vermouths: Try to use sherry wine or Port wine. The taste will be different but they both work well for this cocktail.
- Angostura Bitters: Opt for orange bitters or also try to twist your drink with Peychaud’s bitters.
Making a Pitcher of Delmonico Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Gin, 4 oz of cognac, 4 oz of sweet vermouth, 4 oz of dry vermouth, and 16 dashes of Angostura
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Gin, cognac, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with orange twists, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these mimic Gin's botanicals quite well.
- Cognac Substitute: Opt for apple or pear juice to replace the brandy's depth.
- Vermouth Substitute: Use non-alcoholic vermouth alternatives or mix equal parts grape juice and apple cider vinegar for complexity.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Delmonico Cocktail?
A Delmonico Cocktail is a gin-based cocktail made of gin, cognac, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and bitters. It’s easy to make because it involves simple steps like measuring, stirring, and straining the ingredients. This elegant drink offers a balanced blend of flavors, making it perfect for sophisticated gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

What is a Delmonico Cocktail made of – The ingredients
These are the ingredients for making a Delmonico Cocktail:
- Gin: Adds a botanical and juniper-forward flavor.
- Cognac: Provides a rich, smooth depth to the cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth: Contributes sweetness and herbal complexity.
- Dry Vermouth: Balances the sweetness with a dry, crisp note.
- Angostura Bitters: Enhances the overall flavor with aromatic spices.







