I first tried Satan’s Whiskers at a little speakeasy downtown last summer. The bartender recommended it after I asked for something citrusy but with a twist. Since then, I’ve been hooked – and I’ve probably mixed more of these at home than I’d care to admit. There’s just something about the way the gin, vermouth, and orange all play together: it’s bright, balanced, and the kind of drink you keep coming back to, sip after sip.
What I love most is how it dances between sweet, tart, and bitter. Plus, it has some real old-school swagger – the cocktail dates back to the 1930s and even shows up in the Savoy Cocktail Book, which is basically the holy grail for classic cocktail geeks.
Strength & Profile
Note: You can tap on flavors, occasions, and feels to view more similar cocktail recipes.
There are actually two “official” ways to make it, which I didn’t know when I first started experimenting: the “straight” version uses Grand Marnier, while the “curled” calls for curaçao. The difference is subtle, but it’s fun to play around and see which you like better.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- ½ oz fresh orange juice (seriously, fresh makes a huge difference)
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
I always serve it in a chilled coupe, but any stemmed glass will do. The wide shallow bowl really lets those orange oils hit your nose before you even taste the drink.
How to make it:
- Toss all your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake like you mean it – about 15 seconds is good.
- Strain into your chilled glass.
- Twist an orange peel over the top, then drop it in.
Craving the flavors but skipping booze? No problem – I’ve made a pretty tasty zero-proof version by subbing in more orange juice, a little tonic water for bite, and some non-alcoholic bitters.
Satan’s Whiskers is surprisingly food-friendly. It’s fantastic with a good cheese board (cheddar and gouda are top picks), grilled chicken with a citrus marinade, or even spicy snacks. The citrus keeps things fresh and lively with just about anything rich or savory.
Sometimes I tweak the recipe depending on my mood – more orange juice when I want it sweeter, or a more aromatic gin when I’m feeling fancy. Little secret: store your vermouth in the fridge. It keeps so much better, and fresh vermouth makes a world of difference.
Honestly, whether I’m mixing one up for a quiet night or serving a round to friends, this cocktail always feels just right: classic, complex, and uniquely refreshing. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a favorite of yours too.
