Marconi Wireless recipe
A sophisticated orchard-forward Manhattan variant balancing rich apple brandy with herbal sweet vermouth.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 5 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Apple Brandy (Calvados or bonded applejack)
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Italian rosso vermouth)
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters (Regan's or Angostura orange)
How to make a Marconi Wireless
- Chill a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer.
- Combine the apple brandy, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters in a mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass with quality ice cubes and stir briskly for 30 seconds to chill and dilute properly.
- Strain the liquid through a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
- Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface and garnish with a brandied cherry.
Garnish
a brandied cherry
Pro tip
Measure carefully, keep the dilution controlled, and serve Marconi Wireless as soon as it is cold and balanced.
History of the Marconi Wireless
Originating in the early 20th century, the Marconi Wireless pays homage to Guglielmo Marconi and the dawn of transatlantic radio communication. First appearing in classic cocktail compendiums of the era, it serves as a distinctively rustic yet refined regional riff on the Manhattan template, substituting whiskey for the rich fruit character of apple brandy.
Flavour profile
Boozy, Sweet, Herbal, Citrus
Variations
- Maritime Wireless — Substitute half of the sweet vermouth with dry vermouth and add a barspoon of maraschino liqueur.
- Highland Wireless — Swap apple brandy for lightly peated Scotch whisky for a smoky orchard profile.
- Spiced Wireless — Infuse the sweet vermouth with whole star anise and cinnamon bark before mixing.
Practise making the Marconi Wireless in the free Virtual Bar game.