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Chinese Cocktail

1 1⁄2 oz Jamaican rum
3⁄4 oz Grenadine
3 ds Curaçao
Instructions

Shake, strain, up.

Notes

Murray Stenson has a variation of this for modern tastes that is 1 1/2 oz rum, 1/2 oz lime juice,1/4 oz Cointreau, 1/4 oz grenadine, and 1 teaspoon Maraschino.

Yields Drink
Year
1930
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Source reference

Savoy Cocktail Book, pg 45

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(8 ratings)
From other users
  • Mixed the "modern" version. Surprising that the little bit of maraschino comes forward.
  • This drink actually goes back to the Savoy cocktail book, but without lime. As written here it is quite nice.
  • Maraschino is the strongest note, then lime, then angostura. Very easy and sweet, though I wonder how it would work with bourbon.
Similar cocktails
  • Canton — Jamaican rum, Maraschino Liqueur, Orange Curaçao, Maraschino cherry, Grenadine, Orange peel
dustinw84 commented on 2/23/2021:

In The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book (2016) Frank Caiafa gives a version that is 2oz Jamaican Rum (or 1 oz each congnac and aged rum agricole), .25oz Pierre Ferrand dry curacao, .25 maraschino liqueur (or creme de noyaux...or amaretto, or orgeat), .25 grenadine (or simple syrup), and 2 dashes Angostura. He notes that the suggestions in parentheses are based on how 'the Old Books' listed the recipe. I tried his version as listed (and very close to the recipe in the entry here), using appleton reserve 8yr without the suggested substitutions, and it was quite good. The maraschino hits hard, but it works really well with the rum, and makes me want to experiment with that combo.


Shawn C commented on 3/03/2023:

I tried with with the Savoy ratios (2:1:1 bsp:1 bsp:1 dash) using Appleton Estate hoping to reduce the sweetness tolerably vs. Smith & Cross. I used my own pomegranate grenadine, but there is just far too much grenadine in the recipe to make this anything other than a syrupy sweet drink. The flavor would be pleasant if not so cloying, utterly lacking offsetting acid or bitter. I tried to adjust the already prepared drink with 1/2 oz of lime juice, which helped but was still insufficient. This is a vintage cocktail that just doesn't work as written. It might make a decent long drink with the lime juice and plenty of soda water to tame the sugar.



Shawn C commented on 3/03/2023:

There are several versions of this cocktail in the 20's and 30's. The earliest I have found so far in a quick (not exhaustive) search is in a 1924 Swiss cocktail book, "Carlo's Les Cocktails et Les Boissons Americaines" by Carlo Beltramo. I don't know if this is the root recipe or not, but it is listed as the "Chine cocktail" and looks like a reasonable drink, probably the most complete of the lot: 1/2 tsp Angostura Bitters, 1 tsp maraschino, 1 tsp red curacao, 1 tsp grenadine, 50 mL of aged Jamaican rum. Stir and pour into cocktail glass, with a cherry and lemon zest.

I don't know why the large amount of grenadine crept into many later recipes, but in the 1927 "Barflies & Cocktails" listing for the Chinese it is there as: 1 dash Angostura, 3 dashes Maraschino, 3 dashes Curacao, 1/ 6 Syrup Grenadine, 1/3 Jamaica Rum. Shake well and strain. (Recipe by F. P. Newman, Paris. ) Savoy (Craddock) seems to have just copied this dubious recipe.

1934's Boothby recipe for the Chinese is more towards the 1924 recipe: Rum 2/3 jigger, Curacoa 2 dashes, Grenadine 2 dashes, Maraschino 2 dashes, Bitters 2 drops


Shawn C commented on 3/04/2023:

I gave the 1924 Chine Cocktail recipe a try and it is not bad, 3/5. I used ~7/8 oz each of Appleton Estate and Wray & Nephew, 1 barspoon (teaspoon size) of P.F. Dry Curacao, 1 bsp of my pomegranate grenadine, 1 bsp Luxardo, and an actual 1/2 barspoon (1/2 teaspoon, close to 4+ dashes) of Angostura Aromatic Bitters. [Note that red curacao from Senior would likely be considerably sweeter.] I expressed the lemon peel and dropped it into the drink since I wanted it to help balance the sugar, then added a Luxardo cherry.

This makes for a full flavor intensity drink--still sweet but the baking spice/bitters help balance that.


Culross

1 oz Light rum
1 oz Aromatized wine, Lillet Blanc
1⁄2 oz Lemon juice
Instructions

Stir, strain, cocktail glass, straight up.

Notes

Consider using Cocchi Americano for the Lillet as it is probably closer to Lillet Kina than modern Lillet. Consider using dry apricot brandy (e.g. Blume Marillen) for a less sweet drink

Yields Drink
Year
1920
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Savoy cocktail book
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
4 stars
(11 ratings)
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  • Dieciseis de Septiembre — Bianco Vermouth, Blanco tequila, Elderflower liqueur, Lavender bitters, Lime juice, Salt
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Dan commented on 11/05/2011:

Curated to reflect authentic historic drink, with modern improvements moved to the notes.


