Income Tax Cocktail

Ardenstone — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:23:45 +0000

This cocktail is actually what led me into researching a somewhat distant variant, the Monkey Gland. I first came about them both in Dr. Cocktail’s very enjoyable book “Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails.” The ingredients for the Income Tax are easier to find, so it’s more likely you’ll be able to try one of these out with even a modest liquor collection.

The Income Tax Cocktail

1 1/2oz gin
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
1/2 oz dry vermouth
Juice of 1/4 orange (about 3/4 oz)
dash of angostura bitters

Shake with ice, strain into cocktail glass and garnish with an orange wheel.

You might try trimming down the vermouths a bit if they’re coming across too strong. What I have is a cross between Dr. Cocktail’s and Drinkboy’s versions. Drinkboy cuts the vermouth to 1/4oz each and lightens up on the gin by a hair. I had a big orange, and enjoyed the proportions above. Orange is the first flavor that comes across, which is fun in a cocktail. The other ingredients come out shortly after and all in all it’s a very enjoyable and drinkable cocktail.

Mulled Wine (in use)

Ardenstone — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:33:41 +0000

Ok, it’s nowhere near as cool as the rhyming version, but here is the recipe for Mulled Wine I’ve been tinkering with:

Mulled Wine

8 cups (about 2.5 bottles) red wine (you want something decent, fruity and cheap. Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon is what I’m going to try next)
1 cup of brandy (I use Asbach Uralt)
1/2 cup sugar (this should probably be brown sugar, but I haven’t tried that, yet)
3 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
1 orange (sliced)
1/2 lemon (sliced)
dash of allspice
1/2 tsp or so of freshly ground nutmeg

Pour it all together and try to warm it. This is where I’m still having some difficulty, as you need to get it as hot as possible without boiling the alcohol off (look for white steam). On an electric stove (suckage) it’s a click or so above low. I let all this heat up for about an hour before serving.

It should be noted that this is very tasty, especially on a cold fall evening. See that cup of brandy? It’s why everyone is tipsy.

ardenstone » orange

Income Tax Cocktail

Mulled Wine (in use)