Presbyterian’s Revenge: A Scotch, Cynar, and Grapefruit Cocktail Classic
A harmonious blend of smoky whisky, herbal amaro, and bright citrus for a refined sip.
Presbyterian’s Revenge: A Modern Scotch Cocktail
The Presbyterian’s Revenge is a sophisticated, bittersweet cocktail that harmoniously blends scotch whisky, Italian herbal liqueur Cynar, citrus, and fragrant grapefruit.
This contemporary creation offers a fresh spin on traditional scotch drinks and stands out with its rich depth—making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts who appreciate both complexity and balance in their glass.
Background: The Origins and Inspiration
The Presbyterian’s Revenge was crafted by John McCarthy of Bathtub Gin fame, inspired by classic Presbyterian cocktails but with a notably modern edge.
It’s designed to highlight scotch without overwhelming its nuances, adding Italian bitters to create a flavor profile reminiscent of a more relaxed, Scottish take on the Negroni.
What Makes It Unique?
- Blended scotch: Smoky, complex foundation.
- Cynar: Herbal bittersweetness, primarily from artichoke.
- Lemon juice & simple syrup: Bright citrus and balanced sweetness.
- Grapefruit bitters & peel: Lively aroma and enhanced citrus note.
| Ingredient | Role in Cocktail |
|---|---|
| Scotch | Main spirit, provides smoky depth |
| Cynar | Bittersweet complexity, earthy herbal tones |
| Lemon juice | Sharp citrus, balances sweetness and bitterness |
| Simple syrup | Sweetness to mellow bitterness and acidity |
| Grapefruit bitters & peel | Lift and brighten the drink, aromatic finish |
Ingredients and Their Significance
Scotch Whisky
The backbone of Presbyterian’s Revenge is blended scotch, typically chosen for its balance between smoke, malt, and subtle sweetness. Affordable blends like The Black Grouse are popular picks, combining enough character for sipping neat but mild enough to serve as a versatile cocktail base.
Cynar: The Herbal Amaro
Cynar (pronounced CHEE-NAR) originates from Italy and belongs to the amari family—herbal liqueurs traditionally enjoyed as digestifs.
Although Cynar is made with artichoke as its main ingredient, the flavor is layered, herbal, bittersweet, and not dominated by artichoke.
Its mellow bitterness and earthy notes work harmoniously with the smoky scotch, drawing a subtle parallel to Campari, but with less intensity.
Fresh Citrus and Sweetener
- Lemon Juice: Adds sharpness and cuts through the bitterness. Should be freshly squeezed for optimal brightness.
- Simple Syrup: Softens the rough edges and balances both bitter and sour components. Standard preparation uses equal parts water and sugar.
Grapefruit: Bitters and Peel
- Grapefruit bitters provide a splash of citrusy complexity with a bit of bitterness that supports both the lemon and Cynar.
- Grapefruit peel garnish is essential—not mere decoration. The peel is twisted over the finished drink, expressing aromatic oils across the surface, amplifying citrus notes and elevating the entire experience.
Recipe: Mixing the Presbyterian’s Revenge
Mixing this cocktail is straightforward yet deliberate: every step and ingredient is chosen for purpose, not mere tradition.
Main Recipe
- 1 1/2 oz blended scotch (e.g., The Black Grouse or Compass Box Artist’s Blend)
- 3/4 oz Cynar
- 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash grapefruit bitters (some recipes add a splash of club soda)
- Large grapefruit peel (for garnish)
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Method
- Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a single, large ice cube or fresh ice.
- Express the oils from a large grapefruit peel over the cocktail, then drape the peel on the ice as garnish.
Alternative Presentation
- Some recipes recommend topping with a splash of club soda for added effervescence and a lighter mouthfeel.
Flavor Profile and Drinking Experience
The Presbyterian’s Revenge comes alive with a balanced interplay between smoky scotch, herbal bitters, and vibrant citrus.
Upon first sip, the nose is full of grapefruit aroma, setting up the mouth for citrus brightness followed by the layered, bittersweet notes of Cynar and the depth of scotch.
- Bittersweet and smoky: Scotch and Cynar form the core flavors—neither too heavy nor too syrupy.
- Citrusy and bright: Lemon juice and grapefruit oil amplify freshness.
- Balanced sweetness: Simple syrup ties everything together, keeping bitterness and acidity in check.
Expert Tips for Perfect Execution
- Ice matters: Use one large ice cube for slower dilution and optimal chilling.
- Don’t skip the grapefruit peel: The aromatic contribution is fundamental—it makes the drink sing.
- Quality Cynar: Ensure your Cynar is fresh and tightly capped; older bottles can lose their herbal vigor.
- Shaking vs. stirring: Shake to properly integrate citrus and bitter notes (stirring won’t chill or blend as well).
- Scotch selection: Choose a blended scotch that’s smoky but not overpowering—complex single malts can work, but might overshadow other ingredients.
Suggested Variations
- Add club soda: Top the finished drink with a splash for a lighter profile and gentle fizziness.
- Try different citrus: Substitute lemon with lime or mix in orange bitters for a warmer note.
- Swap the syrup: Experiment with honey syrup (for subtle florals) or demerara syrup for molasses depth.
- Other amari: For adventurous palates, replace Cynar with Averna or Montenegro for a twist in herbal character—though this changes the drink’s balance considerably.
Pairings and Occasions
The Presbyterian’s Revenge is a versatile cocktail suitable for after-dinner winding down or as a complex start to an evening.
It pairs exceptionally well with savory appetizers, charcuterie, and grilled root vegetables. The bittersweet, herbal edge makes it the perfect companion for rich foods and contemplative conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use single malt scotch instead of blended?
A: Yes, but blended scotch offers a more balanced foundation for cocktails. Single malts may add distinctive notes but risk overpowering other elements.
Q: What if I don’t have Cynar?
A: Cynar gives the cocktail its unique bittersweet quality. You can try other amari, like Averna, but the result will be different and less earthy.
Q: Do I really need the grapefruit peel?
A: Yes—grapefruit peel elevates the drink’s aroma and accentuates the citrus flavors. If unavailable, try orange or lemon peel as substitutes, but the effect will be less dynamic.
Q: Can I make this drink ahead of time?
A: Prepare the base (excluding citrus juice and garnish) in advance; add lemon juice, shake, and garnish fresh for best results.
Q: Is this a smoky cocktail?
A: It can be, depending on your choice of scotch. Blends with moderate smokiness are recommended for balance.
Conclusion: A New Classic for Adventurous Palates
The Presbyterian’s Revenge exemplifies modern mixology’s interest in cross-cultural ingredients and balanced flavors. It’s a cocktail with thoughtful construction, rewarding both those new to scotch cocktails and veterans in search of innovation.
Whether you’re looking for a contemplative solo sipper or a conversation starter at your next gathering, this inventive drink brings together Scotland and Italy with harmony and flair.
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