Vintage Cocktails? Anyone ever dig up antique cocktail recipes?

[Melensdad]

Several months ago (last summer!) I was shopping at the supermarket and they had FERNET-BRANCA on sale, apparently being discontinued. I wasn't sure what to do with it but grabbed a bottle on impulse. It has been sitting unopened. Looked up some recipes tonight. So here we go:

TORONTO COCKTAIL

Dating back to 1922 the TORONTO is a riff on the OLD FASHIONED but, to my taste buds is more of a riff on the BOULEVARDIER than an OLD FASHIONED. Others suggest it is a spin off of a MANHATTAN.

Fernet-Branca is a seriously bitter liquor, that is also high in alcohol, somewhat similar to, but different than Campari.

A Boulevardier is Whiskey, Campari (bitter) and red Vermouth (sweet). The Toronto is primarily the same thing, but uses different ingredients . . . Whiskey, Fernet-Branca (bitter) and Simple Syrup (sweet) plus a dash of Bitters. An Old Fashioned is Whiskey, Simple Syrup and a dash of Bitters.

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INGREDIENTS​

• 2 ounces whiskey
• ¼ oz Fernet-Branca
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters

If you like bitter-sweet cocktails like the Boulevardier then this may be one for you to try. I personally like it. I'll likely have it again. And again. But then again, I like the Boulevardier. I would say the Fernet-Branca is more of an astringent bitter flavor while the Campari is more of a syrupy smooth bitter liquor. So perhaps the Boulevardier is more of a sultry drink while the Toronto is a bit more of a shock to the tongue.

 

[Melensdad]

Tonight was a RUSTY NAIL

Not pre-Prohibition, but dates back to 1937. And not really popular until Dean Martin, Frank Sanatra, Sammy Davis Jr and the Rat Pack embraced it a few decades later. I’m enjoying it.

It’s a lush and savory drink with a bit of annis flavor. No scotch in my home so I’ve tried bourbon and rye. Both seem fine as substitutes for Scotch.

The Rusty Nail Cocktail Is a Forgotten Classic That Deserves the Spotlight

Once one of the world's most popular cocktails, the two-ingredient, Scotch-based Rusty Nail fell into obscurity. Here's how to make it right.

www.wineenthusiast.com

1/2 oz Drambuie
2 oz Scotch Whisky
Dash of bitters, I’ve been using Angustora but I want to try it with Peyscheaud’s bitter next.

 

[EastTexFrank]

Well, that's a blast from the past. I haven't had a Rusty Nail for decades. It used to be one of my favorite cocktails. Being Scottish, you know that there is always Scotch and Drambuie in my house. I may just have to try one tomorrow night.

 

[Umberto]

I used to be partial to Vodka Gimlets and haven’t had one in decades.

I’ll get a bottle of Drambuie next trip to the bird store.