Ford Cocktail

(0 ratings)

A refined pre-Prohibition cocktail featuring gin, dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters in perfect harmony.

Keep screen on?

Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)

Old Tom Gin
45 ml
Dry Vermouth
45 ml
Bénédictine
7.5 ml
Orange Bitters
2 dashes
Lemon Peel
1 twist

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add gin, dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.

Step

Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.

Step

Empty the chilled coupe glass and strain the cocktail into it using a Hawthorne strainer.

Step

Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink, then drop the twist into the glass as garnish.

Equipment

Mixing glass

Bar spoon

Hawthorne Strainer

Citrus peeler

Jigger

Description

The Ford Cocktail is a sophisticated pre-Prohibition era drink that first appeared in George J. Kappeler’s Modern American Drinks in 1895. This elegant cocktail showcases the art of classic mixology through its perfectly balanced combination of gin, dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters. While similar in structure to a Martini, the addition of Bénédictine transforms it into something uniquely complex and luxurious. The Ford represents the golden age of cocktail crafting, where every ingredient serves a purpose in creating a harmonious and memorable drinking experience.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)

Calories

165

ABV

25 %

Alcohol

26 g

Carbs

8 g

Carbs from Sugar

6 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0 g

Sodium

2 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Use premium spirits as this is a spirit-forward cocktail where quality makes a significant difference in the final result.
Adjust the Bénédictine amount to taste - start with 7.5ml and increase slightly if you prefer more herbal sweetness, but be careful not to overpower the gin.
The stirring technique is crucial - stir gently to avoid over-dilution while ensuring proper chilling and integration of flavors.
Fresh, high-quality orange bitters are essential for the proper citrusy brightness that balances the herbal elements.
The expressed citrus oils from the twist are not optional - they provide essential aromatic compounds that complete the cocktail experience.

Can I substitute the Bénédictine with another herbal liqueur?

While Bénédictine is traditional and provides the cocktail’s signature flavor profile, you could experiment with other herbal liqueurs like Yellow Chartreuse (use less due to higher proof) or DOM Bénédictine if available. However, the unique honey and herb blend of Bénédictine is difficult to replicate exactly.

What's the difference between using Old Tom gin versus London Dry gin?

Old Tom gin adds subtle sweetness and complexity that complements the Bénédictine beautifully and was historically accurate for this 1895 recipe. London Dry gin provides a crisper, more juniper-forward profile that creates a slightly drier, more modern interpretation. Both work excellently – choose based on your preference.

How important is the quality of dry vermouth in this cocktail?

Very important, as vermouth makes up a significant portion of the cocktail. Use a fresh, high-quality French dry vermouth and store it refrigerated. Stale vermouth will negatively impact the cocktail’s balance and overall flavor profile significantly.

Can I batch this cocktail for parties?

Yes, the Ford Cocktail batches well. Multiply ingredients by servings needed, combine in a bottle, and store chilled. Add about 25% water to account for dilution that would occur during stirring. Serve over ice in chilled glasses and add fresh garnish to each serving.