Goodnight Cocktail recipe
Rating
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Goodnight is a bold, minimalist high-proof sipper that leans into absinthe’s unmistakable character, then softens it with a simple top-up of iced tea. You won’t find a widely agreed origin story for this one; it reads more like a modern, no-fuss two-ingredient build designed for drinkers who already love absinthe’s intensity and want a longer, more approachable serve without losing its edge.
Expect the absinthe to lead from the first sip, bringing its concentrated anise-forward punch and herbal bitterness. The iced tea stretches that intensity into something cooler and more drinkable, adding gentle tannins and a rounded, lightly astringent finish that reins in the spirit’s sweetness and keeps the profile crisp rather than cloying.
This is a late-night, slow-paced pour for when you want something bracing but not complicated—ideal for absinthe fans and adventurous palates. Serve it over plenty of ice in a rocks glass and let it sit for a moment; as it dilutes, you’ll find the tea becomes more present and the drink settles into a smoother, steadier rhythm.
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
Absinthe dominates with intense anise and herbal bite, while the iced tea top-up adds tannic dryness and a cooling, lightly sweetened wash that stretches the sip without hiding the spirit. It works because the tea’s brisk astringency reins in absinthe’s high-proof punch and keeps the finish clean; ideal for absinthe lovers who want a gentler, longer drink.
Method
How to make a Goodnight
- Absinthe 60ml, Iced tea Top up
-
- Pour the absinthe into the glass
-
- Pour the tea in, stir and serve
Power tips
Elevate the Goodnight with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Upgrade to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
- Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.
Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail
· Stir ·Your private tasting notes
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the best way to serve the Goodnight cocktail to enhance its flavor?
The Goodnight cocktail is best served in a lowball glass, chilled to ensure the absinthe and iced tea blend well. Stirring rather than shaking helps maintain the clarity and integrity of the drink's delicate flavors. Serving it over a large ice cube can also prevent dilution and keep it colder for longer.
Why is absinthe a notable ingredient in the Goodnight cocktail?
Absinthe brings a unique flavor profile to the Goodnight cocktail, characterized by its herbal notes and high alcohol content. It contains anise, fennel, and wormwood, the latter of which imparts a distinctive bitter edge. This complexity adds depth to the cocktail, balancing the sweetness of the iced tea.
How does the alcohol content of the Goodnight cocktail compare to other popular cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 8.57%, the Goodnight cocktail sits on the lower end of the spectrum compared to many classic cocktails. For instance, a Margarita typically ranges from 12% to 15% alcohol by volume, while a Manhattan can go up to 30%. The Goodnight offers a milder option for those seeking a less potent drink.
What are some ways to customize the Goodnight cocktail to personal taste?
To customize the Goodnight cocktail, you could experiment with different varieties of iced tea, such as peach for a fruity twist or jasmine for floral notes. Adding a splash of simple syrup or honey can also adjust sweetness levels. For a stronger herbaceous profile, consider a dash of bitters or using an infused absinthe.
What food pairings work well with the Goodnight cocktail?
The herbal and slightly bitter notes of absinthe in the Goodnight cocktail pair well with rich, savory dishes like roasted pork or grilled sausages. For a lighter option, a charcuterie board with various cheeses and cured meats can complement the drink's complexity. Seafood dishes with lemon or herb seasoning also make a great match.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Experience this spiced blend of cognac and pumpkin
Pumpkin Sazerac
Cognac, Absinthe, Spiced pumpkin syrup, Peychaud's Aromatic Bitters
Try this vibrant mix of rums and juices.
Zombie Punch
Absinthe, Dark rum, Gold rum, Overproof rum, Lime juice, Grenadine, Grapefruit juice, Aromatic bitters
Experience this vibrant mix of rums and citrus.
Jet Pilot
Absinthe, Gold rum, Jamaican rum, Overproof rum, Aromatic bitters, Lime juice, Falernum, Sugar / simple syrup, Pink grapefruit juice
Discover this intriguing blend of cognac and absinthe.
Saratoga Brace Up
Absinthe, Cognac, Lemon juice, Aromatic bitters, Soda water, Sugar, Egg
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we'll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we'll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments