Subtle Smoke
Subtle Smoke is a cocktail I created years ago in an attempt to get non-scotch drinkers drinking
Scotch whisky. These types of drinks I refer to as Gateway Cocktails. I’ve way liked watching patrons enjoy spirits they normally don’t through tasty drinks.
This Cocktail is essentially a gin martini served with a scotch rinse. The scotch rinse hits your nose and accents the gin perfectly without being overpowering. Also, I cut the gin slightly with Cocchi Americano to soften the drink while adding bright citrus notes. Similarly, playing off the citrus notes, a lemon peel is used as the garnish. Ideally, the Subtle Smoke introduces gin drinkers to the world of Scotch whisky and leaves them wanting more.
2 oz Two James Old Cockney Gin
¾ oz Cocchi Americano Bianco
Glenfiddich 15 rinse
Start by rinsing a chilled coupe cocktail glass with Glenfiddich. Then pour all ingredients into a mixing glass and stir. To finish, strain the cocktail into the rinsed glass and garnish with a lemon peel.