Adonis Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass with ice water before straining; the Adonis is temperature-sensitive and should arrive cold.
• Use a 1:1 ratio of vermouth to sherry; precise measurement matters more than in most cocktails due to the delicate balance.
• Stir for a full 30 seconds to properly dilute and integrate the bitters—under-stirring leaves it unbalanced.
• Use quality Italian (sweet) vermouth and a dry, nutty sherry; bottom-shelf versions will muddy the drink.

Substitutions

• Dry vermouth → sweet vermouth (creates a Bamboo cocktail instead)
• Orange bitters → Angostura bitters (less ideal; shifts to a spicier, less citrus-forward profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails must be consumed immediately after straining; do not batch or store mixed drinks.

Equipment

cocktail stirring glass or mixing pitcher · bar spoon · jigger (for accurate 1:1 measurement)

What's the difference between an Adonis and an Bamboo cocktail?

An Adonis uses sweet Italian vermouth; a Bamboo uses dry vermouth instead. Both use dry sherry and orange bitters in the same proportions.

Should an Adonis be stirred or shaken?

Stir with ice for 30 seconds until well-chilled and diluted, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Shaking is not traditional.

Can I make this drink without orange bitters?

Not recommended—the dash of orange bitters is essential to the balance. Use Angostura as a last resort, though it will shift the flavor profile.

What type of glassware should I use?

Serve in a coupe, cocktail, or small wine glass chilled before pouring. A 3–4 oz glass is standard.

How long does an Adonis take to make?

About 2 minutes: measure, stir, strain. No muddling or special technique required.