Income Tax Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice—bottled juice will make the drink taste thin and unbalanced.
• Chill your glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer without diluting quickly.
• Measure the vermouths carefully in equal parts; the 1:1 ratio is crucial to the drink's balance.
• Add the bitters last as a single dash—too much will overpower the delicate vermouth blend.

Substitutions

• Mr. Boston Gin → any London Dry gin (substitute maintains balance)
• Angostura bitters → other aromatic bitters (adjust quantity to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after mixing. Do not prepare in advance.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring spoon · cocktail strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

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

London Dry style gin is traditional. Use a quality gin with botanical character that won't overpower the delicate vermouth balance.

Can I make an Income Tax Cocktail without fresh orange juice?

Fresh juice is essential for flavor balance. Bottled or concentrate will make the drink taste flat and overly sweet.

What type of bitters should I use?

Aromatic bitters like Angostura are standard. A single dash is all you need to add complexity without dominating.

Should an Income Tax Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. The orange juice requires shaking to properly chill and integrate.

Is this cocktail sweet or dry?

It's balanced and citrus-forward rather than sweet, with the dry vermouth tempering the sweet vermouth and orange juice.