Fourth Regiment Cocktail recipe
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Fourth Regiment sits firmly in the rye-and-vermouth family of stirred, spirit-forward cocktails, where whiskey’s structure meets fortified wine’s richness. While it isn’t as universally documented as some turn-of-the-century bar staples, it reads like a confident Manhattan cousin: balanced, aromatic, and built for drinkers who enjoy classic proportions with a more layered bitters profile. You’ll find it feels old-school in the best way—polished, dry-leaning, and unapologetically grown-up.
On the palate, rye whiskey brings spice and a firm backbone, while red vermouth adds a rounded sweetness and herbal depth that softens the edges. Orange bitters lift the mix with a bright citrus accent that keeps the vermouth from feeling heavy. Peychaud’s Aromatic Bitters contributes a distinctive anise-tinged perfume and a gentle rosy bitterness, and celery bitters add a savory, green snap that tightens the finish and makes each sip feel more precise.
Serve it when you want something elegant and contemplative—an aperitif before dinner, or a late-evening pour when you’re in the mood for nuance rather than sweetness. If you like Manhattans, Rob Roy-style builds, or bitters-forward whiskey drinks, this is a natural fit, especially when you want your cocktail glass to deliver a crisp, aromatic first impression.
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Cocktail glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Rye whiskey drives a dry, spicy backbone while red vermouth brings dark, winey sweetness, and orange bitters lift the top with a bright peel snap as Peychaud’s aromatic bitters add anise-tinged perfume and celery bitters thread in a savory, green edge. It works because the bitters triangulate the vermouth’s richness and keep the rye crisp; ideal for stirred-cocktail fans who like aromatic complexity and a faintly vegetal finish.
Method
How to make a Fourth Regiment
- Rye whiskey 30ml, Red vermouth 30ml, Orange bitters Dash, Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters Dash, Celery bitters Dash
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use high-quality rye whiskey and red vermouth for a richer and more intricate flavor profile.
- Chill the cocktail glass in advance for at least 15 minutes by filling it with ice water. This keeps the drink colder for longer.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the best way to serve a Fourth Regiment cocktail?
The Fourth Regiment cocktail is best served in a chilled cocktail glass. After shaking the ingredients with ice, strain the mixture into the glass. This method ensures that the drink maintains its cold temperature, enhancing its flavors and making it more refreshing.
Can I substitute another type of whiskey for the Rye Whiskey in a Fourth Regiment?
While rye whiskey is the traditional choice for a Fourth Regiment due to its spicy and fruity notes, you can substitute it with another type of whiskey if you prefer. Bourbon could be a suitable alternative, offering a sweeter profile. However, keep in mind that substituting the whiskey may result in a different flavor profile than the original cocktail.
What makes the Fourth Regiment cocktail unique compared to other whiskey cocktails?
The uniqueness of the Fourth Regiment cocktail comes from its combination of three different types of bitters: orange, Peychaud's, and celery. This trio provides a complex flavor profile that balances citrus, spice, and herbal notes, making it stand out from other whiskey cocktails that typically feature fewer bitters varieties.
How should I choose the vermouth for a Fourth Regiment?
For a Fourth Regiment cocktail, choosing a high-quality red (sweet) vermouth is crucial as it contributes significantly to the drink's flavor profile. Look for vermouth brands that are well-regarded for their depth and complexity of flavor. The goal is to complement the whiskey and bitters, adding sweetness and aromatic herbs to the mix.
Is the Fourth Regiment cocktail suitable for those new to whiskey drinks?
Yes, the Fourth Regiment can be an excellent introduction for those new to whiskey cocktails. Its balance of whiskey with the sweet and herbal notes of vermouth and the layered complexity of the three different bitters makes it palatable for beginners. The cocktail's moderate alcohol content and the flavorful combination can ease new drinkers into appreciating whiskey's diverse tasting notes.
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