Adonis recipe
A nutty, Victorian aperitif blending dry sherry and sweet vermouth.
Method: Stirred ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Fino Sherry
- 1 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
How to make a Adonis
- Combine Fino sherry, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir briskly for 30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express the essential oils from an orange peel over the surface and discard or garnish.
Garnish
Orange twist
Pro tip
Store open vermouth and sherry in the refrigerator to preserve delicate aromatics and prevent oxidation.
History of the Adonis
Created during the 1880s at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, the Adonis was named after the immensely popular Broadway musical of the same name. It represents one of the earliest widespread introductions of sherry into American cocktail culture.
Flavour profile
Nutty, Herbal, Citrusy
Variations
- Bamboo — Substitutes dry vermouth for sweet vermouth, yielding a bone-dry, crisp profile.
- Bishop's Garden — Adds a barspoon of elderflower liqueur and a sprig of fresh mint for a floral lift.
- Spanish Amber — Swaps Fino sherry for Amontillado and adds a dash of Angostura bitters for richer caramel notes.
Practise making the Adonis in the free Virtual Bar game.