Ott's Special

1 1⁄2 oz Gin
3⁄4 oz Strega
3⁄4 oz Dry vermouth
1 ds Orange bitters, Regans' orange bitters
1 ds Bitters, Fee Brothers Orange
1 twst Orange peel (as garnish)
Instructions

Stir; strain; garnish.

History

Chris Amirault of eGullet found this in a 1937 UK Bartenders' Guild book.

Cocktail summary
Picture of Ott's Special
Created by
Jack Powell
Year
<=1937
Is an
altered recipe
Reference

https://forums.egullet.org/topic/35798-strega/?do=findComment&comment=1…

Curator
Not yet rated
Average
3.5 stars
(7 ratings)
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From other users
  • Gives the Strega a stage to shine on.
  • Must try
  • Sophisticated spin on a martini. Maybe a touch too sweet.
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Comments

I am not rating the posted cocktail, since I adjusted this from the 1937 Cafe Royale Cocktail Book ratios because I know the period cocktails often run a bit sweet with intense liqueur flavor. I used 2 oz Tanqueray, 1/2 Strega, 1/2 Noilly Prat Extra Dry, 2 dashes Regan's orange bitters, orange twist. This worked for my palate and I would rate it a 4, still substantial sweetness, but showcasing the herbal/botanical character of the Strega (which is similar to the Basque liqueur Izarra Jaune which I am fond of, a bit less sweet than Yellow Chartreuse, with more herbal character.) I will probably try this again with the Izarra to compare.