Turf Cocktail
A classic cocktail with a complex, botanical flavor, the Turf Cocktail is a pre-Prohibition-era drink that's lesser-known but highly appreciated by connoisseurs of vintage libations. It's a Martini variation that features gin, vermouth, and maraschino liqueur with a touch of absinthe and bitters to add depth.
Equipment
- Martini glass
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Hawthorne strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 dash Absinthe
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a Martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
- Pour the gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and a dash of absinthe into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Discard the ice from the Martini glass if using it to chill.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
The Turf Cocktail is sometimes garnished with a small onion (making it a Gibson variation) or an olive, but the lemon twist is more traditional. The balance of botanicals can be adjusted to taste, but the classic recipe offers a dry, complex flavor profile that's perfect as an aperitif.