Wednesday, May 6, 2015

The Bamboo Cocktail

The Bamboo Cocktail

Bright flavor, low alcohol—the perfect warm-weather apéritif

Temperatures have started to climb in our part of the world, with humidity following suit. So we’re looking for pre-dinner drinks that are refreshing, but not filling.

Good thing we found the Bamboo Cocktail—a tasty combination of sherry and vermouth. It loads on the flavor, but goes light on the booze.

So your mom would love it. Which is handy, since Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday. Sip it while singing her praises.


The Bamboo Cocktail

Recipe: The Bamboo Cocktail

The Bamboo Cocktail was invented by Louis Eppinger, manager of the Grand Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. Eppinger, who was born in Germany, learned to tend bar in San Francisco. He devised this cocktail sometime in the 1890s, though no one knows what inspired it. We do know that it was popular at his hotel bar—and that the recipe soon traveled throughout the world.

Sherry and vermouth (the two main ingredients in this drink) are both fortified wines, with an alcoholic content that usually runs around 17% (34 proof). By contrast, most spirits (like gin or whiskey) are 80 proof and up. Because sherry and vermouth are so low proof, they can oxidize quickly once they’re opened, making their flavors less bright. So we always store the bottles in the refrigerator after we open them.

We think this drink tastes best when made with a fairly dry sherry (see Notes).

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 1½ ounces dry sherry (we prefer a fino or amontillado)
  • 1½ ounces dry vermouth (aka French vermouth—the white stuff; but see Notes for a variation)
  • 1 or 2 dashes Angostura bitters (we prefer 2, but suggest you start with 1)
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • lemon or orange twist or wedge for garnish (optional)
Procedure
  1. Combine all ingredients (except garnish) in a mixing glass half-filled with ice. Use a long-handled spoon to stir briskly for 20 to 30 seconds, until well chilled.
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass (preferably one that’s been chilled). Add garnish, if using, and serve.
The Bamboo Cocktail

Notes
  • Why stir rather than shake this drink? Because the ingredients are clear. Shaking tends to introduce small bubbles, which make a drink cloudy. This is not a problem when the ingredients are opaque (think citrus juice), but it can be unattractive when the ingredients are clear.
  • Bitters add flavor (and some color) to this drink, so they’re important. But feel free to experiment with the type of bitters you use. We would definitely suggest orange bitters, but another aromatic bitter could be substituted for Angostura.
  • There’s a “perfect” version of this drink that’s worth trying. In cocktail parlance, a “perfect” cocktail means one made with equal parts of sweet (red) and dry (white) vermouth. So to make a Perfect Bamboo Cocktail, just substitute ¾ ounce each of sweet and dry vermouth for the 1½ ounces of dry vermouth specified in the recipe.
  • Our recipe reflects the standard modern ratio for this drink (a 1:1 ratio of sherry to vermouth). Originally, however, Eppinger may have used 3 parts sherry to 1 part vermouth. It’s an interesting variation—but not as good in our opinion.
  • Sherry originated in the Cádiz province of Spain (specifically, around the town of Jerez de la Frontera). This region has produced wine for over 3000 years. Sherry was developed after Moorish invaders introduced distillation to the area, probably sometime during the 8th century AD.
  • In the EU, any fortified wine sold as sherry must be made in a specific region of Cádiz. In the US, however, “sherry” can be used as a generic name for domestically produced fortified wines. 
  • There are numerous varieties of sherry. Fino is the driest (and probably the best known); it typically has a very pale color. Amontillado is darker, and oloroso is darker still. Wikipedia offers a useful list that describes the different types of sherry. 
  • For this drink, you should use a sherry that’s fairly dry. So try a fino or amontillado. How much should you spend on a bottle? Well, some sherries are quite expensive, but you don’t need those for cocktails. Something in the $10 to $15 range should work quite well. 
  • Louis Eppinger also created several other drinks, including the Million Dollar Cocktail (a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, pineapple juice, grenadine, and egg white). That’s a nice one—we owe you the recipe.
The Bamboo Cocktail

Hot Stuff

“Mmm,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Nice to sip a cool drink on a hot day.”

“And this Bamboo Cocktail is particularly tasty,” I said. “That’s a cold, hard fact.”

“Yes, this is a drink I could warm up to,” said Mrs K R.

“But it’s low alcohol,” I said. “So you stay cool and collected.”

“Good,” said Mrs K R, “because I’d give a warm welcome to another of these.”

“Glad to warm the cockles of your heart,” I said, reaching for bottles.

“Cold glass, warm cockles,” said Mrs K R. “Think we have a new motto.”

