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Jean Harlow Cocktail Drink

Jean Harlow Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Try the Jean Harlow Cocktail recipe! Blend light rum, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters for an ideal springtime cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 196

Ingredients
 

  • oz Light Rum
  • oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 dash of orange bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon zest spiral or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Stirring Glass
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Martini or Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a Martini or coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
  • Add Bitters: Pour 1 dash of orange bitters into the mixing glass.
  • Add Vermouth: Add 1½ oz Sweet Vermouth.
  • Add Light Rum: Measure and pour 1½ oz Light Rum into the mixing glass as well.
  • 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 zest spiral or twist and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Light Rum: If you don't have light rum, you can use white rum as an alternative. I've also tried using vodka for a different but still enjoyable flavor.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can work in a pinch, though it will change the drink's character slightly. Adding a small splash of simple syrup can help balance the flavors.
  • Orange Bitters: opt for Angostura bitters or any other citrus bitters for a different twist.

Making a Pitcher of Jean Harlow Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of light rum, 12 oz of sweet vermouth, and 8 dashes of orange bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the light rum, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture chilled martini glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic rum's flavor profile.
  • Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth or use grape juice with a touch of bitters to mimic the complexity of vermouth.
  • Orange bitters: opt for an orange peel infused syrup with gentian root for a touch of bitterness.
  • 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:

The Jean Harlow Cocktail is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that any substitutes you use are also vegan-friendly.