Looking for a sophisticated sip tha’s low in alcohol? The Adonis cocktail recipe brings together fino sherry and Cinzano Vermouth Rosso for a smooth, well-balanced drink with nutty, herbal, and citrussy notes. This elegant aperitif, first mixed in the late 19th century, has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a sherry lover or simply exploring classic clinkers, we’re ready to walk you through the iconic recipe, variations, and expert tips for making the perfect Adonis at home.
Adonis Cocktail Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add the fino sherry and the sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well-chilled.
02
2.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
03
3.
Garnish with an orange peel.
Key ingredients & their role
A simple recipe doesn’t mean simple flavours. Each one of the Adonis cocktail ingredients plays a vital role in shaping its signature taste. Together, these ingredients set the scene for an aperitif that is smooth, nuanced, and undeniably sophisticated.
Sherry (fino or amontillado). This forms the backbone of the Adonis cocktail recipe. Fino sherry is bone-dry and crisp, while amontillado adds a touch of nuttiness and oxidation. Both bring layers of complexity that evolve as you sip.
Cinzano Vermouth Rosso. A rich, herbal counterpart to the sherry. Its slightly bitter, spiced character balances the drink and enhances its depth.
Orange peel garnish. More than just decoration, the expressed oils from the peel elevate the citrus notes and round out the overall flavour profile.
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The history of the Adonis cocktail
The Adonis drink recipe takes its name from a Broadway sensation.Born in the 1880s at the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, the Adonis was inspired by the hit musical Adonis—the first Broadway show to reach 500 performances. In a time when theatre was booming, the hotel’s bartenders crafted a drink fit for an elegant night out. The low-ABV nature of the cocktail made it perfect for pre-show sipping, ensuring theatregoers could enjoy a few rounds without losing their wits before the curtain rose.
By the early 1900s, the Adonis had cemented its place in pre-Prohibition cocktail culture, beloved for its smooth, refined taste and sherry-forward profile. While many cocktails of that era faded into obscurity, this one remained a popular choice; proof that a well-balanced drink never goes out of style.
If you want to know how to make an Adonis cocktail at home, then keep reading for expert tips on making one like a pro.
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How to perfect your Adonis cocktail
A well-made sherry cocktail is all about precision. Follow these pro tips to elevate your Adonis from good to exceptional.
Choosing the right sherry and vermouth
Sherry: The best Adonis starts with high-quality fino or amontillado sherry. Fino brings a crisp, dry profile with delicate salinity, while amontillado adds a nuttier, richer complexity. Look for a well-regarded producer from Spain’s Jerez region to ensure authentic flavour and depth.
Vermouth: Cinzano Vermouth Rosso is the go-to, perfectly balancing herbal warmth with just the right level of sweetness. If you’re experimenting, seek a vermouth that isn’t overly sweet—look for one with pronounced herbal and citrus notes rather than strong vanilla or caramel flavours.
Stirring vs. shaking: why it matters
Shaking adds aeration and dilution, perfect for drinks like a Daiquiri, but a no-go for the Adonis. Stirring preserves the drink’s velvety texture and ensures clarity, resulting in a polished, bar-quality pour.
- Use a mixing glass with plenty of large ice cubes to control dilution.
- Stir for at least 30 seconds to properly chill the drink while allowing just enough water to integrate.
- Strain into a well-chilled coupe glass. This keeps the drink cold without additional dilution from ice in the serving glass.
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Getting the dilution just right
Dilution is a fine balance: too little, and the drink is overly sharp; too much, and the flavours become watered down. To achieve the perfect balance:
- Use a bar spoon to gently stir, avoiding aggressive movements that over-dilute the drink.
- Taste as you go—the sherry and vermouth should be fully integrated, with no overpowering alcohol bite.
- Chill your glass beforehand to maintain temperature without excess dilution.
- A well-mixed Adonis should have a silky mouthfeel, with all the ingredients seamlessly blended into one harmonious sip.
Also see: 8 Best After-Dinner Drinks to Delight Your Guests
Variations on the Adonis cocktail
Want to put your own twist on this classic? Try these creative riffs on the sweet vermouth drink while keeping the spirit of the original alive. Each variation brings out a new side of the Adonis while staying true to its smooth, low-ABV nature.
- Extra citrus twist. Express a flamed orange peel over the drink for a smoky depth that enhances the vermouth’s herbal notes.
- The Adonis Spritz. Top with soda water for a bubbly, lighter take that works beautifully on warm days.
- Bamboo cocktail. Swap with dry vermouth for a crisper, less sweet profile—ideal for those who love a sharper aperitif.
Learn more: What is an Aperitif and When is it Served?
Best food pairings for the Adonis cocktail
A well-made fino sherry cocktail deserves equally refined food pairings. Pairing the Adonis with the right dishes enhances the experience, allowing it to shine as a perfect pre-dinner sip or a refined companion to small bites. Here’s what to serve alongside your Adonis for the ultimate aperitivo experience:
Classic tapas pairings
- Marcona almonds. Their buttery texture and mild saltiness complement the dry, nutty notes of fino sherry.
- Spanish olives. The briny, slightly bitter taste cuts through the drink’s herbal richness.
- Manchego cheese. Aged Manchego brings a nutty, slightly salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the Adonis.
Seafood-based canapés
- Oysters. The crispness of fino sherry enhances the briny sweetness of fresh oysters.
- Smoked salmon on rye. The velvety texture and smoky depth of salmon match perfectly with the herbal complexity of the vermouth.
- Anchovy toast. The bold umami of anchovies adds a punchy contrast to the smooth, low-ABV cocktail.
Mediterranean-inspired bites
- Stuffed grape leaves. The combination of herbs, rice, and briny grape leaves echoes the cocktail’s nuanced herbal notes.
- Hummus with flatbread. A creamy dip like hummus brings out the sherry’s nutty undertones.
- Marinated artichokes. Their slightly tangy, savoury flavour enhances the balance between the drink’s dry sherry and sweet vermouth.
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The Adonis cocktail is a timeless and elegant aperitif with a fascinating history and a flavour profile that still feels modern. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or enjoy experimenting with different sherries and vermouths, this cocktail proves that less is more when it comes to great drinks. Try making your own Adonis at home, experiment with variations, and pair it with your favourite light bites. Got a favourite twist on the recipe? Share it with us and remember to subscribe to our newsletter for more classic cocktail inspiration.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fino sherry is the top choice for its crisp, dry profile, while amontillado adds a nuttier, slightly richer depth. Both complement the herbal sweetness of vermouth, creating a well-balanced, low-ABV aperitif. Choose a high-quality sherry from a respected Spanish producer for the best flavour.
Not at all! The Adonis is a low-ABV cocktail, making it a great choice for easy sipping. Since it’s made with sherry and sweet vermouth—both lower in alcohol than spirits—it’s smooth, mellow, and ideal for enjoying before dinner or throughout an evening.
Yes! Swapping sweet vermouth for dry vermouth creates a Drier Adonis, bringing a crisper, less sweet flavour with a stronger herbal edge. It’s a great option if you prefer a sharper aperitif while still keeping the cocktail’s elegant, balanced nature intact.
Both are sherry-based, low-ABV aperitifs, but the Bamboo cocktail uses dry vermouth instead of sweet, resulting in a drier, more herbaceous profile. The Adonis, made with sweet vermouth, has a slightly richer, rounder flavour with more depth from the vermouth’s botanicals.
Absolutely! Combine sherry and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass, then chill the batch in the fridge. Serve over ice or pre-stir before pouring into coupe glasses. Garnish each drink with a fresh orange peel. Since it’s low-ABV, it holds up well for extended serving.
