Alana Landsberry
Every now and then, a twist on a classic cocktail comes along that might just outshine the original. And so it is with Oska Whitehart’s take on the Adonis cocktail – a lesser-known aperitivo built on Sherry and sweet vermouth from the late 19th century, named after the longest-running Broadway musical of the time.
At Bar Bellamy, the Euro-centric bistro Whitehart co-owns in Melbourne’s Carlton, he inverts the standard Sherry-forward recipe, turning the pre-dinner drink into a richer summertime digestivo. “Flipping the proportions makes it a bit more intense,” he says, “as does the use of Punt e Mes – a vermouth that leans more towards an amaro – and nutty, oxidative oloroso Sherry.”
A few drops of bitters and herbaceous Amaro Lucano draw out even more depth, but Whitehart’s adaptation still retains that signature sense of nuanced levity that doesn’t sacrifice fullness of flavour.
“Low-ABV drinks like this are a great way to stay light on your feet but experience a cocktail that feels like the real deal,” he says. “It might not be your final stop, but it’s something that’ll make you glow a little and feel ready for wherever the rest of the night takes you.”
How to make Oska Whitehart’s Adonis recipe
Chill a Nick & Nora glass.
In a cocktail mixing glass, combine 50ml Punt e Mes, 25ml oloroso Sherry and 1 dash each of Amaro Lucano, Angostura Bitters and orange bitters.
Fill with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into the Nick & Nora glass, and garnish with orange peel.
Three Oloroso fortified wines to try
Gutiérrez Colosía Oloroso Sherry
Dryness may be the driving force in Gutiérrez Colosía’s bottling, but there’s ample honey-nut character and subtle smokiness woven through, as well.
Bodegas Yuste ‘Aurora’ Oloroso Sherry
Here, whiffs of toasted walnut give way to a round, robust and vegetal palate enriched by a sweet-sourness akin to sticky balsamic.
Pennyweight ‘La Serena’ Oloroso
This revered Northern Victorian iteration is Whitehart’s pick, steered by flavours of maple and golden sultanas to a salty, long finish.
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