Saturday Night

1 oz Gin, Beefeater
1⁄2 oz Campari
1⁄2 oz Amaro Abano, Luxardo
Instructions

Stir, strain, straight up, cocktail glass

Yields Drink
Year
2007
Authenticity
Unknown
Creator
plattetude, eGullet.org
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(13 ratings)
From other users
  • A light, semi-sweet drink that can be enjoyed year-round.
  • Good, but not outstanding. The peppery Abano comes through. somehow not as satisfying as a Negroni, but nice for a change. — ★★★
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  • Elevato Negroni — Gin, Sweet vermouth, Campari, Amaro, Zucca, Orange peel
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MOJO1229 commented on 3/26/2016:

I agree with the first comment, in that this drink is not outstanding. However, I used Luxardo, not Amaro Abano, so I don't know how hers/his version compared to mine. However,  I was satisfied with Luxardo, so I will make this drink occasionally in the future.

Yes, this drink doesn't compare with a Negroni, but then, only a handful of drinks do. In short, I don't think this drink was intended to compete with a Negroni. I suspect it was developed simply as a drink to enjoy on its own.


Sun and Sand

1 oz Bourbon (knob creek)
1 oz Apricot liqueur (dry?)
Instructions

Sounds WAY too sweet. Needs acid. Try more Bourbon too / less other stuff.

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Unknown
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
2 stars
(2 ratings)
From other users
  • half as much apricot brandy. a little picked it up. still a 2 — ★★
  • I used Punt e Mes and half as much apricot liqueur (sweet) as everything else. Surprised by the depth--herbal notes up front, a little sourness, ends sweet. Color (brown) leaves something to be desired.
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  • Brix Layer (variation) — Bourbon, Red wine, Triple sec, Bitters, Simple syrup, Orange juice, Lemon juice, Lime juice
  • Fir Sure — Eau de vie of Douglas Fir, Cognac VSOP, Orange liqueur, Sweet vermouth, Lemon peel
  • Edith Bunker — Rye, Aromatized wine, Maraschino Liqueur, Bitters, Orange juice
  • American Beauty — Cognac, Dry vermouth, Ruby Port, Green Crème de Menthe, Orange juice, Grenadine
  • Fleet Following — Calvados, Chinato, Grapefruit juice, Ginger syrup

Teacher of the Year

1 oz Rye (overproof)
3⁄4 oz Fino sherry
1⁄4 oz Bénédictine
1 rinse Absinthe
Instructions

Stir, strain, straight up, chilled absinthe-rinsed cocktail glass

Yields Drink
Year
2006
Authenticity
Unknown
Creator
Andy Arrington eGullet
Source reference
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3 stars
(2 ratings)
From other users
  • That rinse goes a long way in this drink! The sherry is surprisingly subdued in the overproof rye.
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Bella Donna

1 oz Amaretto
1⁄2 T Lemon
1⁄2 T Lime
1 pn Cinnamon (rim glass)
Instructions

I would make this with 1/4 oz Lemon and 1/4 oz Lime with no added sugar. I might cut back on the Amaretto too, or add more sour. It is supposed to be quite sweet.

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Unknown
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(11 ratings)
From other users
  • Tasty and approachable. Made with no simple. Quite sweet and just a bit sour. Wouldn't add to the rotation but not a bad use for amaretto.
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Cheeses commented on 6/24/2014:

Made per Dan's suggestion with no simple. Could add still more sour. As is the amaretto dominates and lime settles in at the end with just a touch of real sourness. Not a bad use for an ancient bottle of amaretto.


Bumblebee

2 oz Dark rum
1 1⁄2 t Honey (or more, to taste)
2 t Lime juice (or so, to taste)
3 dr Bitters, Angostura (as garnish)
1 twst Orange peel (as garnish)
Instructions

Dry shake, add ice, shake, strain, cocktail glass, dot top with bitters, garnish with twist

History

Calls for strained honey; not needed today

Yields Drink
Year
1939
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Charles H. Baker, Gentleman's Companion
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(3 ratings)
From other users
  • Nice balance of acid, sweetness, and dark rum. I'd double the portions per serving/person.
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  • Corn 'n Oil — Virgin Islands Rum, Falernum, Bitters, Lime juice
  • The Golden Pearl — Rum, Ginger liqueur, Bitters, Lime juice, Honey syrup
  • Bajito — Rum, Sugar, Lime, Mint, Basil
Dan commented on 9/24/2011:

Updated to clarify ingredients, quantities, and method. Bitters corrected from Angostura Orange to regular Angostura.


Cagmaggers commented on 5/28/2012:

The linked recipe calls for 1.5 t honey, not 1.5 oz.


Dan commented on 5/28/2012:

Thanks. Fixed oz -> tsp.


