Chrysanthemum Cocktail
Ever heard that age old saying “April showers bring May flowers”? Well, evidence all around me suggests it’s true. Everywhere I look these days from my garden to the farmers market there are rows and rows of flowers. So, I thought since I’m suddenly surrounded by tulips, roses, daffodils and poppies why not make a cocktail named after one of these beautiful blooms: the Chrysanthemum.
Unlike most cocktails you’ll find here, this one doesn’t have a typical base spirit like vodka, gin or bourbon. Instead its base comes from a liquor that’s usually used as an additive. You’ll be as surprised as I was to find that the main liquor in this cocktail is actually dry vermouth and the secondary is Benedictine.
I know those seem like odd choices for a cocktail, but considering the drink was created by an unknown bartender pre-Prohibition, it makes sense. I mean, every bartender wants to make a name for himself and what better way to do that than create unusual cocktails that would bring in patron after patron? Of course it worked because that bartender was Hugo Ensslin who published his own cocktail book in 1916 titled, Recipes for Mixed Drinks. The book may not have been on the best seller list, but several of the drinks listed stood the test of time. Some of them, like the Deshler and the Aviation, have even appeared on this blog. Ensslin was adept at knowing just how much sugar to add to each drink and which liquor went with which syrup or bitter. So, while other bartenders out there were playing it safe with a martini or champagne cocktail, Ensslin was stirring up drinks like the Chrysanthemum and saving the vodka and rye for drinks where they could really shine.
As far as flavor goes, this is definitely a sweeter cocktail. Unlike some of those other classics which could be considered too strong for an afternoon soirée, this one is perfect for a warm summer afternoon. The herbal notes from the Benedictine pair quite well with the stronger vermouth and the splash of absinthe tie the whole drink together. So, if you’re dying for a cocktail this weekend but want to save the gin for a martini, stir up a Chrysanthemum. It’s sweet and sour flavor is perfect for spring and will definitely bring a smile to your face.
The Chrysanthemum
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. dry vermouth
- 1 oz. benedictine
- 1/4 oz. absinthe
Directions:
- Place all the ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 15 – 20 seconds or until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a twist of orange and serve.
