Old Hickory Express

This elegant cocktail, known as Neal Bodenheimer’s Old Hickory, is a harmonious blend of blanc vermouth, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. The deliberate mixing without ice serves to preserve the unique character of the vermouth, resulting in a drink that is both snappy and bright or round and rich, depending on the choice of garnish.

Old Hickory Express

An elegant blend of blanc vermouth, sweet vermouth, and bitters, served with a choice of garnish for a unique flavor experience.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces blanc vermouth, preferably La Quintinye Blanc Royal
  • 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth, preferably Cinzano 1757 Rosso di Torino
  • 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
  • 1 dash Regans' orange bitters

Instructions

  1. Combine blanc vermouth, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass without ice.
  2. Stir the ingredients gently.
  3. Pour the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  4. Express the lemon peel over the glass, swiping it quickly over the front, sides, and back.
  5. Garnish with lemon peel for a snappier, brighter drink or discard it for a rounder, richer effect.