Saratoga Holiday Cocktail
This festive drink is based on the Saratoga cocktail, a riff on a Manhattan that first appeared in Jerry Thomas’s “The Bar-Tender’s Guide” in 1862. It’s named after the New York State resort town famous for its mineral springs. This version incorporates brandied dried fruit, which carries notes of citrus and warming spices. The bitters help bring out the currant and cranberry notes in the fruit. Garnish with a twist of orange or a grating of nutmeg.
- Serves: 1 person
Ingredients
- 2tablespoons brandied dried fruit
- 1ounce rye whiskey
- 1ounce brandy
- 1ounce sweet vermouth
- 2dashes aromatic bitters
- 1orange twist or freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
Add brandied dried fruit, rye, brandy, sweet vermouth and bitters to a cocktail shaker. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds to incorporate the fruit. Add ice and stir again for 20 to 30 seconds or until sufficiently chilled.Step 2
Using a cocktail strainer, strain the cocktail into a coupe glass and garnish with a twist of orange or a fresh grating of nutmeg.