Bamboo
Discover the Bamboo cocktail, an elegant and sophisticated classic dating back to the late 19th century. This low-alcohol aperitif blends vermouth and bitters for a uniquely complex and refreshing flavour profile. Originally made with sherry and dry vermouth, our variation offers a delightful twist using accessible ingredients. Perfect for pre-dinner drinks or anytime you desire a light yet flavourful sip, the Bamboo is a testament to balanced simplicity.
Ingredients
- 4.5 cl Martini Bianco
- 4.5 cl Martini Rosso
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 slice lemon peel
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Add Martini Bianco, Martini Rosso, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
Stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the prepared coupe glass.
Express the oils from the lemon peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it in or discard.
Trivia
- What does a Bamboo cocktail taste like?
A traditional Bamboo cocktail offers a dry, complex, and slightly nutty flavour profile from the sherry and dry vermouth, accented by the aromatic bitters. Our variation using Martini Bianco and Rosso provides a balance of herbal sweetness and subtle bitterness, creating a sophisticated, light aperitif.
- What is the history of the Bamboo cocktail?
The Bamboo cocktail is believed to have been created in the late 1890s, possibly by Louis Eppinger, a German bartender working at the Grand Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. It quickly gained popularity as a light, low-alcohol alternative to spirit-forward cocktails.
- What type of sherry is traditionally used in a Bamboo cocktail?
Traditionally, a Bamboo cocktail is made with a dry sherry, such as Fino or Manzanilla. These sherries provide the characteristic dry, nutty base that defines the classic drink. While our recipe uses a vermouth variation, understanding the original sherry component highlights its intended profile.
- Can you make a Bamboo cocktail without sherry?
Yes, while sherry is traditional, variations exist. This recipe uses a combination of dry (Bianco) and sweet (Rosso) vermouths as a substitute, creating a related but distinct flavour profile that captures the spirit of a complex, low-ABV aperitif.
- What glass is best for serving a Bamboo cocktail?
The Bamboo cocktail is typically served straight up (chilled, without ice) in a chilled cocktail glass, such as a Coupe glass or a small Martini glass. This presentation enhances its elegant and classic appeal.
- Is the Bamboo cocktail strong?
No, the Bamboo is considered a low-alcohol cocktail. Its primary ingredients are typically sherry and vermouth, which have lower alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to base spirits like gin, vodka, or whiskey. This makes it an excellent choice for an aperitif.