Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:25%
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 7, 2024
The Merry Widow cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It is named after the famous operetta 'The Merry Widow' by Franz Lehár, which premiered in 1905. This cocktail was popular among the high society and was often enjoyed at elegant parties and events.
The Merry Widow cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth. The herbal notes from the bitters and the warmth of the brandy create a smooth and satisfying finish.
A few good options for Merry Widow are:
Using 2oz of Gin is ideal, providing a robust base without overpowering. Gin brings the core flavor with its various botanicals. No gin, no merry! Substitute with vodka for a more neutral taste, or a flavored gin for an adventurous twist.
1oz of Dry Vermouth tempers the gin and adds a slightly floral note. Skipping it would throw off the balance, making the drink too strong. A sweet vermouth would sweeten the mix, introducing new, richer dimensions.
Half an ounce of Benedictine adds depth with its honeyed, herbal complexity. If you omit it, you'll miss on layers of flavor, but if you want something a bit spicier, try replacing it with Chartreuse.
Just 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters bring in a touch of spice and a bit of mystique. Leaving it out would make the drink flatter, but you could use aromatic bitters for a similar effect.
Matching the Angostura with 2 dashes of Orange Bitters accentuates the citrus notes and adds brightness. Ignore these and lose some zing, or swap for grapefruit bitters to add a tart edge.
The Lemon Twist garnish isn't just for looks! Its oils add a fresh scent and zesty flavor. Sans twist, your drink is like a garden without flowers. Switch it up with an orange peel for a sweeter aroma.
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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.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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Benedictine, a French herbal liqueur, adds depth and complexity to the cocktail. It has a unique flavor profile that includes notes of honey, herbs, spices, and citrus peel, which complements the gin and vermouth beautifully.
The Merry Widow can be made with any type of gin. However, a higher-quality gin, ideally one that is citrus-forward or has a moderate juniper note, would elevate the cocktail's flavor.
Expressing is a term often used when garnishing cocktails with citrus. It describes the process of releasing the citrus's essential oils over the cocktail, adding a fresh aroma and subtle flavor.
Due to its elegance and sophistication, the Merry Widow is best suited for formal gatherings, dinner parties, or intimate soirees. It can also work as an after-dinner digestif.
Stirring is the recommended method for this cocktail to incorporate the ingredients without aerating the mix. Shaking could make the drink cloudy and would alter its delicate balance.
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 Gibson cocktail is crisp, clean, and slightly savory, with a strong gin-forward flavor. The dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal and floral note, while the cocktail onions provide a briny, tangy contrast.
The Rose cocktail has a delicate and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness from the raspberry syrup. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle complexity from the combination of vermouth and cherry brandy. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
El Presidente is a smooth, well-balanced cocktail with a hint of sweetness and a touch of tartness. The combination of rum, orange curaçao, and vermouth creates a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
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 Creole cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink, with a sweet and fruity base, a hint of bitterness from the Campari, and a warm, spicy finish from the rye whiskey. It is both refreshing and invigorating, making it a perfect choice for a warm summer evening or a lively night out.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
The French Martini has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet and fruity taste. The combination of pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
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 Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
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.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.
The Vesper Martini has a strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste with a smooth, silky finish. The combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc creates a complex, well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