Silver Gin Fizz

1 1⁄2 oz Gin
1 t Sugar
1 oz Soda water (top)
Instructions

Dry shake, add ice, shake, stain.

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Unknown
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(5 ratings)
From other users
  • Someone at my bar asked for a unique gin martini that they had never heard of. I took a chance and whipped this one up, modeled after the original Gin Fizz. Its frothy and citrusy, and easy to make. — ★★★★
  • Use half lemon, half lime? Grapefruit bitters on top?
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Gin Rickey

2 oz Gin
3⁄4 oz Lime juice
3 oz Club soda
Instructions

Lime Wedge, Build, Rocks, Collins

Notes

Gary Regan: "I'm not a fan of this drink"

Yields Drink
Year
c 1890
Authenticity
Unknown
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(10 ratings)
From other users
  • Variants: 1 oz Lime. Muddle with either: 1/3 cup raspberries; OR 1/3 cup blueberries.
  • Use the death & co version.
  • Except on the hottest days, I prefer the Death & Co. recipe described in the comments. Their's gets 4 stars.
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Zachary Pearson commented on 4/20/2015:

Curated this. Removed grenadine from the drink - it's literally gin, lime juice and club soda. Tart!  Thanks,  Zachary


Malty Puppy commented on 4/20/2015:

Good with two dashes of simple syrup (according to David Embury's advice). Refreshing, effervescent and tart.


mako commented on 5/16/2018:

I think few days are hot enough that I prefer my Gin Rickey "bone dry" as per this recipe. If it's the hottest day of the year, make this recipe.

Every other day of the year, I prefer the Death & Co recipe: 2 oz Gin (Beefeater); 1oz Lime Juice; 1/2 oz Simple Syrup; Club Soda (to taste).

 


drinkingandthinking commented on 7/18/2023:

I prefer the original, no sugar. Better than a martini or a tom collins if you just want an excuse to drink gin.


Left Hand

3⁄4 oz Campari
1 Maraschino cherry (as garnish)
Instructions

Stir, stain, straight up, cocktail glass, garnish

Notes

The original called for Bittermen's Sweet Chocolate bitters, a one-off bitters made by a measuring error when making their Mole bitters.

History

This recipe previously listed a variation using rye, regular sweet vermouth, and omitting the bitters. Corrected thanks to a comment by Campus Five.

Yields Drink
Year
2010
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Sam Ross, Milk & Honey and Little Branch, New York, NY
Source reference

Dark Spirits, A. J. Rathbun, Melissa Punch

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
4 stars
(40 ratings)
From other users
  • Beats a Manhattan any day. Used Cocchi di Torino. Vanilla and chocolate... Mmmm...
  • Was OK - not sure if it's cuz of the mole bitters. maybe i don't like them? I used Punt, btw. and bourbon 1.5oz.
  • We also make this one with a 2:1 ratio (1.5 oz bourbon), as recommended in the PDT. Garnish with an amarena cherry (Fabbri or Toschi), or a home-brandied version of same. — ★★★★★
  • Works better with Bitter Luxardo, rather than Campari.
  • I made with coffee-infused Antica Formula. Nice, Campari comes out strong. I might reduce that to .5 oz. Also, I reduced bourbon to 1.5oz as suggested by other users.
  • Used Evan Williams single barrel bourbon (2.5 oz). Rate 4.0
  • make with 1.5 oz bourbon
  • Still says 2oz bourbon. Should be 1.5oz.
  • Boy that cherry was good at the end.
  • Beautiful color. Blood just starting to dry. Very inviting aroma. Spicy, and very old school. Ladies and gentlemen, Do not call. We have a winner! Best showcase for chocolate bitters yet!
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campus five commented on 5/22/2011:

The recipe as currently listed is not the original, but rather an accidental variation by Damian Windsor (currently at Roger Room, Los Angeles) that I have posted on eGullet repeatedly.

The original is by Sam Ross (Milk and Honey, Little Branch, etc.).

1.5 oz Bourbon (Elijah Craig)
.75 oz Campari
.75 oz Carpano Antica
2 dashes Mole Bitters

Stir, strain, up, cherry.

This recipe was originally found on the Bitterman's website, but it's been removed.
It can be found in this book: http://books.google.com/books?id=hKgGjgbfhaUC&pg=PA76&lpg=PA76&dq=%22le…
However, it lists Bitterman's Sweet Chocolate Bitters, instead of the Mole Bitters.


Dan commented on 5/22/2011:

Thanks, Campus Five. I've correct the recipe using the source you cited.


tophat665 commented on 8/04/2013:

Wow! That's a perfect showcase for chocolate in bitters (I had to use Fee Bro's Aztec Chocolate, but that's close, nu? Same league if not the same ballpark.) Well played! 4 of 5, and 4.7 if there were 10th stars.


Casey commented on 8/09/2013:

Good - but if I'm aiming for this, I prefer a Punt e Mes manhattan (2:1) with 2 big dashes of Bittermens Mole.