Quebec Cocktail

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

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.

What Canadian whisky works best?

Any smooth Canadian whisky like Canadian Club or Crown Royal works; use quality rye-based whisky for more spice or wheat-based for smoothness.