Arnaud’s Special: The Rob Roy’s New Orleans Cousin
Experience the bold interplay of smoky Scotch, herbal wine, and zesty citrus in each sip.
Among the pantheon of celebrated classic cocktails, a select few manage to carve their own niche in the world of spirits. Arnaud’s Special stands out as a venerable yet often overlooked gem—a unique marriage of Scotch whisky, Dubonnet Rouge, and orange bitters. Born in the heart of New Orleans and carrying a legacy that bridges the assertiveness of Scotch with the continental elegance of aromatized wine, Arnaud’s Special is a cocktail that delights connoisseurs and rewards the adventurous palate.
Origins of Arnaud’s Special
Arnaud’s Special traces its roots to the storied Arnaud’s Restaurant in New Orleans, a French Quarter institution established in 1918 by Arnaud Cazenave. According to cocktail historians, this blend became the house special during the years following World War II, a period when classic cocktails reigned supreme and experimentation behind the bar flourished. Its fame grew quietly, cherished by patrons of the restaurant but remaining largely confined to its birthplace through the mid-20th century.
The drink is most directly documented in mid-century resources like Ted Saucier’s 1951 book Bottoms Up and later memorialized in Ted Haigh’s Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails. There, Arnaud’s Special is noted as a parallel to the Rob Roy—a Scotch-based Manhattan—distinguished by its combination of Dubonnet rather than traditional sweet vermouth, and enlivened with orange bitters.
What Sets Arnaud’s Special Apart?
To appreciate Arnaud’s Special is to understand both its kinship with and divergence from classic whisky cocktails. While the Rob Roy pairs Scotch with sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters, Arnaud’s Special makes two defining substitutions:
- Dubonnet Rouge replaces standard Italian vermouth, lending an herbal, slightly bitter, and gently fruity profile.
- Orange bitters take the place of Angostura, introducing brightness and a whisper of citrus spice.
These choices give the drink a distinctive identity—balancing the boldness of Scotch with the aromatic complexity of Dubonnet and the lift of orange bitters. The result is both familiar and intriguingly different, inviting explorations of Scotch far beyond the obvious serves.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
| Ingredient | Role in the Cocktail |
|---|---|
| Scotch Whisky | Provides backbone and depth; the choice of whisky dramatically affects the drink’s profile. |
| Dubonnet Rouge | A French aromatized wine with quinine, giving mild bitterness, sweet herbal, and fruit notes. |
| Orange Bitters | Enhances complexity with bright citrus and spice, lifting heavy flavors. |
| Orange Twist | Expressed over the drink and used as garnish for fresh citrus aroma. |
Recipe: How to Make Arnaud’s Special
The beauty of Arnaud’s Special lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While historic recipes vary slightly, the core proportions and method remain consistent:
- 2 ounces (60 ml) Scotch whisky
- 1 ounce (30 ml) Dubonnet Rouge
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add Scotch, Dubonnet Rouge, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well—about 20-30 seconds—until thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass.
- Express an orange twist over the surface, rim the glass with the peel, and drop it in as garnish.
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Tip: While some versions suggest shaking, most aficionados recommend stirring to preserve clarity and smooth texture.
Ingredient Variations and Pairing Suggestions
- Scotch Selection: Choose based on your flavor preference. A peaty, smoky blend (like Johnnie Walker Black Label) will result in a bold, slightly medicinal drink, while a softer Speyside (like The Balvenie DoubleWood) will make it rounder and more approachable with notes of vanilla and orange.
- Dubonnet Rouge Alternatives: While Dubonnet is traditional, other red quinquina or aromatized wines (like Byrrh or even a robust sweet vermouth) can add a twist to the drink, though the result will lose some of the classic character.
- Bitters: Classic orange bitters are recommended; however, experimenting with different brands (such as Regans’ or Fee Brothers) can yield subtle changes in the citrus and spice notes.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
An Arnaud’s Special is not a one-note drink. Instead, it unfurls in layers:
- On the nose, the orange twist brightens the robust malt and herbal aromas.
- The first sip brings the gentle bitterness and red fruit of Dubonnet together with the smoky, malty character of Scotch.
- Orange bitters knit the elements together, offering a nuanced, lightly spiced finish.
The interplay between smoke, herbs, and citrus is what gives Arnaud’s Special its lasting appeal. The drink feels both robust and elegant, making it equally at home as a pre-dinner aperitif or a contemplative nightcap.
Arnaud’s Special vs. Rob Roy: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Arnaud’s Special | Rob Roy | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Scotch whisky | Scotch whisky |
| Modifier | Dubonnet Rouge | Sweet vermouth |
| Bitters | Orange bitters | Angostura bitters |
| Garnish | Orange twist | Cherry or lemon twist |
| Flavor Profile | Herbal, slightly bitter, citrusy, layered | Sweet, earthy, spiced, classic |
Expert Tips for the Perfect Arnaud’s Special
- Glassware: Serve in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to preserve temperature and aroma.
