ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL
For this month’s featured craft cocktail we take a closer look at vermouth and its roll in craft
cocktails. Historically, in cocktails, vermouth was used to cut the harsh flavors of unrefined spirits. Today, both spirits and liqueurs are superior to what they use to be. For this reason, cocktail enthusiast search for only the finest vermouths to achieve a perfectly balanced craft cocktail.
The Orange Blossom Special is one of my favorite vermouth-heavy cocktails, crafted by none other than William Grant & Son’s brand ambassador, Charlotte Voisey. I stumbled upon this recipe while looking for ways to use Solerno. Solerno is a blood orange liqueur from Sicily. It works beautifully in this cocktail.
Vermouth is the star in this drink. Dolin Blanc Vermouth has delicate honey notes along with light botanicals and a slightly bitter finish. Hendrick’s Gin accents the vermouth nicely with its cucumber and rosehip notes. The Solerno’s residual sugars and high acidity from the blood oranges, make the cocktail bright and composed. This cocktail is finished with orange flower water to enhance the floral notes. Perfect as an aperitif or by itself on any given day.
1 ½ oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
¾ oz Hendrick’s Gin
½ oz Solerno
2 Drops Orange Blossom Water
Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir. To finish, strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.