#87: A Chrysanthemum Spritz - Imbibe Magazine Subscribe + Save

#87: A Chrysanthemum Spritz

A spritz-like spin on a forgotten classic.

The spritz is arguably the queen of all sparkling wine drinks. Crisp, refreshing, and unfussy, they represent summer in a glass. It can also provide a solid foundation for bringing classic drinks to modern times. At Bellwether Bar in Portland, Oregon, the vaguely named #87 cocktail integrates sparkling wine into the framework of the Chrysanthemum, a semi-obscure classic cocktail consisting of dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and absinthe. “The original cocktail was more of an aperitif style,” states Bellwether Bar General Manager and Bar Manager Angie Ross. “We adjusted it to make it more of a wine spritzer.”  The inclusion of bubbles adds the effervescent pop of a spritz. Its acidity also reduces the original drink’s sweetness, making it more suitable for the modern palate.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. dry vermouth
  • 3/4 oz. Bénédictine
  • 1 tsp. absinthe
  • 4 dashes grapefruit bitters
  • chilled dry sparkling wine, to top
  • Tools:barspoon
  • Glass:wine
  • Garnish:lemon twist, olive

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients, except the sparkling wine, to an ice-filled glass and stir to combine. Top with chilled sparkling wine and garnish.

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