Tomorrow, in the US, is tax day. That means millions of Americans will be turning in their income taxes and, I’m betting if you’ve waited this long, not enjoying the day. Fear not, cocktails and the Cocktail Hacker have your back. So, finish your calculations, dump the whole mess in an envelope, stamp it, lick it closed and throw the damn thing in the mail box. Now is the time for a cocktail if there’s ever been one. So, how about this, the Income Tax Cocktail. Not only is it name appropriate, it’s damn good and will settle your rattled nerves.
I sampled two recipes to give you a head start. Okay, that’s a lie. I sampled two recipes because this drink is damn good and I missed my old ways. So, here’s a head start, even if that wasn’t the reason behind it.
Income Tax Cocktail (Vintage Cocktails and Forgotten Spirits)
1 1/2 oz Gin 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth 3/4 oz Dry Vermouth 3/4 oz Orange Juice 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1) Combine ingredients in shaker with ice 2) Shake until well chilled 3) Strain into a glass
This recipe is a classic. I found the same in the Savoy Cocktail Book and the recipe itself kinda cracked me up. Rather than reading 3/4 oz of Orange Juice the real recipe reads “the juice of 1/4 orange”. Wanting to make this more repeatable and comparable I opted for an exact measure. This drink is drier than you’d expect it would be. The vermouth is the star, despite having chosen a seriously bold gin. Very tasty, but I wanted something where gin was the star.
Income Tax Cocktail (Joy of Mixology)
2 oz Gin 1/4 oz Sweet Vermouth 1/4 oz Dry Vermouth 1 oz Orange Juice 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1) Combine ingredients in shaker with ice 2) Shake until well chilled 3) Strain into a glass
Very similar on the surface, but the flavor is definitely different. Here the gin is the star. Make sure you go bold. The cocktail is still dry, but that dryness makes the drink very refreshing and crisp. There is a complexity to this drink that is very telling of classic recipes. This is my choice of the two recipes.
Income taxes are never pleasant, even when you get money back. But, I dare say, this drink will make the day better. Enjoy!