Tipperary Cocktail

The Tipperary Cocktail made its debut in the 1916 printing of “Recipes for Mixed Drinks” by Hugo R. Ensslin, a pioneer in the art of mixing spirits. Ensslin’s creation, a delightful mix of flavors, originally called for equal parts Irish Whiskey, Chartreuse (with no specified color), and Italian vermouth. This interesting blend of ingredients was destined to become a classic, a cocktail that pays homage to the rich heritage of Irish whiskey while adding a touch of continental sophistication.

Origins aside, the Tipperary Cocktail can be considered a direct descendant of the Bijou cocktail, a venerable cocktail that shares its predilection for equal parts of potent spirits. The Bijou, French for “jewel” is a cocktail that combines gin, sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and orange bitters. The Tipperary, however, takes this established blueprint and imparts an Irish twist, replacing the gin with smooth Irish Whiskey.

At the heart of the Tipperary Cocktail lies the exquisite balance of its core ingredients. The foundation is laid with the Irish Whiskey, a choice that bestows upon the cocktail a character as rich and storied as the hills of its Irish origin. This whiskey, with its notes of malt, honey, and a subtle hint of fruit, forms the backbone of the Tipperary, providing a robust and flavorful base for the other components to come.

Next in line is the sweet vermouth, one of the most classic ingredients in the world of cocktails. With this fortified wine, the Tipperary gains depth and a nuanced sweetness that complements the boldness of the Irish whiskey.

The green Chartreuse liqueur adds a touch of mint, pine, and citrus notes that elevate the cocktail to a higher plane of sophistication.

To complete this masterful composition, two dashes of Angostura bitters are added, serving as the proverbial cherry on top. These aromatic bitters, with their proprietary blend of herbs and spices, contribute a subtle complexity and tie together the disparate elements of this cocktail.

Tipperary Cocktail Recipe

1. 45 ml Irish whiskey

2. 30 ml sweet vermouth

3. 15 ml green Chartreuse

4. 2 dashes Angostura bitters

5. Ice

6. Garnish: orange or lemon twist