Vieux Gar-ape

Name: Vieux Gar-ape
Ingredients: 1.5 oz Rye Whiskey; 1.5 oz Brandy; 1.0 oz Domaine Santé All-Sass Grape Nectar; 0.25 oz Benedictine; 2 dash(es) Angostura Aromatic Bitters; 1 dash(es) Absinthe

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By Joe Izzo

Submitted on: June 17, 2022

Spirit Forward

Bitter

My second drink with the incredible grape nectars from Domaine Sante uses their All-Sass. This comes from gewurztraminer and riesling grapes. It has spice and I find a little earthiness to it. It's really incredible how different it tastes from the others. I decided to use it in a Vieux Carré riff, replacing the vermouth. Yes, I see the humor in using the only nectar that doesn't involve French grapes in a drink with a French name, but it came out really well!

Ingredients

1.5 oz
Rye Whiskey

1.5 oz
Brandy

1.0 oz
Domaine Santé All-Sass Grape Nectar

0.25 oz
Benedictine

2 dash(es)
Angostura Aromatic Bitters

1 dash(es)
Absinthe

Instructions

Garnish

cherries

Build

Stir & Strain

Glass

Old Fashioned/Rocks

Estimated strength

About 25% ABV (estimate)

By Joe Izzo

Head Bartender, Joe's Pub

I have a PhD in chemistry, which is basically just mixology you're not supposed to drink, so the shift from lab to bar was pretty obvious.

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Add all ingredients over ice. Give it a long, slow stir. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with cherries.

Editor's Note

A clever Vieux Carré riff that swaps sweet vermouth for a floral, spicy grape nectar. The rye and brandy backbone remains, but the finish is brighter and fruit-forward, with classic herbal notes.