Satan’s Whiskers is another fabulous prohibition-era cocktail that is perfect to serve this Halloween or for any time. It is wonderfully refreshing and delicious with complex flavors of the gin, the two vermouths, plus the orange liquor, all bringing their flavors to the party. The color of this drink is beautifully orange and tempting. It would be perfect to offer this enticing cocktail to any guests anytime you want to tempt them with something devilishly good!
This cocktail is one of the few cocktails from that era that was invented on the West Coast. Though it was first published in the Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock in 1930. Satan’s Whiskers origins come from the famous Embassy Club in Hollywood. The Embassy Club was run by Adolph “Eddie” Brandstatter, a playboy and restauranteur. He opened the speakeasy to the rich and famous Hollywood elite. It was the main cocktail the bar was known for. When the cocktail finally was published in Harry’s book, there were two versions, a “straight” and a “curled” essentially. All that was changed for the different versions was the orange liquor, with Grand Marnier or Orange Curacao, respectively. I encourage you to try each, as there is a surprisingly subtle but delicious difference between the two.
The Satan’s Whiskers is another from the Savoy Cocktail Book. It surprises me how often, when I research a cocktail, I come across this book. You can find it on Amazon, and it is a fantastic collection of cocktails that are still made today. (I get a small commission at no cost to you from Amazon. If you use any link on this page, please consider helping fund my food journey.) For this cocktail and any cocktail that is shaken, I recommend double straining. Using a small mesh strainer, take out any of the leftover ice shards from the shaking. It definitely makes a difference, and I have gotten in the habit of using a strainer every time. It will up your cocktail game.
OK, well that is all for this week. I hope you will get out and enjoy a little bit of the spooky holiday, or at least have some little ones trick-or-treating to your house. I’m excited to see who drops by mine. Please think of others in your choices. We all need to get through this together. Have a great week and till next time!
- ¾ ounce orange juice freshly squeezed
- ¾ ounce dry gin such as Spring44, The Botanist, or Plymouth
- ¾ ounce dry vermouth
- ¾ ounce sweet vermouth
- ½ ounce orange liqueur Grand Marnier or Curacao
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Orange peel for garnish optional
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Chill a martini coupe glass by either filling it with ice or placing it in the fridge.
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In a cocktail shaker, combine the orange juice, gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, orange liquor (for the straight version, use Grand Marnier, for the curled version, use Curacao) add the 2 dashes of orange bitters.
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Fill the shaker with ice and cover.
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Shake until very cold, 10-20 seconds.
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Double strain into the chilled cocktail glass and serve with the optional orange peel.
