Satan's Whiskers recipe
A vibrant Prohibition-era cocktail pairing botanical gin with dual vermouths and bright citrus.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Chilled Coupe ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Gin (London dry)
- 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth (French style)
- 0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth (Italian style)
- 0.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 0.25 oz Grand Marnier (Or orange curaçao)
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
How to make a Satan's Whiskers
- Chill a coupe glass in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Add gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, orange juice, grand marnier, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for ten to fifteen seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Double strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh orange twist and serve immediately.
Garnish
Garnish with an orange twist.
Pro tip
Always squeeze fresh orange juice for this recipe because bottled alternatives introduce flat acidity that overpowers the delicate balance of the dual vermouths.
History of the Satan's Whiskers
First published in Harry Craddock's 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book, this complex citrus drink is widely believed to have originated at London's Embassy Club during Prohibition. Its unusual feline-themed name reflected the witty cocktail nomenclature popular in elite interwar drinking societies.
Flavour profile
Citrus, Herbaceous, Complex, Tart
Variations
- Baby Grand — Substitute grapefruit juice for orange juice and add a barspoon of maraschino liqueur.
- Devil's Soul — Swap London dry gin for aged rum and omit the dry vermouth for a richer profile.
- Imperial Whiskers — Use cognac instead of gin and split the orange liqueur with apricot brandy.
Practise making the Satan's Whiskers in the free Virtual Bar game.