Bamboo Revisited

The Bamboo is a cocktail that dates back to the 1890s. The original Bamboo cocktail recipe typically consists of dry vermouth and sherry, often in equal parts, with a few dashes of bitters (usually orange bitters). The drink is stirred with ice and strained into a glass, typically garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry. The result is a light, aperitif-style cocktail with a balance of sweet, dry, and bitter elements. In this version we swapped out fino for Amontillado sherry for a bit of rich sweetness, and paired it with light and floral vermouth Bianco instead of dry vermouth.

Frequently asked questions

What is vermouth Bianco?

Vermouth Bianco (also known as vermouth blanc) is a sweeter style of vermouth. Whereas sweet vermouth can overwhelm light spirits, blanc vermouths are a bit more delicate, yet contribute a bright sweetness that dry vermouth can't.

What are bitters?

“Bitters,” explains Christa Cotton, CEO of El Guapo Bitters, “add complexity to cocktails and bring forward different expressions within spirits.” They shine in non-alcoholic cocktails, too. “Aside from adding a depth of flavor to spirited concoctions, they also can be used to balance flavor and are great on their own as a natural flavoring for club soda,” Cotton adds.

What is Amontillado sherry?

Amontillado sherry is crafted from barrels formerly destined for Fino or Manzanilla sherry production, though whose layers of flor naturally died off. This means that this unique style of sherry undergoes both biological and oxidative aging, which creates a beautiful mesh of flavor characteristics that come from both styles of aging — think of it like salted caramel meets dark chocolate covered peanuts or pretzels.