Remember the Alimony Cocktail recipe
Rating
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Remember the Alimony sits firmly in the modern, spirit-forward school of cocktails: a short, contemplative sipper that leans into bitter aperitivo character rather than bright citrus or obvious sweetness. You’ll find it drinks like a contemporary riff on the stirred, fortified-wine template—built for people who enjoy amaro-led combinations and the savoury edge that dry sherry brings to the table.
On the palate, gin lays down a clean, botanical backbone, giving structure and lift. Cynar takes the lead with its deep, earthy bitterness, and its darker, rounded sweetness keeps the drink from feeling too sharp. Dry fino sherry threads through the middle with a crisp, saline dryness that lightens Cynar’s weight and reins in the gin’s aromatics, leaving you with a finish that’s bitter, dry, and quietly complex.
Serve it when you want something grown-up and unshowy—an aperitif for late afternoon, or a pre-dinner pour when you’re craving bitterness and depth over fruit. If you like Negroni-style bitterness but want less citrus and more savoury nuance, this is an easy fit, especially over ice in a rocks glass.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin’s piney snap threads through Cynar’s dark, vegetal bitterness while dry fino sherry brings briny nuttiness and a lean, oxidative edge that keeps the sip taut and savory. It works because the sherry’s dryness and saltiness lift Cynar’s weight and let the gin read cleanly; ideal for bitter-leaning, spirit-forward drinkers who like aperitivo depth over sweetness.
Method
How to make a Remember the Alimony
- Gin 22.5 ml, Cynar 37.5 ml, Sherry (dry) 37.5 ml (Preferably dry fino sherry)
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- Combine fino sherry, Cynar, and gin in a rocks glass filled with one large piece of ice
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- Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds
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- Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it into the glass
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality, fresh Fino Sherry to ensure the drink shines. Fino sherry oxidizes quickly, so make sure to use a freshly opened bottle for the best flavor. Storing it in the fridge and consuming within a week is ideal for best taste.
- For added complexity, chill your rocks glass in the freezer before mixing, which will enhance the cold service and reduce dilution when the cocktail is poured over the ice.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
Who created the Remember the Alimony cocktail, and what is its origin?
The Remember the Alimony cocktail was created by Dan Greenbaum at The Beagle in New York City back in 2012. It's a modern cocktail that has gained a sophisticated following due to its intriguing blend of ingredients. The cocktail is notable for incorporating sherry, which adds a dry complexity, and pairing it with Cynar's bittersweet notes and gin's botanical flavors for a richly layered experience. This handcrafted creation perfectly showcases the trend of using unique liqueurs and fortified wines like sherry in contemporary cocktail design, allowing both creativity and tradition to coexist in one glass. Its origin at a respected New York City bar speaks to its quality and the mixology expertise that went into its creation.
What makes Cynar a unique ingredient in the Remember the Alimony cocktail?
Cynar is a distinct and somewhat unconventional ingredient in cocktails like Remember the Alimony, primarily due to its complex flavor profile. It's an Italian bitter liqueur made from 13 different herbs and plants, predominated by artichokes, which gives it a unique vegetal character. The bittersweetness of Cynar adds depth and intrigue to the cocktail, offering a balance to the dryness of the sherry and the botanical elements of gin. This complexity makes Cynar an excellent choice for enhancing the cocktail with subtle earthy flavors, complementing the sherry's dryness and the juniper notes of the gin, thus creating an intricately balanced drink.
How does the alcohol content of Remember the Alimony compare to other cocktails?
Remember the Alimony has an alcohol content of approximately 20%, which places it towards the lower end of the spectrum compared to many classic cocktails, like the Martini or the Negroni, which often range between 28% to 32% alcohol by volume. This relatively moderate alcohol level is due in part to the inclusion of sherry, a fortified wine, which contributes flavor without overpowering the drink with alcohol. This makes Remember the Alimony a sophisticated yet approachable choice for those who enjoy a cocktail that offers complexity and flavor without an overly strong alcoholic punch, allowing it to appeal to a diverse audience of cocktail enthusiasts.
What is the best way to serve the Remember the Alimony cocktail?
Remember the Alimony is best served cold and presented in a lowball or rocks glass, which is ideal for sipping and allows the aromas of the cocktail to be appreciated fully. This cocktail is typically prepared using a shaker to chill the ingredients thoroughly before straining into the glass. Serving it neat, without ice in the glass, allows for a concentrated experience of its flavors. As it warms slightly in the glass, additional notes from the sherry, Cynar, and gin will emerge, providing an ever-evolving tasting journey. This serving method reflects the elegance and complexity of the cocktail, ensuring that its nuanced flavors are highlighted and appreciated.
What food pairings complement the Remember the Alimony cocktail?
The Remember the Alimony cocktail's complex blend of dry and bittersweet flavors makes it an ideal companion for a variety of food pairings. Its sherry and Cynar notes are beautifully complemented by rich, savory dishes such as tapas, particularly those featuring olives, cured meats, or cheeses like Manchego, which can enhance the cocktail's herbal and botanical elements. Seafood such as oysters or smoked fish can also pair wonderfully, bringing out the drink's salty citrus undertones. For dessert, consider pairing it with dark chocolate or coffee-based sweets, which can harmonize with the bitter elements of Cynar, creating a balanced and satisfying culinary experience.
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