Income Tax Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use equal proportions of dry and sweet vermouth to achieve the intended balance—this is a vermouth-forward drink.
• Chill your glass beforehand; stirring briefly over ice ensures proper dilution without over-watering the spirit-forward mix.
• Fresh orange juice is essential; bottled or old juice will muddy the herbal vermouth flavors.
• Add bitters last after straining to preserve their aromatic oils and prevent them from being shaken away.

Substitutions

• Dry Vermouth → Fino Sherry (adds nutty complexity)
• Sweet Vermouth → Red Vermouth or Carpano Antica Formula (shifts sweetness profile)
• Gin → Genever (produces earthier, slightly spiced variation)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served fresh immediately after preparation; do not store mixed drinks.

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · fine mesh strainer · coupe glass or cocktail glass

What type of gin works best for this cocktail?

London Dry gin is traditional; choose one with botanical clarity (e.g., Tanqueray, Beefeater) to complement the vermouth layers.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir with ice for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.

Can I substitute the bitters?

Angostura is standard; orange bitters or Peychaud's work as alternatives for a different flavor profile.

How much orange juice should I use?

Approximately 1/4 oz (roughly the juice of one-quarter orange); use fresh-squeezed for best balance.

Is this cocktail served up or on the rocks?

Traditionally served up (without ice) in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass for a silky texture.