Clove Cocktail
A vintage cocktail that brings together a trio of rich, sweet ingredients. Despite the name suggesting a spice-heavy profile, this drink relies on the herbal depth of sweet vermouth, the berry brightness of sloe gin, and the floral sweetness of Muscatel wine to create a sophisticated, fortified sipper.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by raisins and dark berries. On the palate, the drink has a viscous, syrupy mouthfeel with heavy notes of plum and botanical herbs. The finish is brief and sugary with a slight tartness from the sloe gin.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Sweet Vermouth1 oz
- Sloe Gin0.5 oz
- Muscatel Wine0.5 oz
Preparation
- 1
Fill a mixing glass with fresh ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the sweet vermouth, sloe gin, and Muscatel wine over the ice.
- 3
Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- 4
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- 5
Serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Sloe GinCrème de Mûre — This swap removes the gin's herbal undertones and emphasizes a pure blackberry flavor.
- Muscatel WineWhite Port — This creates a drier profile with more nuttiness and less grape-forward sweetness.
- Sweet VermouthCocchi di Torino — This provides a more robust cocoa and citrus peel character compared to standard sweet vermouths.
Variations
Clove Royale
Replace the Muscatel with a sweet sparkling wine to add carbonation and acidity.
Bittersweet Clove
Add two dashes of orange bitters to cut through the high sugar content and lengthen the finish.