Self Starter
Gin, Lillet and apricot with absinthe. A Savoy cocktail.
Stirred · Coupe · Medium · about 3 minutes · about 27% ABV
Ingredients
- 45 ml Gin
- 22.5 ml Lillet Blanc
- 7.5 ml Apricot brandy liqueur
- 2 dashes Absinthe
- Lemon twist (garnish)
Method
- Chill the glass
- Pour 45 ml gin into the mixing glass
- Pour 22.5 ml Lillet Blanc into the mixing glass
- Pour 7.5 ml apricot brandy liqueur into the mixing glass
- Add 2 dashes of absinthe
- Add ice
- Stir
- Strain
- Garnish
Tip
Rinse the glass with absinthe if you prefer it subtle.
About the Self Starter
The vermouth cocktail family. Vermouth reached American bars in the 1860s and 1870s, and bartenders began stirring it with whiskey, gin and brandy. That gave us the Manhattan and the Martinez, the ancestor of the Martini. Drinks in this family are stirred rather than shaken, and they are all about the balance between the spirit and the aromatised wine.
Self Starter FAQ
What's in a Self Starter?
45 ml gin, 22.5 ml lillet blanc, 7.5 ml apricot brandy liqueur, 2 dashes absinthe, garnished with lemon twist.
How strong is a Self Starter?
About 27% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 1.9 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is close to a straight spirit, so sip it slowly.
Should I shake or stir a Self Starter?
Stir it. It is made only of spirits and wines, so stirring keeps it clear and silky. Shaking would make it cloudy and frothy.
What glass do you serve a Self Starter in?
A coupe, about 180 ml. Chill the glass first and serve without ice. No coupe? Use a martini glass or small wine glass.
