Income Tax Cocktail
I have some bad news. Today, unfortunately, is tax day. Yes, it’s the most dreaded day of the year. It’s the day when we as Americans must tally up all earnings over the past year, fill out that awful little (or not so little) form and discover if we’re paying the government or if the government is paying us. Either way, it’s a day that’s definitely about drinking. Or at least it should be.
So, since in all likelihood you’ll be drinking no matter what (to drown your sorrows or to celebrate) I wanted to introduce you to the classic ’20’s cocktail that was actually named after this event. Yes, it is in fact that Income Tax Cocktail.
Though no one knows for sure who created the drink, it’s believed that the cocktail received it’s moniker because, much like tax season, it holds a few surprises. Similar to the original martini, this drink is comprised of both gin and vermouth. But instead of one vermouth, this drink has two: both sweet and dry. And the surprises keep on coming: there’s also has a healthy shot of orange juice and a dash or two of bitters; ’cause let’s be honest, those tax forms always, always leave a bitter taste in your mouth.
Don’t let the bitters scare you though. Much like the bitter taste of tax season, the bitter taste of this cocktail only lasts a moment. It’s those shots of citrus and sweet vermouth that will keep you coming back for more day after day or in the case of tax season, year after year. Hey, that’s a cool idea. Since we have to do our taxes every year, part of the process should absolutely include mixing up an Income Tax Cocktail or two; because while this event is the bane of everyone’s existence, sipping the Income Tax will make the whole process a little easier to swallow.
Income Tax Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 oz. gin
- 3/4 oz. dry vermouth
- 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
- 3/4 oz. fresh orange juice
- 1 – 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Directions:
- Pour all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
- Strain into a cocktail coupe, add a twist of orange peel for garnish and serve.
