Quebec Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glassware in the freezer for at least 5 minutes; this drink's subtle flavors are best served very cold.
• Use fresh dry vermouth that has been opened within 2–3 months; oxidized vermouth will flatten the cocktail's balance.
• Stir with large ice cubes to minimize dilution while ensuring proper temperature; aim for 25–30 seconds of stirring.
• Measure precisely—the 1.5 tsp maraschino and Amer Picon are critical to balance; eyeballing will throw off the herbal-to-sweet ratio.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian Whisky → any quality Canadian whisky (e.g., Crown Royal, Forty Creek) — tone may shift with higher-rye content
• Amer Picon → Fernet Branca (use ¾ tsp) — will darken the drink and add anise notes
• Maraschino liqueur → dry vermouth (swap the 1.5 tsp) — reduces sweetness, more vermouth-forward result

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best consumed immediately after mixing; pre-batched Quebec Cocktails may be stored in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week before serving.

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · cocktail strainer · jigger

Can I substitute Amer Picon if I can't find it?

Amer Picon is difficult to replace, but Fernet Branca or a small amount of Angostura bitters can approximate the herbal bitterness, though the flavor profile will shift.

Should a Quebec Cocktail be served stirred or shaken?

Stir this cocktail with ice for 30 seconds to properly chill and dilute without over-aerating, then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.

What type of Canadian whisky works best?

A smooth, lighter Canadian whisky like Old Mr. Boston Five Star works well; avoid heavily peated or high-rye variants that would overpower the dry vermouth and Amer Picon.

Is this cocktail related to the Martini?

No—while both use vermouth and spirits, the Quebec Cocktail's Amer Picon and maraschino liqueur give it a distinctly different, more herbal and fruit-forward profile than a traditional Martini.