Cocktails for the Lazy: Saratoga
May 25, 2009
My favorite cocktails to make at home have a few things in common:
- Not many ingredients. If I want a fancy complicated drink, I'll go to a bar and be served by a professional.
- Easy-to-remember proportions so I don't have to look up the recipe. When I'm pulling out books to make drinks, it feels like work.
- No fresh ingredients. I have nothing against fresh ingredients, it's just that I tend to run out of them. Even citrus, which I can purchase on a two-minute walk from my front door. But that would mean I would have to put on pants.
Drinks that qualify in this category include the Manhattan, Martini, Negroni, and drinks with bottled beverages like tonic and soda water, as I always have those around.
Long story finishing up: I found another one to add to my repertoire: the Saratoga. I tried one for the first time last night at the SF Cocktail Week closing party. While the Saratoga normally calls for rye whiskey (and it would, being a Jerry Thomas-era recipe), last night they made it with Yamazaki 12 year old scotch and it was delicious. Versatile, too? I'm in heaven.
Saratoga Cocktail
1 ounce rye whiskey (or scotch, it seems)
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1 ounce cognac
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir over ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
I'll be in Saratoga this Wednesday night, but I doubt anyone even knows how to make one these days. :)
Blair
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Posted by: Blair Frodelius | May 25, 2009 at 07:28 PM
What is the correct garnish for the Saratoga?
Posted by: callisto | June 01, 2009 at 05:21 PM
The garnish is a lemon "slice" according to Jerry Thomas, but I'd go with a peel.
Posted by: Camper English | June 04, 2009 at 02:20 AM
Hmmm, considering it's one cognac past a manhattan, I'd say an orange peel would go even better. Flame it for a scotch saratoga?
Posted by: Chris | March 04, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Interesting. In the 1950s-era Guide to Pink Elephants, a Saratoga is brandy, bitters, pineapple juice, and maraschino liqueur. Where does your version come from?
Posted by: Stephanie Rosenbaum | February 20, 2013 at 03:55 PM
Jerry Thomas, late-1800s.
Posted by: Camper English | February 22, 2013 at 06:52 PM