Adonis Cocktail

Pro tips

• Pre-chill your glass with ice or by chilling in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving.
• Stir for 15–20 seconds to properly chill and dilute without over-aerating the drink.
• Use a quality dry sherry (Fino or Amontillado) — it's a main ingredient, not a modifier.
• Orange bitters should be the final addition after straining; a single dash makes a difference.

Substitutions

• Dry Sherry → Dry Vermouth (creates a fortified-wine cocktail with lighter body)
• Sweet Vermouth → Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth (deepens herbal notes)
• Orange Bitters → Regan's Orange Bitters or Fee Brothers (adjusts citrus intensity)

Storage & make-ahead

This is a fresh mixed drink. Stir to order and serve immediately over ice; do not batch or store pre-made.

Equipment

mixing glass or cocktail pitcher · bar spoon (for stirring) · Hawthorne or julep strainer · jigger (for measuring)

What's the difference between dry sherry and sweet vermouth in this cocktail?

Dry sherry adds wine-forward acidity and nuttiness, while sweet vermouth brings herbal sweetness and body. Together they create balance without base spirits.

Should I stir or shake an Adonis?

Stir, not shake. Stirring chills the fortified wines gently without aerating them, preserving the smooth, elegant character of the drink.

Can I make this drink ahead?

Mix and refrigerate the vermouth and sherry up to 2 days ahead, but add ice and bitters immediately before serving for optimal temperature and flavor.

What glassware should I use?

A chilled coupe or cocktail glass. If unavailable, a small wine glass works as an alternative.

Is this cocktail considered dry or sweet?

It's balanced and slightly sweet, leaning toward dry. The sweet vermouth adds flavor and body without overwhelming the sherry's crisp finish.