Merry Widow Cocktail Recipe

The Merry Widow cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It is named after the famous operetta 'The Merry Widow' by Franz Lehár, which premiered in 1905. This cocktail was popular among the high society and was often enjoyed at elegant parties and events.

• The Merry Widow is a sophisticated and elegant cocktail, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
• It has a rich history and is often associated with glamour and luxury.
• The cocktail has been enjoyed by many famous figures throughout history, including members of royalty and Hollywood stars.

The Merry Widow cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth. The herbal notes from the bitters and the warmth of the brandy create a smooth and satisfying finish.

• The Merry Widow cocktail is often served in a martini glass, which adds to its elegance and sophistication.
• The drink is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist or cherry, adding a touch of color and visual appeal.
• The Merry Widow is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed before or after dinner, making it a popular choice for a variety of occasions.

1. Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice and water, and set it aside.
2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin, dry vermouth, Benedictine, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the ingredients until well chilled.
4. Empty the martini glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim of the glass.

• Use high-quality ingredients. The taste of your cocktail will greatly depend on the quality of the gin, vermouth, and Benedictine you use.
• Chill your glass. This will help keep your cocktail cold for a longer period of time.
• Stir, don't shake. This will prevent the cocktail from becoming too diluted.

Appetizers

• Cheese plates: The herbal notes of the Benedictine and the bitters play well with creamy and strong cheeses alike.
• Sushi: A classic like the Merry Widow pairs nicely with the clean taste of sushi, especially varieties with a hint of citrus or avocado.
• Charcuterie: Salty and savory cured meats balance the slight sweetness and botanical elements of the cocktail.

Main Courses

• Grilled white fish: Light flavors in the fish are complemented by the drink's complex characters.
• Roast chicken: The aromatic botanicals in gin pair nicely with the delicate flavors of chicken.

Desserts

• Lemon tart: The lemon twist in the drink will echo the citrus flavors in the tart.
• Almond cookies: Nutty flavors stand up to and complement the herbs and spices from the Benedictine and bitters.

• Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a different taste.
• Dry Vermouth: If you don't have dry vermouth, you can use sweet vermouth, but this will make the cocktail sweeter.
• Benedictine: If you don't have Benedictine, you can use a different herbal liqueur, such as Chartreuse.

Rosemary Widow

• Replace the lemon twist with a small sprig of rosemary.
• Add 1/2 oz of rosemary simple syrup. This version adds an aromatic, woody touch that pairs well with herbaceous gin, making it an ideal companion for those chilly evenings.

Spicy Widow

• Add 1/2 oz of ginger liqueur.
• Include a thin slice of chili pepper as garnish. The ginger introduces a warm, spicy kick, perfect for those looking to add a little fire to their sip.

Citrus Widow

• Use lemon-infused gin instead of regular gin.
• Garnish with a thin slice of lemon or a lemon wheel. Bright and sunshiny, this citrus-forward variant is a summer delight and refreshingly tangy.