Moulin Rouge

Pro tips

• Stir gently with ice for 10-15 seconds to properly chill and dilute without over-aerating the spirit-forward drink.
• Use a dash of angostura bitters measured carefully—too much overpowers the delicate balance of gin and vermouth.
• Chill your glassware before serving to maintain the cocktail's temperature and enhance its smooth, refined character.

Substitutions

• Sweet vermouth → dry vermouth (shifts flavor to less sweet, more herbaceous)
• Sloe gin → not recommended; sloe gin's distinctive fruit profile is core to the recipe

Equipment

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

What type of vermouth should I use for this cocktail?

Use sweet vermouth (also called Italian vermouth) for this recipe. It provides the rich, slightly sweet backbone the cocktail requires.

Can I make this cocktail without sloe gin?

Sloe gin is essential to the Moulin Rouge's character. Substituting with regular gin will create a different drink entirely.

Should this cocktail be served cold?

Yes, chill all ingredients before mixing or serve over ice. A chilled coupe glass enhances the drinking experience.

How much does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes one 2.25 oz cocktail, a standard single serving.

What is the best way to mix this cocktail?

Stir the ingredients with ice for 10-15 seconds to chill and combine, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.