Adonis Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before pouring; the fortified wines are best served very cold.
• Stir gently with ice for 30 seconds — over-stirring dilutes the delicate balance faster than shaking would.
• Use fresh orange bitters; old or off bitters will muddy the aromatic profile.
• Taste as you build: vermouth ratios vary by brand, so adjust the sweet vermouth downward if it tastes cloying.

Substitutions

• Dry Sherry → Dry Marsala or light Amontillado (similar body and dryness)
• Sweet Vermouth → Dry Vermouth or Cocchi Americano (shifts profile toward herbal; reduce to 1/2 oz if using dry)
• Orange Bitters → Angostura Bitters (more robust; use sparingly, 1/2 dash)

Storage & make-ahead

Mix individual cocktails fresh to order. Pre-batched Adonis cocktails degrade within 24 hours refrigerated due to oxidation of vermouth.

Equipment

cocktail mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger or shot glass · Hawthorne strainer · coupe or martini glass

What type of sherry should I use?

Fino or Amontillado dry sherries work best; they're light and crisp without heavy oak that would overpower the vermouth.

Can I make this cocktail without orange bitters?

Orange bitters are essential to the recipe's balance. Skip them only if unavailable, but the drink loses its signature character.

Should an Adonis be served up or on the rocks?

Traditionally served up (chilled and strained), though some prefer it on a single large ice cube for slower dilution.

How long does an Adonis cocktail last if made ahead?

Best served immediately after mixing. If stored in the fridge, consume within 24 hours before oxidation dulls the flavors.