Cooper Union

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The COOPER UNION is a Sazerac-style whiskey cocktail that pre-rinses a glass with peaty Scotch instead of the traditional absinthe.The base is Irish whiskey, complemented by a smaller amount of St-Germain liqueur. This recipe is taken from Death & Company‘s classic bartending book. It’s a favorite for anyone in the mood for a whiskey cocktail served neat, offering a tasty mix that is cold and smooth without the burn. It is sometimes simply referred to as the Cooper.

Requirements:Scotch whisky (Laphroaig 10-year preferred), Irish whiskey (Redbreast 12-year preferred), St-Germain liqueur, orange bitters, lemon twist

  • 1 oz. peaty Scotch whisky for rinsing
  • 2 oz. Irish whiskey
  • 1/2 oz. St-Germain elderflower liqueur
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • 1 lemon twist

Rinse a chilled Old-Fashioned or rocks glass with smoky Scotch whisky. In an ice-filled glass, combine the other ingredients and stir to chill. Strain into the pre-rinsed Old-Fashioned or rocks glass. Squeeze a lemon peel or twist into the drink and drop it in (or not). Serve without ice.

Comments: As is often the case, this recipe can still be enjoyed even if the Laphroaig and Redbreast whiskies are not available. I followed the template but used the peatiest Scotch I had — Dewar’s — and Teeling Irish whiskey instead of Redbreast. It was outstanding even with substitutions.

Similar Cocktails:

Sazerac — https://keetscocktails.com/sazerac-2/

Blarney Stone — https://keetscocktails.com/blarney-stone/

Jameson Whiskey Sour — https://keetscocktails.com/jameson-whiskey-sour/

Morning Glory Fizz — https://keetscocktails.com/morning-glory-fizz/

Necromancer — https://keetscocktails.com/necromancer/

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