Bamboo Cocktail
The Bamboo Cocktail is a refined and beautifully balanced aperitif with deep roots in cocktail history. Originating in the late 19th century, it was created by Louis Eppinger, a bartender in Yokohama, Japan. This elegant drink combines dry sherry and dry vermouth, producing a light citrusy and nutty profile with aromatic bitters that lend depth and sophistication.
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Hawthorne strainer or julep strainer
- Coupe glass or Nick & Nora glass
- Jigger (for accurate 45ml pours)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz dry sherry 45ml, preferably fino or amontillado for a delicate nutty profile
- 1 ½ oz dry vermouth 45ml, such as Dolin Dry or Noilly Prat
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters optional, enhances complexity
- 10 pieces ice enough to fill mixing glass
- 1 piece lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass two-thirds full with large ice cubes — larger cubes melt more slowly and give you better control over dilution.10 pieces ice
- Pour the dry sherry and dry vermouth into the mixing glass.1 1/2 oz dry sherry, 1 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Add the orange bitters and optionally a dash of Angostura bitters.1 dash orange bitters, 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for around 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and chilling.
- Using a Hawthorne or julep strainer, strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Hold a lemon twist skin-side down about 5cm (2 inches) above the drink and pinch it firmly to express the citrus oils over the surface. Run the twist around the rim of the glass, then drop it in as garnish.1 piece lemon twist
Notes
Storage: Batch the sherry-vermouth mix (without bitters) in a sealed bottle and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Add bitters per glass when serving. Do not freeze the pre-batched mix — vermouth loses texture and becomes dull after thawing.
Make-Ahead: Pre-batch the 1:1 sherry-vermouth ratio for dinner parties — stir individual portions over ice when guests arrive.
Substitutions: Swap fino sherry for amontillado for a nuttier, richer result. Manzanilla works well for a lighter, more saline profile.
Pro Tip: Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving — a warm glass will flatten this delicate drink within 60 seconds.
Serving Suggestion: The Bamboo Cocktail is a fantastic aperitif, best enjoyed before dinner to awaken the palate. Pair with olives, marcona almonds, or a simple cheese plate.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.2mg
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