Income Tax Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use equal measures of French and Italian vermouth for the signature balanced herbal profile—do not substitute or reduce either vermouth.
• Fresh-squeeze orange juice immediately before mixing; oxidized or bottled juice will flatten the cocktail's brightness.
• Stir all ingredients with ice for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and diluted, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Add bitters last and use a light hand (1 dash only); too much will overpower the delicate vermouth and citrus balance.

Substitutions

• London Dry Gin varieties → any quality dry gin with clean botanical profile (avoid heavily juniper-forward or barrel-aged gins)
• Fresh orange juice → fresh grapefruit juice (note: shifts flavor toward bittersweet; reduce bitters by half)

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger for measuring · coupe glass or cocktail glass

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

Use a London dry gin like Old Mr. Boston or similar brands with pronounced juniper and botanical notes. The gin should be 80 proof or higher to balance the vermouths.

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

Fresh juice is essential for flavor balance and acidity. Bottled orange juice lacks the brightness needed; fresh-squeezed gives the best result.

How should the Income Tax Cocktail be served?

Serve chilled in a coupe or cocktail glass over ice or as a stirred, up drink. Chill the glass beforehand for optimal temperature.

What is the flavor profile of an Income Tax Cocktail?

Expect herbaceous and slightly sweet notes from the vermouths, botanical gin character, citrus brightness from orange juice, and aromatic spice from the bitters.

Is this cocktail suitable for batch cocktails?

Yes, scale the ingredients proportionally and pre-mix without ice. Add ice and stir just before serving to maintain proper dilution and temperature.