Income Tax Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use fresh orange juice—bottled juice lacks the brightness and acidity that balances this drink's herbal vermouth base.
• Chill your glass in the freezer for 2 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer without excessive dilution.
• Measure precisely: the 1:1 ratio of dry to sweet vermouth is critical to the drink's balance and character.
• Add bitters last after stirring; they float atop and add aromatic complexity when sipped.

Substitutions

• Dry Vermouth → Noilly Prat (classic choice, slightly more herbaceous)
• Sweet Vermouth → Carpano Antica Formula (richer vanilla notes, slightly sweeter)
• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Bols Genever (more malty, less dry but period-appropriate)
• Orange Juice → grapefruit juice (more bitter, less sweet—adjust to taste)

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon or cocktail spoon · jigger or measuring spoon · strainer · coupe or martini glass

What type of gin works best for an Income Tax Cocktail?

Use a dry London Dry gin like Old Mr. Boston or Tanqueray. The botanical profile balances the herbal vermouths without overpowering the drink.

Can I make an Income Tax Cocktail in batches?

Yes. Mix the vermouth, gin, and bitters ahead; store refrigerated up to 2 days. Add fresh orange juice and ice just before serving.

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

Dry vermouth adds herbaceous, crisp notes while sweet vermouth brings vanilla and caramel. Equal parts create a balanced, slightly sweet aperitif.

Should the Income Tax Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir in a mixing glass with ice for 15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, then strain into a coupe or martini glass.

What can I substitute for Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin?

Any London Dry gin works. Avoid heavily juniper-forward or botanical-heavy gins, which can overpower the vermouth balance.