Johnnie Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before pouring to keep the drink cold without dilution.
• Stir all ingredients together with ice for 10–15 seconds to chill and blend flavors, then strain into the glass.
• The anisette's licorice note should be subtle—don't overpour, as it dominates quickly.
• Serve immediately after mixing; this delicate balance of herbal and citrus flavors deteriorates if left standing.

Substitutions

• Dry gin (1 1/2 oz) → sloe gin (use if sloe gin unavailable, though flavor will shift to a drier profile)
• Orange curaçao → blue curaçao (visual change only; citrus flavor remains consistent)
• Old Mr. Boston Anisette → Pernod or Pastis (stronger anise flavor; use 1/2 tsp to avoid overpowering)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are meant to be consumed fresh and do not store well; prepare to order.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger or measuring spoon · cocktail strainer

What is sloe gin and can I substitute it?

Sloe gin is a British liqueur made from blackthorn berries and gin. It's fruity and slightly bitter. No direct substitute captures the same profile, though dry gin with a splash of crème de cassis approximates the flavor.

What type of curaçao should I use?

The original recipe doesn't specify color. Blue curaçao adds visual appeal, but orange or clear curaçao works equally well—all offer similar citrus sweetness.

Is the Johnnie served straight up or on the rocks?

The classic recipe calls for straight mixing and serving in a small cocktail glass, typically without ice, though chilling the glass first is recommended.

How do I measure 1 tsp of anisette accurately?

Use a bar spoon or standard measuring teaspoon for precision. Anisette is potent; measuring by weight (5ml ≈ 5g) ensures consistency across batches.