Get cozy this winter with our easy Vancouver Cocktail recipe! Made with Gin, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters, it's perfect for chilly nights.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 190
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Gin - preferably London Dry
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz Bénédictine
- 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange zest twist or maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Coupe or Martini Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or Coupe glass with ice. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Pour 2 dashes of Orange Bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Bénédictine: Measure and pour ½ oz Bénédictine into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouth: Add 1 oz Sweet Vermouth.
- Add Gin: Finally, add 1½ oz 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) or a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: If you're out of Gin, vodka can be a good substitute, although it will change the flavor profile slightly (it won’t have the same botanical taste as vodka is more neutral in terms of flavor).
- Sweet Vermouth: Any kind of red vermouth can be used for this recipe. You could also try a fortified wine like port or sherry (Oloroso, Palo Cortado or Pedro Ximenez for example) for a different flavor profile.
- Bénédictine: This is a unique ingredient, but if you don't have it, you could try using another herbal liqueur such as Drambuie.
- Orange Bitters: If you don't have orange bitters, lemon or Angostura bitters can work as an alternative, but it will alter the taste slightly.
Making a Pitcher of Vancouver Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Gin, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, 4 oz of Bénédictine, and 16 dashes of orange bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Gin, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters. Add ice and stir well. Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary. Strain to remove the ice and transfer into a bottle.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled martini or coupe glasses, garnish each with an orange peel or a maraschino cherry and serve immediately. Be sure to put the bottle back into the fridge or freezer between each serving so the drink is always served as cold as possible. If you have any leftovers, you can keep the bottle in the fridge for up to a year.
Making it Vegan:
- Bénédictine Substitute: Bénédictine is made with honey, which isn't vegan. To make this cocktail vegan-friendly, use another type of herbal liqueur, such as Strega or Galliano (these two are certified vegan-friendly). Once you have your Bénédictine substitute, just follow the rest of the recipe as usual, and enjoy!
What is a Vancouver Cocktail?
A Vancouver Cocktail is a classic gin cocktail made of Gin, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters. It’s not difficult to make; it only requires the right measurements of these four ingredients mixed together.
What is a Vancouver Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready for your Vancouver Cocktail:
- Gin forms the cocktail’s base, providing a strong, clear spirit that carries the other flavors.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds sweetness and complexity to balance the Gin.
- Bénédictine is an herbal liqueur that gives the cocktail its depth and richness.
- Orange Bitters: Enhances the flavor profile, adding a hint of citrusy bitterness to round out the drink.
- Lemon Twist (for garnish): This adds a fresh, citrus aroma that complements the drink’s flavors.
