Deshler recipe
The Deshler is a sophisticated rye whiskey variation marrying French aperitif wine and orange liqueur.
Method: Stir and strain ·
Glass: Chilled coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Straight rye whiskey (High-rye preferred)
- 1 oz Dubonnet Rouge (Chilled)
- 1 tsp Cointreau (Orange liqueur)
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
How to make a Deshler
- Add the rye whiskey, Dubonnet Rouge, Cointreau, and Peychaud's bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir briskly for thirty seconds to chill and properly dilute the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Garnish
Garnish with a brandied cherry dropped into the glass.
Pro tip
Use a quality straight rye whiskey with good spice to cut through the rich, sweet fruitiness of the Dubonnet Rouge. Stir slightly longer than a standard Manhattan to achieve optimal dilution with the viscous aperitif.
History of the Deshler
The Deshler emerged during the early twentieth century as part of the sophisticated American cocktail canon, frequently associated with classic hotel bars and upscale dining rooms. While popular lore often attributes its invention to bartenders honoring political figures or regional landmarks of the era, precise documentation remains scarce and disputed among cocktail historians. Structurally, the drink functions as an elegant hybrid between the classic Manhattan and a French aperitif, pairing bold rye whiskey with the bittersweet aromatic complexity of Dubonnet Rouge and orange liqueur.
Flavour profile
Spicy, Bittersweet, Botanical, Complex
Variations
- Bourbon Deshler — Substitute Kentucky bourbon for rye whiskey to yield a sweeter, rounder profile.
- Black Manhattan Deshler — Swap the Dubonnet Rouge for Averna or Cynar for a deeper, more herbaceous amaro-forward finish.
Practise making the Deshler in the free Virtual Bar game.