Up to Date Cocktail Recipe

The Up to Date cocktail is a classic pre-Prohibition era cocktail, first appearing in Hugo Ensslin's 1916 book 'Recipes for Mixed Drinks'. It's a sophisticated blend of rye whiskey, sherry, Grand Marnier, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink with a touch of sweetness.

The Up to Date cocktail offers a complex and well-rounded taste profile, featuring a harmonious blend of spicy rye whiskey, nutty sherry, and sweet, citrusy Grand Marnier. The Angostura bitters provide a subtle bitter backbone, while the lemon twist garnish adds a refreshing, zesty finish.

• The Up to Date cocktail predates Prohibition and has its roots in the early 20th century.
• This cocktail is often considered a cousin of the Manhattan, as both feature whiskey and bitters as key ingredients.
• The name 'Up to Date' likely refers to the modern and fashionable nature of the cocktail during its time of creation.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sherry, Grand Marnier, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir the mixture until well-chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink and placing it on the rim of the glass.

• Rye Whiskey: Use a high-quality rye whiskey for a smoother taste.
• Stirring: Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting it too much.
• Lemon Twist: When garnishing with the lemon twist, squeeze it over the drink to release the oils, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie Board: The savory flavors of cured meats pair well with the rich and spiced notes of the cocktail.
• Roasted Almonds: Salty snacks like nuts complement the nutty undertones of the sherry.

Main Courses

• Grilled Steak: A well-seasoned steak can stand up to the bold flavors of the rye whiskey.
• Roasted Lamb: The robust flavors from the roasted lamb will harmonize with the depth of the cocktail.

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the citrus notes from the lemon twist.
• Crème Brûlée: The sweetness of this dessert can provide a nice contrast to the cocktail's complexity.

• Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can be used as a substitute if rye whiskey is not available.
• Sherry: A dry vermouth can be used in place of sherry.
• Grand Marnier: Triple sec or another orange liqueur can be used as a substitute.

Smoky Up to Date

• Ingredients: Replace rye whiskey with 1.5 oz of smoked whiskey, and add a pinch of smoked sea salt.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, with the addition of the smoked whiskey and a pinch of smoked sea salt after the bitters.
• Taste: Expect a bold, smoky character that plays well with the herbal notes of the bitters, adding a new depth to the cocktail.
• Why Make It: For a more intense experience that enhances the cocktail's warmth and adds a campfire twist.

Sweet Date Revamp

• Ingredients: Swap out Grand Marnier for 0.5 oz of Amaretto.
• Recipe: Same steps, but with Amaretto to bring in a deep almond flavor.
• Taste: A sweeter, nuttier profile that softens the edges of the rye and delights with a marzipan charm.
• Why Make It: It's a delightful variation for those who enjoy a touch more sweetness and nutty undertones in their drink.

Citrus Date Delight

• Ingredients: Use a blood orange twist and substitute two dashes of orange bitters for Angostura.
• Recipe: Assemble the drink as usual, but highlight the citrus flavors by using orange bitters and a vibrant blood orange twist.
• Taste: A lively, citrus-forward drink with a refreshing twist that's perfect for summer evenings.
• Why Make It: To add a zesty, fruity lift that complements the sherry's dryness and highlights the cocktail’s vibrancy.