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Arsenic and Old Lace

Classic/vintage · Martini-style · Short and stirred

4.2 59 ratings

Ingredients

2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Bianco/blanco vermouth
1/2 oz Dry vermouth
1/3 oz Chilled water
1/12 oz Crème de violette
1/12 oz Absinthe

How to make

Serve in a coupe glass

Prepare

  1. 1 Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. 2 Prepare garnish of lemon zest twist.

Method

  1. 3 STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. 4 STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. 5 EXPRESS lemon zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.

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Flavour profile

24.0% alc./vol. · 1.8 standard drinks · 189 calories

History

Temperature and dilution are crucial for this balanced Martini-style drink. Originally shaken, it is improved by a splash of chilled water.

The cocktail made its debut in Crosby Gaige's 1941 Cocktail Guide and Ladies' Companion. It shares its name with the 1939 play by Joseph Kesselring, which premiered on Broadway in January 1941. This theatrical work was subsequently adapted into a 1944 film featuring Cary Grant. Arsenic and Old Lace ¼ part Absinthe ¾ parts Dry gin 3 dashes Cinzano Dry Vermouth 3 dashes Crème de Violette Shake well with ice and strain into cocktail glass.

Created by Crosby Gaige