Drunk Uncle

A modern classic that balances the intense peat smoke of Islay Scotch with the vegetal bitterness of Cynar and the subtle sweetness of Bianco Vermouth.

24%

ABV

195

Calories

Nick-and-Nora

Glass

Flavor Profile

smoky•bitter•herbal•spirit-forward•complex

Flavor Journey

Sweet

Sour

Bitter

Strong

Ingredients

Each component plays a crucial role.

Scotch Whisky

1.5 oz

Cynar

0.75 oz

Blanc Vermouth

0.75 oz

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer.

Add the Islay Scotch, Cynar, and Bianco Vermouth to a mixing glass.

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes.

Stir for 25-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.

Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.

Express the oils from a grapefruit peel over the drink, then drop it in as a garnish.

Glassware

Nick-and-Nora

Served up in a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass to maintain temperature and concentrate aromatics.

Garnish

Grapefruit twist

Express oils over the drink's surface

Master's Tips

Professional insights to elevate your craft

Pre-chilling your glassware is essential to keep this spirit-forward cocktail at the optimal temperature.

Use large, clear ice cubes when stirring to achieve perfect dilution without over-watering the drink.

Don't skip the grapefruit twist; the expressed oils provide a crucial aromatic brightness that balances the drink's intensity.

Choose a balanced Islay Scotch like Laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10; an overly aggressive 'peat bomb' can unbalance the other ingredients.

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Drunk Uncle.

Other Variations

Less Smoke

Minor Tweak

Reduce the Islay Scotch to 1.25 oz for a more balanced profile where the amaro and vermouth are more prominent.

Changes

Scotch Whisky:1.5 oz → 1.25 oz

Mezcal Uncle

Major Variation

Substitute the Islay Scotch with a high-quality Mezcal for a different kind of earthy, agave-based smoke.

Changes

Scotch Whisky → Mezcal(1.5 oz)

The Boulevardier

Major Variation

A classic relative that uses bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, creating a richer, spicier profile.

Changes

Scotch Whisky → Bourbon Whiskey(1.5 oz)

Cynar → Campari(0.75 oz)

Blanc Vermouth → Sweet Vermouth(0.75 oz)

History & Heritage

The Drunk Uncle is a modern classic created by Canadian bartender Shawn Soole. It's a product of the 21st-century craft cocktail renaissance, conceived as a variation on the Negroni. Soole cleverly substituted the classic ingredients with Islay Scotch, Cynar, and Bianco Vermouth to create a unique, smoky, and bitter profile that stands on its own.