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Metropolitan Cocktail Drink

Metropolitan

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Metropolitan drink recipe is your ticket to a delightful cocktail! It’s not only easy to make, but the mix of ingredients makes it a drink you won’t forget.

Metropolitan

Enjoy fall evenings with this easy Metropolitan recipe! The mix of brandy, sweet vermouth, and a hint of simple syrup makes this cocktail the perfect pick-me-up.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

190 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz sweet Vermouth
  • 1 barspoon simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Bar spoon
  • Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: To chill, place your martini glass in the freezer for a few hours or fill it up with ice cubes before starting.
  • Add Angostura bitters: Drop 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into the mixing glass.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Add 1 barspoon simple syrup to the mixing glass.
  • Add Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth into the mixing glass.
  • Add Brandy: Measure and pour 2 oz Brandy into a mixing glass.
  • Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently for around 45 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass with no ice.
  • Garnish: Add a maraschino cherry for garnish and enjoy the drink.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: If you don't have brandy on hand, calvados is a good substitute that maintains the spirit of the drink.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used as a substitute for a less sweet cocktail. You could also use red wine for a different twist.
  • Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. Alternatively, agave nectar or honey can be used for a different sweetness profile.
  • Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters can be used as an alternative to Angostura bitters for a citrusy twist.

Making a Pitcher of Metropolitan:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, 8 bar spoons of simple syrup, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice cubes and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled martini glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor without the alcohol.
  • Sweet vermouth  Substitute: try a non-alcoholic alternative or use an aromatized grape syrup.
  • Angostura bitters Substitute: create your own herbal infusion using ingredients like gentian root, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices to mimic a similar bitter and aromatic flavor profile. 
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Ensure your syrup is made with sugar, that is not processed using animal bone char. Alternatively, use agave nectar as a vegan-friendly sweetener.
  • Cherry Garnish: Make sure to use fresh cherries or cherries preserved without artificial colors or flavors, as some may not be vegan-friendly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
190
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
4
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Potassium
 
29
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Calcium
 
2
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%

 

Metropolitan Cocktail Drink

Metropolitan

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Enjoy fall evenings with this easy Metropolitan recipe! The mix of brandy, sweet vermouth, and a hint of simple syrup makes this cocktail the perfect pick-me-up.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 190

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz sweet Vermouth
  • 1 barspoon simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Bar spoon
  • Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: To chill, place your martini glass in the freezer for a few hours or fill it up with ice cubes before starting.
  • Add Angostura bitters: Drop 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into the mixing glass.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Add 1 barspoon simple syrup to the mixing glass.
  • Add Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth into the mixing glass.
  • Add Brandy: Measure and pour 2 oz Brandy into a mixing glass.
  • Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently for around 45 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass with no ice.
  • Garnish: Add a maraschino cherry for garnish and enjoy the drink.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: If you don't have brandy on hand, calvados is a good substitute that maintains the spirit of the drink.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used as a substitute for a less sweet cocktail. You could also use red wine for a different twist.
  • Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. Alternatively, agave nectar or honey can be used for a different sweetness profile.
  • Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters can be used as an alternative to Angostura bitters for a citrusy twist.

Making a Pitcher of Metropolitan:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, 8 bar spoons of simple syrup, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice cubes and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled martini glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor without the alcohol.
  • Sweet vermouth  Substitute: try a non-alcoholic alternative or use an aromatized grape syrup.
  • Angostura bitters Substitute: create your own herbal infusion using ingredients like gentian root, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices to mimic a similar bitter and aromatic flavor profile. 
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Ensure your syrup is made with sugar, that is not processed using animal bone char. Alternatively, use agave nectar as a vegan-friendly sweetener.
  • Cherry Garnish: Make sure to use fresh cherries or cherries preserved without artificial colors or flavors, as some may not be vegan-friendly.

What is a Metropolitan drink?

A Metropolitan drink is a brandy-based cocktail made of brandy, sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. The Metropolitan is often considered a variant of the classic Manhattan cocktail, substituting brandy for whiskey.

A side shot of a Metropolitan cocktail in a martini glass on a wooden tray placed on a grey table surrounded by a strainer, and a bar spoon

What is a Metropolitan drink made of – The ingredients

Get ready to make your Metropolitan drink with these ingredients:

  • Brandy: This is the base spirit of the Metropolitan cocktail. It provides a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of fruit and vanilla.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the drink. It also helps to balance out the strong flavor of the bourbon.
  • Simple Syrup: This ingredient enhances the cocktail’s sweetness, making it more palatable and enjoyable.
  • Angostura Bitters: These bitters add depth and complexity to the cocktail. They provide a counterpoint to the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Maraschino cherry: Used as garnish, it adds a touch of fruitiness that compliments the flavors of the drink.  
  • Lemon Twist: Used as a garnish, it adds a hint of citrus aroma that complements the flavors in the drink.

