Join us as we fall down the rabbit hole and find our way to the Mad Hatter’s cocktail party! The festivities are well underway, and on the menu is his signature Mad Hatter cocktail. It’s a sour and spicy rye whiskey cocktail with an absinthe twist and a nutty finish. So, pull up a seat and don’t forget to ‘move down, move down!’ when the Mad Hatter says so.
Mad Hatter Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Pour the whiskey, simple syrup, lime, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker
02
2.
Add 1 scoop of ice and stir for 30 seconds to chill
03
3.
Rinse the chilled glass with absinthe and then discard
04
4.
Strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass
05
5.
Garnish with grated nutmeg and serve
History of the Mad Hatter
The Mad Hatter cocktail first appeared in the 1951 cocktail book called Bottoms Up. It was written by author Ted Saucier, who was also the publicist for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The book featured all the cocktails of the heyday, and one of the most famous cocktails to come out of it was the Last Word.
How strong is the Mad Hatter cocktail?
Rye whiskey is the only alcohol in the Mad Hatter cocktail, and it is typically around 40% ABV. The alcohol strength is diluted by the citrus juice and when stirred on ice. Overall, the Mad Hatter cocktail is an average-strength cocktail, but as always, sip responsibly.
Variations
The best way to create a new version of the Mad Hatter cocktail is to switch out the rye whiskey. Use bourbon for a sweeter and smoother cocktail with an oaky finish. For a smoky cocktail with notes of vanilla and fruit, try Scotch whisky.
When to serve
The Mad Hatter is a refreshing rye sour cocktail that will fit in at any daytime cocktail party or dinner event. We recommend serving it with a selection of cupcakes for the full Mad Hatter cocktail party experience.
