1 1⁄2 oz Rye, Rittenhouse
3⁄4 oz Calisaya
3⁄4 oz Sweet vermouth, Carpano Antica Formula
2 ds Orange bitters
1 twst Orange peel
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a rocks glass containing one large ice cube. Rub the orange twist on the rim of the glass and drop it into the drink.
Notes
The bitter orange flavor of the Calisaya is what makes this.
History
Had a bottle of Calisaya and had to come up with a way to use it other than just drinking it.
Okay, but it might benefit from some tweaks depending on one's preferences. I found it sweeter than expected, but with some spicy/bitter heat. The orange bitter essence seemed overly strong--I used Regan's, but the Calisaya has some orange bitter of its own and there is a lot of Calisaya in this, especially with the orange peel expressed and dropped into glass. Subbing Angostura Aromatic or another aromatic bitter might broaden the flavor. Or one might choose to back off on the Calisaya and/or vermouth to ~1/2 oz each and up the rye accordingly (e.g. 2 : 1/2 : 1/2.) I would rate the drink ~2.5 as is, but will bump it to 3 on the assumption that some tweaks would make it rotation worthy.
In all fairness to the originator of this cocktail, I have not had much success with the historical Calisaya recipes either, and am still looking for a compelling one. This recipe has some similarities to the "Good Fellow" from 1914 Straub and 1937 UKBG (50:50 Bourbon/sweet vermouth with dash each of Calisaya and Angostura.)