Rancor's Toothpick
25%
ABV
234
Calories
Rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine bourbon, Cynar, sweet vermouth, and mole bitters in a mixing glass.
Fill the mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled and properly diluted, about 20-30 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Glassware
Served in a double old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube to minimize dilution.
Garnish
Express oils over the drink, then discard
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a high-proof (100-proof) bourbon to provide a strong backbone against the bitter and sweet ingredients.
Stirring is crucial; it chills and dilutes the drink perfectly without the aeration that shaking would introduce.
A large, clear ice cube is recommended to keep the drink cold with minimal dilution.
Don't skip expressing the orange peel; its aromatic oils brighten the drink and complement the deeper notes.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Rancor's Toothpick.
Other Variations
Served Up
For a more elegant presentation, strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass instead of serving it on the rocks.
Changes
Rye Toothpick
Substitute a high-proof rye whiskey for bourbon to create a spicier and drier version of the cocktail.
Changes
The Predecessor (Boulevardier)
To make the cocktail that inspired the Rancor's Toothpick, use Campari instead of Cynar and omit the mole bitters.
Changes
History & Heritage
Created by Timothy Miner at the Long Island Bar in New York City, the Rancor's Toothpick is a modern twist on the classic Boulevardier. Its name is a nod to the Star Wars creature, reflecting a contemporary trend of pop culture-inspired mixology.
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Boulevardier
A whiskey-laced cousin of the Negroni that blends bold American bourbon with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth for a warming, ruby-hued sipper.
Equal-Parts Boulevardier
A classic ratio—equal parts bourbon (or rye), Campari, and sweet vermouth stirred and served up or on a rock.
Equal Parts MacElhone (Boulevardier)
A rich and sophisticated sibling to the Negroni, the Boulevardier swaps gin for the warmth of whiskey, creating a timeless cocktail that embodies the spirit of 1920s Paris.
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