Johnnie Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glassware before serving to keep the drink cold longer without excessive dilution.
• Use fresh ice for shaking; smaller, denser ice melts slower and provides better temperature control.
• Measure precisely with a jigger—the 3:2 spirit ratio is critical to balance the sweetness and herbal notes.
• Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to fully chill and integrate the flavors before straining.

Substitutions

• Sloe gin → gin + crème de cassis (use ¾ oz gin + ½ oz cassis for similar fruity sweetness)
• Anisette → Pernod or pastis (start with ½ tsp and adjust to taste for drier licorice flavor)
• Triple Sec → Cointreau or Curaçao (maintains citrus profile with slight flavor variation)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are served fresh and should be consumed immediately after preparation.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

What does sloe gin taste like?

Sloe gin is a sweet, dark liqueur infused with sloe berries, offering plum and berry flavors with subtle spice. It's lower in alcohol than regular gin.

Can I substitute anisette in this cocktail?

Pastis, Pernod, or ouzo can replace anisette, though they're drier. Absinthe works in smaller amounts (½ tsp) for stronger licorice flavor.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Shake with ice to chill and dilute the spirits evenly, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.

What's the best glassware for a Johnnie?

Serve in a coupe glass or cocktail glass for a classic presentation, or use a Nick and Nora for a more refined look.