The Nicky Finn is a tart, spirit-forward wartime cocktail that balances brandy and triple sec with bright lemon juice and a whisper of absinthe. A lesser-known 1935–1945 era drink with balanced citrus and herbal depth.
Recipe Source
Visit Mr. Boston DrinksFrom Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide
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Shake with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with
cherry or lemon twist.
Cocktails are made to order and consumed immediately; do not store mixed drinks.
cocktail shaker · jigger · Hawthorne strainer
Yes. Pastis or Pernod work well as replacements and provide similar anise-forward flavor with lower alcohol intensity.
Shake with ice. The fresh lemon juice and lower alcohol base require vigorous shaking to chill and combine properly.
A maraschino cherry adds sweetness; a lemon twist adds bright citrus oils and aroma. Lemon twist is more traditional for wartime cocktails.
A single dash (roughly 1/8 oz or 2–3 drops) is enough to add herbal notes without overpowering the brandy and citrus balance.
