Quebec Cocktail

Name: Quebec Cocktail (Classic Whisky & Vermouth)
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

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The Quebec Cocktail is a classic aperitif-style whisky drink that balances Canadian whisky with dry vermouth, Amer Picon, and maraschino for herbaceous complexity and subtle sweetness. Its layered flavors make it ideal for pre-dinner sipping.

🏷️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

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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

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Instructions

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

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill your glass before serving—either fill with ice for 30 seconds or rinse with ice water and drain to keep the drink cold longer.
Use fresh ice in your mixing glass and stir gently for exactly 30 seconds; over-stirring dilutes the spirit-forward balance.
Pour the maraschino last into the mixing glass to avoid settling; it adds necessary sweetness to balance the bitter Amer Picon.
Taste after adding Amer Picon—if using a substitute liqueur, adjust the ratio slightly as potency varies by brand.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian Whisky → Any Canadian whisky (Crown Royal, Canadian Club, or similar rye-based blend)
Amer Picon → Fernet-Branca or Ramazzotti (use 1 tsp; note: flavor becomes more minty/herbal)
Dry Vermouth → Bianco or blanc vermouth (note: adds slight sweetness; reduce maraschino to 1 tsp)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately; pre-batched spirit mix can be stored in a sealed bottle at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, stirred fresh with ice before serving.

Equipment

mixing glass or cocktail shaker · bar spoon or long spoon · jigger or measuring spoon · strainer (hawthorne or julep) · coupe or cocktail glass

Common Questions

What is Amer Picon and can I substitute it?

Amer Picon is a French bitter liqueur with herbal and orange notes. If unavailable, use Fernet-Branca or Ramazzotti (reduce to 1 tsp) as they share similar bitterness, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Should the Quebec Cocktail be stirred or shaken?

Stir this cocktail in a mixing glass with ice for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled glass. Stirring preserves the spirit-forward nature without excess dilution.

What type of glass should I use?

Serve in a coupe or cocktail glass chilled with ice or a brief rinse of cold water before pouring.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Mix the spirits in advance and store in a sealed bottle at room temperature, but stir with fresh ice and strain immediately before serving to avoid over-dilution.