- Ice Quality: Use large, clear ice cubes when stirring for optimal dilution without overwatering.
- Expressed Citrus: Don’t skip the orange twist. Expressing the peel over the drink releases essential oils and dramatically enhances the aromatics.
- Taste As You Stir: The choice of Scotch makes a marked difference—taste as you go and adjust Dubonnet or bitters as needed.
- Batching: Arnaud’s Special is amenable to batching for parties. Scale up the recipe, mix well with ice, and strain before serving individually in chilled glasses.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Although never as widely known as other Scotch cocktails, Arnaud’s Special exemplifies the creativity and refinement of New Orleans’ cocktail culture. Its gradual re-emergence in modern bars and amongst enthusiasts is due in part to the efforts of cocktail historians and writers who have documented its history and revived interest in forgotten classics.
In an era when Scotch cocktails are often overlooked for gin, rum, or whiskey, Arnaud’s Special offers a compelling reason to explore more from the whisky-driven canon. Its unique profile—a delicate dance of smoke, fruit, herbs, and citrus—remains as pleasing today as it was when first poured in the bustling dining rooms of Arnaud’s Restaurant.
Notable Variations and Related Cocktails
- Phoebe Snow: Swap out the Scotch for Cognac and use absinthe in place of orange bitters for a rich, herbal alternative.
- Bobby Burns: A mix of Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine, often considered another classic Scottish-inspired Manhattan relative.
- Blood and Sand: Scotch with sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and orange juice—another avenue for those exploring fruitier, softer scotch cocktails.
- Classic Dubonnet Cocktail: Dubonnet, gin, and a twist, showing Dubonnet’s versatility as an aperitif.
While none are identical, these drinks demonstrate the diversity and potential of pairing Scotch or fortified wines with thoughtful modifiers and bitters.
Arnaud’s Special in the Modern Bar
Bartenders today often rediscover and reinterpret vintage recipes. Arnaud’s Special has become a favorite among those seeking to broaden the horizons of Scotch cocktails. Its adaptability to both modern and classic palates, along with its elegant simplicity, makes it a staple for New Orleans enthusiasts and cocktail historians alike.
Whether you adhere to the classic proportions or tweak them to suit your preferred whisky, Arnaud’s Special offers a sensory journey through the flavors of smoke, herbs, and citrus—a fitting tribute to both the city and the spirit that birthed it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use any Scotch whisky for Arnaud’s Special?
A: Yes, but the choice significantly impacts the drink’s character. Smokier, peatier Scotch will produce a bolder, earthier drink, while lighter, fruitier Scotch creates a more approachable blend. Experiment to find what suits your taste best.
Q: Is Dubonnet Rouge essential, or can I substitute another ingredient?
A: Dubonnet Rouge is traditional and brings unique herbal and quinine notes. You can substitute another red aromatized wine or robust sweet vermouth, but the drink’s distinctiveness will change.
Q: How does Arnaud’s Special differ from a classic Rob Roy?
A: The key differences are the use of Dubonnet Rouge and orange bitters in Arnaud’s Special, as opposed to sweet vermouth and Angostura in the Rob Roy. This leads to a softer, more aromatic and nuanced cocktail.
Q: Should Arnaud’s Special be stirred or shaken?
A: Most experts recommend stirring to avoid over-dilution and to maintain a smooth, clear texture. Only shake if you prefer a slightly more diluted and frothy finish.
Q: Is this cocktail best before or after dinner?
A: Arnaud’s Special works beautifully as a pre-dinner aperitif thanks to its herbal and slightly bitter profile, but it can also be enjoyed as a sophisticated nightcap.
Conclusion: A Scotch Classic Worth Rediscovering
Arnaud’s Special is a testament to the rich cocktail tradition of New Orleans and the endless potential for reinvention within classic recipes. Its remarkable balance, elegant simplicity, and adaptability ensure that it remains as compelling for today’s enthusiast as it was for patrons of Arnaud’s Restaurant nearly a century ago. Whether you’re a Scotch aficionado or a curious explorer, crafting an Arnaud’s Special is a toast to history, hospitality, and the enduring art of the cocktail.
References
- https://cold-glass.com/2010/12/09/arnauds-special-cocktail/
- https://intoxicologist.net/2010/12/tippling-scotch-arnauds-special-cocktail/
- https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/15515/arnauds-special
- https://craftedpour.com/recipe/arnaud’s-special-cocktail
- https://www.diffordsguide.com/forum/jl5MbK
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