At a casual glance, one might assume familiarity with this beverage. Essentially, it’s a Boulevardier, a Negroni variant that swaps out gin for bourbon, but with altered ratios and the novel introduction of chocolate bitters. These seemingly minor adjustments transform it into a distinctly different beverage.
A standout modern creation by Sam Ross, known for his contributions like the Penicillin and Paper Plane, this cocktail exemplifies that tradition. Ross refers to it as a hybrid of a Negroni and a Manhattan, showcasing the clear influence of both.
It retains the core ingredients of the Negroni—spirit, Campari, sweet vermouth—and adapts the Manhattan’s preference for a whiskey to sweet vermouth ratio plus bitters, with an extra dash of Campari for good measure.
Left Hand Cocktail Ingredients:
- Bourbon (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): The backbone of the cocktail, bourbon brings warmth and a spectrum of flavors ranging from vanilla and caramel to oak and spice. Its selection is crucial; a bourbon with a rich profile works wonders in complementing the bitter and sweet counterparts.
- Campari (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Known for its vivid red hue and bittersweet flavor, Campari adds a layer of complexity and an inviting bitterness that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-rounded drink.
- Sweet Vermouth (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, preferably Carpano Antica): Sweet vermouth, especially when Carpano Antica is used, introduces a herbal sweetness and depth. Its rich profile perfectly bridges the bourbon and Campari.
- Chocolate Bitters (3 dashes, such as Bittermen’s): A modern twist on traditional bitters, chocolate bitters bring a subtle layer of flavor that complements the cocktail’s profile with a hint of cocoa without overwhelming sweetness.
- Garnish: Brandied Cherry: A single brandied cherry not only adds an elegant visual appeal but also a final touch of sweet, boozy depth that complements the last sip.
Left Hand Cocktail Recipe:
- Chill Your Coupe Glass: Begin by chilling a coupe glass. This can be done by placing the glass in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon, 3/4 ounce of Campari, 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 3 dashes of chocolate bitters. The mixing glass should be filled with ice to about three-quarters full, ensuring there’s enough cold to chill the mixture without overly diluting it.
- Stir to Chill: Using a long-handled bar spoon, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly. The goal is to chill the drink while also allowing a slight dilution to mellow the flavors and enhance smoothness. Stir for about 30 seconds to ensure the mixture is well-chilled and the flavors are well-blended.
- Strain and Serve: Once the mixture is chilled, strain it into the prepared coupe glass. A fine mesh strainer can be used to ensure a smooth pour without ice chips.
- Garnish: Finish the cocktail with a brandied cherry. Place the cherry gently into the drink or on a cocktail skewer laid across the rim of the glass for an added touch of elegance.
The Left Hand Cocktail: A Harmonious Blend
The practice of adding a single, sometimes minor, ingredient to shift a cocktail’s direction is not uncommon among bartenders, both past and present. In this case, the pivotal addition is chocolate bitters. As Ross noted in Petraske’s 2016 publication, “Regarding Cocktails,” this variation predates the resurgence of the Boulevardier.
It was a unique take on the Negroni, enhanced by the then-new chocolate bitters from Bittermen’s. The bitters not only complement the bourbon and sweet vermouth’s mellow spices but also soften the sharpness of the Campari, introducing a complexity that might remind one of a chocolate-covered cherry, offering a rich and spirited flavor profile.
This cocktail was part of a broader collection that emerged in the early days of Milk & Honey. “We created a series of ‘Hand’ cocktails,” Ross mentions in the same book.
Among them, the Right Hand featured aged rum; Tres Hands was a mezcal-and-tequila combination; and the Smoking Hand incorporated spirits from Islay and the Highlands. Yet, this particular drink has arguably become the most celebrated in the series.
Check out some more of the best bourbon cocktail recipes.
.){kind=link}