Calories:~150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~4g
Alcohol:~30%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
The Ampersand cocktail is a classic concoction that dates back to the early 20th century. It's believed to have been named after the '&' symbol, which represents the combination of ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend.
The Ampersand cocktail offers a rich and velvety taste, with the warmth of cognac, the botanical notes of Old Tom gin, and the sweet, herbal complexity of sweet vermouth. The orange bitters add a subtle citrusy zing, creating a well-rounded and sophisticated flavor profile.
A few good options for Ampersand are:
At 1 oz, the cognac provides a rich, warm backbone to the Ampersand cocktail. Its aged, grape-based flavor profile adds depth and is essential for a rounded taste. Without cognac, you'd miss out on the soul of the drink. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you could swap it with Armagnac for a slightly different twist on the classic.
The Old Tom gin, also at 1 oz, imparts a slightly sweetened, botanical zing. It's more mellow than a London Dry gin, which could be used instead, but expect a sharper, more juniper-forward profile. The Old Tom balances our ensemble, acting as a perfect middle ground.
This sweet, herb-infused wine contributes to the silky mouthfeel of the Ampersand. At 1 oz, it sweetens the deal without overpowering—it's the diplomatic mediator between the strong cognac and the playful gin. A dry vermouth could be used for a drier version, but that would certainly change the smooth, sweet symphony we have here.
A mere 2 dashes of orange bitters is like adding a dash of pixie dust – it's magical. It brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the mix, offering a citrusy pop to cut through the richer spirits. Omitting it wouldn't ruin your cocktail, but why skip the sparkle? If orange isn't your thing, Angostura bitters could offer a more spiced complexity.
Ampersand cocktail pairs beautifully with a cheese platter, especially one that includes aged cheddars, creamy bries, or nutty goudas, as the rich flavors complement the depth of the cognac and the botanicals of the gin.
An assortment of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo offers savory and salty contrasts that stand up nicely to the Ampersand's complexity.
The sweetness of the chocolate desserts can be a delightful counterbalance to the herbal and citrus hints in the cocktail. Dark chocolate truffles or a rich chocolate torte would be particularly fitting.
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Switch up the cognac for bourbon, introducing a touch of American spirit. Keep everything else the same, and you'll have a drink with a little more smoke, a touch of vanilla, and a distinctly American twist.
Add 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz of simple syrup to the original recipe. This will create a brighter, tangier cocktail that's sure to pucker your lips and make you smile.
Muddle some fresh seasonal fruit (like berries or peach) in your mixing glass before adding the other ingredients. This will result in a fruity and refreshing twist, perfect for summer sipping on your front porch.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
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An Ampersand cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass, to maintain its temperature and enhance its elegant presentation.
Pre-mixing the cognac, gin, and vermouth is possible, but it is recommended to add the orange bitters and stir with ice right before serving to maintain the integrity of the flavors.
While the Ampersand is an inherently alcoholic drink, non-alcoholic spirits are available that mimic the flavors of cognac and gin for a mocktail variation, although the profile will differ from the original.
In cocktail recipes, 'dashes' refer to a small, quick pour of a liquid ingredient, typically from a dasher bottle, which is commonly used for bitters.
Stirring is the preferred method for cocktails that are solely composed of spirits, like the Ampersand, as it chills and dilutes the drink without introducing air bubbles or cloudiness that shaking would cause.
Sweet vermouth should be stored in the refrigerator after opening to preserve its flavor and prevent spoilage. It typically remains fresh for about a month.
Old Tom Gin has a slightly sweeter profile and a less pronounced juniper flavor compared to the more common London Dry Gin, which is known for its crisp, clean, and juniper-forward taste.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
