Obituary Cocktail
A potent and aromatic spin on the classic Gin Martini, distinguished by a haunting whisper of absinthe. Born in New Orleans, this cocktail offers complex, herbaceous, and licorice-tinged flavors.
38%
ABV
191
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Journey
History & Heritage
“The Obituary Cocktail is attributed to New Orleans' Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar around the 1940s. The bar, claiming to be one of the oldest in the United States, was a popular haunt for the city's vibrant café society. The cocktail's morbid name fits New Orleans' unique and celebratory approach to death, exemplified by its famous jazz funerals. One theory suggests the name refers to absinthe's potent kick, while another posits it was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the bar's brief closure in the late 1930s.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass thoroughly
Combine gin, dry vermouth, and absinthe in a mixing glass with ice
Stir until well-chilled, approximately 30-45 seconds
Strain into the chilled glass
Express oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
Express oils over surface and drop in
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use traditional French or Swiss absinthe for best complexity
Don't over-pour the absinthe - it can easily overpower
Pre-chill all ingredients and glassware
Express the lemon twist oils for essential brightness
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Obituary Cocktail.
Other Variations
The Wet Obituary
Increases dry vermouth proportion for a more wine-influenced cocktail.
Changes
The Dry Obituary
Reduces dry vermouth to let gin and absinthe dominate.
Changes
The Absinthe Rinse
Uses an absinthe rinse instead of adding it directly.
Changes
Perfect Obituary
Splits dry vermouth with sweet vermouth for complexity.
Changes
Olive Obituary
Garnished with black olives instead of lemon twist.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Rosemary Gibson
A modern aromatic twist on the classic Gibson, featuring gin, dry vermouth, and a fresh rosemary sprig that adds herbal complexity to the savory cocktail onion garnish.
Tuxedo #3
A sophisticated Martini variation distinguished by the addition of fino sherry, which adds unique nutty and saline complexity to this elegant gin cocktail from the Golden Age.
Perfect Hanky Panky
A sophisticated variation of the classic Hanky Panky that splits the vermouth between sweet and dry styles, achieving perfect balance between botanical gin and herbal complexity.