Quebec Cocktail

Name: Quebec Cocktail Recipe with Canadian Whisky
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian Whisky; 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth; 1 1/2 tsp Amer Picon; 1 1/2 tsp Maraschino

Jump to ingredients

The Quebec Cocktail is a classic whisky-based aperitif that combines Canadian whisky with dry vermouth, Amer Picon, and maraschino for a distinctly herbal and balanced flavor profile. Its bitter-sweet character makes it an elegant pre-dinner drink with vintage roots.

🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Deluxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

1 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian Whisky
1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
1 1/2 tsp Amer Picon
1 1/2 tsp Maraschino

4 Ingredients

CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass rimmed with sugar.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill your coupe or cocktail glass with ice water for 15 seconds before straining; a cold glass keeps the drink properly balanced.
Measure precisely: the 1.5 tsp portions of Amer Picon and maraschino are critical to the herbal-sweet balance—using a bar spoon or jigger prevents over-pouring.
Stir for exactly 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and temperature without over-stirring, which can dull the aromatic qualities.
Use fresh ice during stirring; old or cloudy ice can impart off-flavors to this delicate spirit-forward drink.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian Whisky → other Canadian blended whisky (maintains regional authenticity)
Dry Vermouth → Blanc Vermouth (adds slight sweetness; use same measure)
Amer Picon → Campari (creates slightly fruity, less bitter profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are meant to be consumed immediately after preparation; do not store mixed drinks.

Equipment

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

Common Questions

What is Amer Picon and can I substitute it?

Amer Picon is a bitter French aperitif liqueur with orange and spice notes. If unavailable, substitute with Campari or Fernet-Branca, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Should the Quebec Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir this cocktail with ice in a mixing glass for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. The stirring method preserves the spirit-forward character.

What type of Canadian whisky works best?

Use a smooth, lighter Canadian blended whisky like Old Mr. Boston Five Star or similar brands. Avoid heavily peated or high-rye whiskeys that would overpower the vermouth and Amer Picon.

Can I make a large batch for a party?

Yes. Multiply all ingredients by the number of drinks needed and combine in a pitcher with ice. Stir well and serve over fresh ice in individual glasses.