Brandy, sweet Vermouth, simple syrup and Angostura aromatic bitters

How do you make a Metropolitan drink?

Follow our simple steps to make your very own Metropolitan drink:

1
<p>Start by chilling your cocktail glass. This can be done by filling it with ice and setting it aside while you prepare the drink.</p>

Start by chilling your cocktail glass. This can be done by filling it with ice and setting it aside while you prepare the drink.

2
<p>In a mixing glass, drop two dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters will add complexity to the cocktail, providing a subtle spicy undertone.</p>

In a mixing glass, drop two dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters will add complexity to the cocktail, providing a subtle spicy undertone.

3
<p>Add one barspoon of simple syrup into the mix. The simple syrup will balance out the brandy and vermouth's strong flavors, adding a sweet touch.</p>

Add one barspoon of simple syrup into the mix. The simple syrup will balance out the brandy and vermouth's strong flavors, adding a sweet touch.

4
<p>Add one ounce of sweet vermouth to the mixing glass. Sweet vermouth will give the cocktail a rich, sweet, and slightly herbal flavor.</p>

Add one ounce of sweet vermouth to the mixing glass. Sweet vermouth will give the cocktail a rich, sweet, and slightly herbal flavor.

5
<p>Pour two ounces of brandy bourbon. The brandy bourbon serves as the base of the Metropolitan cocktail, providing a robust and full-bodied flavor.</p>

Pour two ounces of brandy bourbon. The brandy bourbon serves as the base of the Metropolitan cocktail, providing a robust and full-bodied flavor.

6
<p>Stir the ingredients together with ice. Stirring, rather than shaking, will ensure the cocktail is mixed adequately without diluting the drink too much.</p>

Stir the ingredients together with ice. Stirring, rather than shaking, will ensure the cocktail is mixed adequately without diluting the drink too much.

7
<p>Empty the ice from your now chilled cocktail glass.</p>

Empty the ice from your now chilled cocktail glass.

8
<p>Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into your chilled cocktail glass. Straining will ensure no ice or other unwanted particles enter the final drink.</p>

Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into your chilled cocktail glass. Straining will ensure no ice or other unwanted particles enter the final drink.

9
<p>Finally, garnish the drink with a cherry. The cherry adds a pop of color to the cocktail and provides a sweet finish to the drink.</p>

Finally, garnish the drink with a cherry. The cherry adds a pop of color to the cocktail and provides a sweet finish to the drink.

History and Origin of the Metropolitan Drink

A few drinks have taken the metropolitan name, however, this drink is often considered a cousin of the Manhattan cocktail, and its first mention appears in O.H. Byron’s “The Modern Bartenders’ Guide” published in 1884.

The metropolitan cocktail emerged during a time when cocktails were becoming increasingly popular and diverse, this period marked a flourishing era for mixology.

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FAQ

How many calories does a Metropolitan cocktail contain?
A standard Metropolitan cocktail contains approximately 200-250 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
What is the strength of a Metropolitan cocktail?
The strength of a Metropolitan cocktail typically ranges from 25-30% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which translates to about 50-60 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Metropolitan cocktail?
The primary alcohol used in a Metropolitan cocktail is brandy, this gives the drink its distinctive rich and smooth flavor.
In what kind of glass is a Metropolitan cocktail served?
A Metropolitan cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled martini or coupe glass to maintain its cool temperature and enhance its presentation.
What does a Metropolitan cocktail taste like?
A Metropolitan cocktail offers a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness, bitterness, and warmth. The brandy provides a rich, smooth base, while the sweet vermouth adds depth and complexity. The dashes of simple syrup and Angostura bitters round out the flavors, creating a robust and refreshing overall taste.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Metropolitan cocktail?
The typical ratio for a Metropolitan cocktail is 2 parts brandy to 1 part sweet vermouth, with a bar spoon of simple syrup and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. This ratio ensures that all the flavors are well-balanced.
How is a Metropolitan cocktail served with ice?
A Metropolitan cocktail is usually stirred with ice in a mixing glass until well-chilled, then strained into the serving glass without ice (served "up"). This method ensures that the drink remains cold but not diluted.

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