The WhirlpoolCocktail recipe
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The Whirlpool cocktail is the brainchild of Greg Buda, Director of Education at the Dead Rabbit, one of the world’s premier cocktail bars. This sophisticated drink starts with a base of Jura 10, a soft and fruity single malt Scotch.
It gains complexity from Bonal Gentiane, a wine-based aperitif with herbal and floral notes, and Amaro Nonino, a bittersweet grappa-based amaro. El Dorado 12 Year Rum adds body, while a dash of walnut liqueur and aromatic bitters round out the flavor profile.
The result is a well-balanced, elegant cocktail perfect for savoring.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Whirlpool captures a beguiling blend of complexity where the gentle, fruity notes of Jura 10 Scotch meet the herbal and floral whispers of Bonal Gentiane, enhanced by the bittersweet depth of Amaro Nonino. This concoction is grounded by the rich body of El Dorado 12 Year Rum, while the walnut liqueur adds a subtle nuttiness, complemented by the aromatic bite of Peychaud's Bitters. It's a sophisticated dance of flavors that invites you to savor each sip, with each ingredient revealing its character as part of a harmonious whole.
Method
How to make a The Whirlpool
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- Stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass
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- Spritz an orange peel over the top and serve immediately
Power tips
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Find out more- To enhance the complex flavors of The Whirlpool, opt for Jura Superstition instead of Jura 10. Its smoky nuances will add depth and a subtle smokiness that harmonizes beautifully with the herbal notes from Bonal Gentiane.
- Consider infusing the whiskey with roasted walnut for a more pronounced nutty aroma that complements the walnut liqueur. Use a rapid infusion method by combining walnuts and whiskey sous vide at 55°C for 1 hour.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the background story of The Whirlpool cocktail?
The Whirlpool cocktail was crafted by Greg Buda, a notable figure at the Dead Rabbit in New York City, which is considered one of the world's leading cocktail bars. This cocktail is an embodiment of sophistication and complex flavors, rooted in its unique blend of ingredients. With Jura 10 as its central component, a Scottish single malt with fruity notes, the cocktail marries flavors from Bonal Gentiane, a herbal and floral wine-based aperitif, and the bittersweet essence of Amaro Nonino. The addition of El Dorado 12 Year Rum provides depth, while walnut liqueur and aromatic bitters add a nuanced finishing touch. Greg Buda's creation results in an elegant, well-balanced drink that reflects the innovative spirit of contemporary mixology.
What ingredients give The Whirlpool its unique flavor profile?
The unique flavor profile of The Whirlpool cocktail is achieved through a sophisticated blend of several distinct ingredients. Whiskey provides a robust and smooth base, specifically Jura 10, which is known for its soft and fruity character. Bonal Gentiane contributes herbal and floral undertones, being a wine-based aperitif with a complex composition. Amaro Nonino, a grappa-based amaro, adds a bittersweet dimension, while the Gold rum, specifically El Dorado 12 Year, imparts a rich body to the cocktail. The delicate touch of Walnut Liqueur infuses a subtle nutty flavor, complemented by a dash of Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters, which rounds out the drink with its nuanced bitter and aromatic notes. This combination ensures that each sip is an intricate experience of balanced flavors.
How should The Whirlpool cocktail be properly prepared?
The Whirlpool cocktail is prepared by meticulously combining its ingredients to ensure each element’s flavor is fully integrated. To make The Whirlpool, measure the required amounts of Whiskey, Bonal Gentiane, Amaro, Gold Rum, and Walnut Liqueur, and add them to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. It is essential to shake rather than stir this cocktail to achieve the perfect emulsification and chilling of the liquid. Shaking also helps to aerate the cocktail slightly, enhancing the aromatic compounds. Following a vigorous shake, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass to maintain the drink's cold temperature and elegance. The hallmark of The Whirlpool's preparation is its exact balance of flavors and the precision involved in creating its intricate taste.
What occasions is The Whirlpool cocktail best suited for?
The Whirlpool cocktail is an elegantly crafted drink, ideal for special occasions that call for sophistication and refinement. Its complex and rich flavor profile, along with its elegant presentation, makes it a perfect choice for formal dinners, cocktail parties, or intimate gatherings where the art of mixology is appreciated. It serves as an excellent aperitif, stimulating the palate before a meal, or as a contemplative drink to be savored slowly in a setting that allows for the enjoyment of its intricate flavors. Due to its sophisticated nature, The Whirlpool is best paired with moments or events that have a sense of occasion, where guests are likely to appreciate an expertly crafted cocktail.
What makes The Whirlpool cocktail refreshing and unique?
The Whirlpool cocktail stands out due to its refreshing blend of rich and complex flavors, creating a uniquely satisfying drinking experience. The introduction of Jura 10 whiskey provides a soft, fruity foundation that is expanded by the herbal and floral notes of Bonal Gentiane, a wine-based aperitif. This is layered with Amaro Nonino's bittersweet grappa influence, forming a sophisticated, multi-dimensional taste. The addition of El Dorado 12 Year Rum enriches the body of the cocktail, while the walnut liqueur offers a subtle nutty undertone, leading to a crescendo of balanced flavors. The one dash of Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters contributes nuanced bitter and aromatic accents, resulting in a refreshingly dynamic cocktail that is both unique and exceptionally well-rounded. Such a drink is a testament to the creativity and skill involved in modern mixology.
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Comments
switched out the Bonal Gentiane with vermouth and the Gold rum with white rum since that's what I had on hand, and it was still delicious! Loved the nutty undertones from the walnut liqueur. A surprisingly smooth drink for something with such a mix of flavors. Cheers! 🍹
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