The Bamboo Cocktail: A Speakeasy Classic

The Bamboo Cocktail, with its roots stretching back to the late 19th century, offers a window into the golden age of mixology. A subtle fusion of sherry and vermouth, this cocktail has evolved over the years, standing the test of time.

Birth in the 19th Century:

The Bamboo Cocktail made its first appearance in the late 1800s, a period marked by the burgeoning cocktail culture. The exact origins of the Bamboo are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is widely acknowledged as a creation of the late 19th century.

The simplicity of its ingredients and the artful balance it achieved made the Bamboo a favorite among early cocktail enthusiasts.

Adaptation and Evolution:

As the cocktail culture continued to flourish, the Bamboo Cocktail underwent various adaptations. Bartenders experimented with different sherry and vermouth combinations, leading to a range of interpretations of this classic drink.

Over time, the Bamboo became a staple in both home bars and esteemed cocktail establishments, appreciated for its versatility and the ease with which it can be tailored to individual preferences.

Bamboo Cocktail Ingredients

1. Dry Sherry (60 ml / 2 ounces): Dry sherry forms the base of the Bamboo Cocktail, contributing a nuanced and nutty flavor.
2. Dry Vermouth (60 ml / 2 ounces): Dry vermouth complements the sherry, adding herbal and slightly bitter notes.
3. Orange Bitters (2 dashes): A few dashes of orange bitters provide the finishing touch.

Bamboo Cocktail Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

Before you start mixing, ensure you have the necessary tools: a mixing glass, a barspoon for stirring, a jigger for precise measurements, and a strainer. Also, have your dry sherry, dry vermouth, and orange bitters ready.

Step 2: Measure and Add Dry Sherry

• In a mixing glass, measure 60 ml (2 ounces) of dry sherry. The choice of dry sherry can influence the overall character of the Bamboo, so select one that aligns with your preferences.

Step 3: Add Dry Vermouth

• Measure 60 ml (2 ounces) of dry vermouth and add it to the mixing glass with the dry sherry. The combination of dry sherry and dry vermouth is the heart of the Bamboo Cocktail.

Step 4: Add Orange Bitters

• Add 2 dashes of orange bitters to the mixing glass. The orange bitters contribute a subtle citrusy note that complements the rich flavors of the sherry and vermouth.

Step 5: Stir Gently with Ice

• Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the ingredients gently for about 20-30 seconds. Stirring rather than shaking helps maintain the clarity and texture of the cocktail.

Step 6: Strain into a Chilled Glass

• Strain the stirred mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. The chilled glass ensures that the Bamboo Cocktail is served at an optimal temperature.

Step 7: Garnish (Optional)

• Optionally, garnish the Bamboo Cocktail with a lemon twist or an orange peel. Express the citrus oils over the surface of the cocktail by giving the twist a gentle twist, then drop it into the glass.

The Bamboo Cocktail – From Speakeasy To You

Crafting cocktails offers bartenders, whether professional or at-home enthusiasts, endless opportunities to play with a variety of spirits, mixers, and modifiers. While robust liquors like whiskey, gin, and tequila often take the spotlight in classic and modern mixes, it’s worth noting that your drinks can also shine with lower-proof ingredients like vermouth and sherry.

Sherry-based cocktails have garnered attention in recent years, with bartenders embracing this underrated fortified wine in creations such as the Sherry Cobbler and Bamboo. The Bamboo, a classic from the 19th century, is both simple to make and delightful to drink—just stir together with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

For the Bamboo, you’ll need equal parts dry vermouth and dry sherry, along with a couple of dashes of bitters. Fino sherry is a popular choice for its light and delicate profile, often with hints of almonds, making it a perfect starting point. Blending it with dry vermouth creates a floral, herbal, and intricately layered cocktail that’s perfect for savoring throughout the day without the risk of getting too tipsy.