Shake up your cocktail routine with a Longshoreman Cocktail recipe, where the rich warmth of rye meets the intriguing bitterness of Amaro for a truly sophisticated sip.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 208
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey - 100 proof / 50% alc./vol.
- 1 oz Punt e Mes - or other full-bodied vermouth
- ½ oz Amaro Averna
- Flamed orange zest twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your Old Fashioned glass.
- Mix Ingredients: In the mixing glass, pour ½ oz Amaro Averna, 1 oz Punt e Mes, and 2 oz Rye Whiskey.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients with ice until well-chilled, which usually takes around 30 seconds.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a fresh ice-filled Old Fashioned glass, perhaps over a chunk of block ice.
- Garnish: Flame the orange zest, twist over the drink to release the oils, and then drop it into the glass.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: If I don't have a 100-proof rye, I opt for a lower-proof rye whiskey or a bourbon for a sweeter taste.
- Punt e Mes: A different full-bodied vermouth can work, but I prefer Punt e Mes for its unique bitterness and sweetness.
- Amaro Averna: If Amaro Averna is unavailable, I sometimes use another type of Amaro, though it changes the flavor profile slightly.
Making a Pitcher of Longshoreman Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher, I simply multiply the ingredients by the number of desired servings. For 8 servings, use 16 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of Punt e Mes, and 4 oz of Amaro Averna.
- Mix: Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
- Serve: Pour into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with the flamed orange zest twist, and serve.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: I use a non-alcoholic spirit that has a similar spicy profile to whiskey or a strong brewed tea for depth.
- Punt e Mes Substitute: For a non-alcoholic version of Punt e Mes, I mix grape juice with a touch of lemon juice for tartness.
- Amaro Averna Substitute: A non-alcoholic bitter syrup or a mix of herbal teas can replace Amaro Averna.
Making it Vegan:
The Longshoreman Cocktail is typically vegan, but I always check to ensure that the specific spirits brands I use do not use animal-derived products during filtration or any other part of the production process.What is a Longshoreman Cocktail?
A Longshoreman Cocktail is a drink that marries rye whiskey with the herbal notes of Amaro and the sweet vermouth’s complexity. Many consider it a twist on the traditional Manhattan, and its name pays homage to the hardworking dock workers, offering a straightforward, robust flavor that stands the test of time. This cocktail doesn’t require expert skills to enjoy, and its classic recipe has earned it a spot among the favorites for those who appreciate a strong, well-balanced drink.
What is a Longshoreman Cocktail made of – The ingredients
To start making your own Longshoreman, gather these ingredients:
- Rye Whiskey (100 proof / 50% alc./vol.)
- Punt e Mes or other full-bodied Vermouth
- Amaro Averna
- Flamed Orange Zest Twist