Perfect for fall evenings, the Mr. Burns Cocktail recipe features scotch, bitters, and a touch of absinthe for a drink with bold, balanced flavors.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 203
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz DOM Benedictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud Bitters
- 1 dash Absinthe Verte
- Ice cubes
- Lemon zest twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Coupe or Martini Glass
- Stirring Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Bitter: Pour 2 dashes Peychaud Bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Absinthe: Add 1 dash Absinthe Verte as well.
- Add Bénédictine: Measure and pour ½ oz DOM Benedictine into the mixing glass.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Add 1 oz sweet vermouth.
- Add Whisky: Finally, add 1½ oz Single Malt 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: 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 a lemon twist (express the lemon zest on top of the drink and place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside). Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky: If you don't have scotch whisky, use bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye for a spicier kick. I've also used brandy in a pinch, which adds a different but enjoyable flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: You can use dry vermouth if you prefer. It will make for a drier cocktail overall, but that’s a good variation for amateurs of drier whisky cocktails. However, it will change the overall balance.
- Benedictine: If you can't find Benedictine, use Chartreuse for a more herbal note or Drambuie for a honeyed touch.
- Peychaud Bitters: Orange bitters can be an excellent alternative to add a citrusy twist to your drink.
- Absinthe: Opt for Pastis for a similar flavor.
Making a Pitcher of Mr Burns Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of scotch whisky, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, 4 oz of Benedictine, 16 dashes of Peychaud bitters, and 8 dashes of absinthe.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whisky, vermouth, Benedictine, absinthe, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic whiskey's flavor profile.
- Sweet Vermouth Substitute: Opt for non-alcoholic wine or apple juice with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
- Benedictine Substitute: Make an herbal simple syrup by infusing water and sugar with herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Bitters: opt for a non-alcoholic bitter available on the market.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Mr Burns Cocktail?
A Mr Burns Cocktail is a twist on the classic Bobby Burns cocktail. It is made of single malt Scotch whisky, sweet (or dry, depending on the versions) vermouth, Benedictine, Peychaud bitters, and absinthe. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward steps like measuring the ingredients and stirring them together. The unique combination of herbal notes from the Benedictine and bitters creates a sophisticated flavor profile that sets this cocktail apart.
What is a Mr Burns Cocktail made of – The ingredients
These are the ingredients you need for a Mr Burns Cocktail:
- Whisky: Provides a robust and warming base for the cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to balance the whiskey.
- Benedictine: Contributes herbal and sweet notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Peychaud Bitters: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of bitterness to round out the drink.
- Absinthe: Provide complexity and a touch of anise flavor.
- Lemon Twist (optional): Offers a citrusy aroma and garnish for visual appeal.
