Bitter and aperitivo · Rye whiskey
Mostly rye, sharpened by just a splash of Fernet-Branca with its menthol, saffron and bitter herbs. A little sweet vermouth and orange bitters round it off, and a dark cherry waits at the bottom.
1¾ oz
rye whiskey a spicy, high-rye bottlinge.g. Rittenhouse · Bulleit · Sazerac · Wild Turkey · Old Overholt
¼ oz
Fernet-BrancaBuy on Amazon →
¼ oz
sweet vermouthe.g. Martini · Cinzano · Carpano · Cocchi · Punt e Mes
1 dash
orange bitterse.g. Angostura · Regans' Orange Bitters · Fee Brothers · The Bitter Truth
1
cocktail cherry e.g. Luxardo, for garnish
Garnish: Cocktail cherry · Ice: Served up, no ice
Revelation
Dry and bold with spicy rye, a cooling, minty bitterness and a hint of sweetness. Strong, spirit-forward and aromatic.
This Revelation is a modern stirred drink in the Manhattan family. Where a Manhattan leans on a generous measure of sweet vermouth, this version keeps the rye in charge and uses Fernet-Branca, the intensely bitter Milanese amaro, as a seasoning rather than a main ingredient. The name has also been used for older, unrelated recipes, so this one is best seen as a contemporary take rather than a historic classic.
The pairing itself has a long history: rye and Fernet have been mixed together since at least the 1920s, most famously in the Toronto cocktail. Bartenders value the combination because the minty bitterness of Fernet cuts through the spice of rye without hiding it.
Stirred. It contains only spirits and vermouth, so stirring keeps it clear and silky.
Very bitter and herbal with strong menthol, liquorice and saffron notes.
Yes, but it will be sweeter and softer. Rye gives the dry spice that balances the Fernet.
The perfect sound
Bitter, bold and full of revelation.
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