Colonel Carpano

1 1⁄2 oz Cynar
1 1⁄2 oz Bourbon, Buffalo Trace
3⁄4 oz Sweet vermouth, Carpano Antica Formula
2 ds Peychaud's Bitters
1 twst Orange peel
Instructions

Combine in a mixing glass then add large ice cubes. Stir then strain over large ice. Garnish with an orange peel expressed and inserted.

Notes

A very long flavor ride from sweet to spicy to bitter and back.

Cocktail summary
Created by
Kyle Davidson, The Violet Hour, Chicago
Year
2008
Is of
unknown authenticity
Curator
4 stars
Average
4 stars
(77 ratings)
YieldsDrink
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From other users
  • Delicious!! I used perucchi sweet vermouth.
  • I find this a tad too bitter...but it tastes better as the ice melts!
  • 12/27/16: Really, really good. I prefer this to a manhattan.
  • Bitter
  • As suggested by someone here, tried it with Ramazzotti and like it. Next time I'll bump the bourbon up in the mix (just a tad sweeter than I like it). I'll also try it with Rye.
  • As was said, good Manhattan alternative.
  • Didn't have orange, but that would add a nice element. Used punt e mes, delicious.
  • Excellent Manhattan sub. Cynar adds welcome bitter undertones. A real Friday unwinding drink.
  • Excellent and will try upping the Antica next time
  • Absolutely delicious. The small amount of CAF is apparent. Nice lingering bitter. Made with Knob Creek. — ★★★★★
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Comments
Dan commented on 12/15/2010:

I made it with Knob Creek. The Carpano Antica was readily apparent. Not overly sweet. A Manhattan for the adventurous. Beautiful lingering bitter tones in the finish.

Had the guys at Anvil make this for me, subbing Rittenhouse 100 for Bourbon and Zucca Amaro (rhubarb based) for Cynar... It was all bitter chocolate and wintry spice and enough citrus for balance. Really really good, and makes me want a bottle of Cynar ;)

Dan commented on 12/28/2010:

Ooh, ooh, just got a bottle of Zucca. Good stuff. I've added it as an ingredient in Kindred Cocktails. And, yes, you do want a bottle of Cynar.

This drink grew on me. I did need more Carpano Antica- I ended up closer to 1:1:1. I used Black Maple Hill Bourbon.

Dan commented on 11/19/2011:

Curated to spell out Colonel in the title to make it easier to find. Old URL's to cocktail/col-carpano will still work.

ifjuly commented on 1/10/2012:

Seconded. This is the best cocktail of the ones I've tried on this site so far, a lovely mix of two things I love (Cynar and Manhattans!). A new favorite.

jaba commented on 12/24/2013:

Easily my new favorite drink.

Definitely a good one for slowly sipping and appreciating. Maybe a touch on the sweet side for my palette, so may have to adjust the Cynar and Antica formula down a touch. Flavor combination is brilliant and lends itself well to experimentation with bitters and garnish.

jaba commented on 5/05/2014:

Anyone have any thoughts on how this might be with Punt e Mes instead of Carpano Antica?

jaba commented on 5/06/2014:

Yeah, I don't know why I had to ask. It was awesome with Punt e Mes. Less "chocolatey" than the original, but still outstanding.