how to make the satan’s whiskers martini cocktail

Satan’s Whiskers is a variation of the more classic Bronx martini cocktail. This adds Grand Marnier which is an orange flavored cognac liqueur, into to the mix. This helps to accentuate the orange flavors in the drink, which can actually make it fruity. It is quite possible that some may find this drink to be a little on the sweeter side.

This recipe is adapted from the Embassy Club recipe from Hollywood from the 1930s. I first found this recipe in The Essential Cocktail by Dale Degroff.

As always with vermouth, try to use an Italian Sweet Vermouth and  French Dry Vermouth for this recipe. You could also use orange bitters instead of the Angostura that is usually called for. If you substitute the Grand Marnier with another orange liqueur, then it is called Curled Satan’s Whisker martini.

Ingredients

  • 1 shot of Gin
  • 1 shot of Orange juice
  • 1/2 shot of  Sweet Vermouth
  • 1/2 shot of Dry Vermouth
  • 1/2 shot of Grand Marnier
  • Couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish

Recipe/Preparation

  1. Add some ice cubes into a martini shaker
  2. Add 1 shot of premium Gin
  3. Add half a shot of sweet vermouth, preferably Italian
  4. Add half a shot of dry vermouth, preferably French
  5. Add half a shot of Grand Marnier into the shaker
  6. Add 1 shot of the freshly squeezed Orange juice into the shaker
  7. Shake the contents of the shaker well
  8. Add couple of dashes of Angostura bitters into a chilled martini glass
  9. Swirl the bitters around the glass to coat the sides evenly
  10. Strain the contents of the shaker into the martini glass
  11. Garnish with the orange peel
Satan's whiskers cocktail drink

Variations and Similar Drinks

Bronx Martini: Lose the Grand Marnier from this recipe and you get the Bronx martini cocktail.
Curled Satan’s Whiskers: Substitute the Grand Marnier with another orange flavored liqueur such as Orange Curacao or Triple Sec.

Tips

  • You can use either the Angostura bitters or the Orange bitters. Each of them will give a slightly different taste to the drink.
  • Most recipe call for the bitters to be added to the other ingredients in the shaker and mixed/shaken with them. I prefer to add it later to the drink.
  • You can also use a orange slice to garnish instead of the orange peel.