You may also enjoy reading about:
Sherry Cobbler Cocktail
Negroni Cocktail
Mojito Cocktail
Pimm's Cup
Aviation Cocktail
Queen's Park Swizzle Cocktail
Tom Collins
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

112 comments:

Barb | Creative Culinary said...

I just wish I was craving a light cocktail for warm weather. Thankfully it's not snow but it's a chilly rain and we are just on the cusp of spring starting...so give me a couple of weeks and then I'll be dying to try this!

Sippity Sup said...

Apéritif is my favorite seasonal word. This one is gorgeous. GREG

mjskit said...

No being a big fan of dry sherry but a huge fan of dry vermouth, I think this is a simple little cocktail that I should try. Just the color of it makes me want it. :) Interesting that a German born, trained in the US, and now in Japan invented this. Interesting. Nice cocktail for all the mothers out there and then some. Thanks John!

Karen Harris said...

Lovely cocktail John. I wish I was your neighbor so I could be your taste tester. Can't wait to try this one.

Pat said...

This is beautiful, I think I should have one for Mother's day! Thanks, John....:)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, this will be perfect for you in a few weeks. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I'll take any opportunity to say apéritif. ;-) But it's better to say it during warm weather, I agree. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, I found the international background of the creator of this drink interesting too! It's a big world, but small one at the same time. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, we need taste testers! Luckily we have some good friends who help with that. ;-) But more always needed! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, you should have one for Mother's Day! Thanks for the comment.

Dottie said...

Hi John,
What a lovely cocktail...I think I would love this one as I like something light and not heavy. A delightful drink to serve on Mother's Day. Wow, I had no idea there is so much info to this drink. Love your notes..as you always share such great information on the cocktail or the ingredients...Thanks for sharing...Hope that you have a great weekend and enjoy your Bamboo Cocktail....
Dottie :)

Vicki Bensinger said...

This drink reminds me of warm weather and sunshine. It sounds quite tasty.

You always concoct unique drinks. We're you ever a bartender? I think you should write a beverage cookbook. I'd buy it!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I have all the ingredients on hand except the husband to make it for me. He'll be back Friday. Good thing. I need some cockles warmed!

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

Haha - I like Mrs. K.R.'s motto "Cold glass, warm cockles" is it going to replace "Season to taste...cook till done"?
Gorgeous coloring and again, I learned something new - I had no clue there were many types of sherry!

beyondkimchee said...

What a clean shot! Love the color of this cocktail! Looks like a perfect light drink for the warm season.

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

John - I learned so much from this post - and now I'm thirsty. I'm a mom and I think I should have one for mother's day and since I'll have leftovers in the fridge, I may make this a regular thing. I really gasped when I saw that first photo - it is a beautiful drink indeed ... and the pictures are wonderful :)

~ Nee ~ said...

Hi John , Bamboo Cocktail m now this is definitely for me , light , tasty and oh so pretty . Hubby better fix it for me Mother's Day . Great drink John , hanks for sharing ... pinning

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, this is definitely a lighter cocktail (both in terms of flavor and alcohol), so I think this would make you happy. And we'll definitely be enjoying another of these! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, no experience as a bartender -- taught my self. As I did cooking. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, well tell the Manservant to hurry up and make it Friday so you can enjoy one of these! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, we're tempted to make that replacement! ;-) Sherry is a wonderful drink -- loads and loads of them out there. A really fun beverage! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Holly, this is a nice and light drink. Perfect, as you say, for this type of weather. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, this is such a cool drink (in more ways than one!) -- definitely one worth trying sometime. And yes, you do need one for Mother's Day. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nee, you might want to send Hubby a link to this post. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Hi John! Nice to hear that warm weather is finally arriving for you. We've been quite cool still, I had to turn the heating back on this week! Supposed to snow on Mother's day...but I like that :)
Another cocktail I had not heard of until today, I know I'm the most knowledgeable non drinker around :) thanks to you! Beautiful as always and I'm sure moms who drink will really appreciate it!

Liz (Good Things) said...

This sounds like a beauty, John. I have a fondness for bitters!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nazneen, glad you'll get snowy weather for Mother's Day! We'll have AC. And one of these to cool ourselves. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, bitters are wonderful, aren't they? They're the seasoning for cocktails! Thanks for the comment.

Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons said...

John...I always love your cocktails. You are always introducing me to something I've never tried. But I'm anxious to try this one. Sounds like it has a smooth, gentle flavor. And the color is lovely. I'm going to make this for myself on Mother's Day! Thanks for sharing it. : )

Food Gal said...

A low-alcohol cocktail is a wonderful thing. I often hesitate to order cocktails at a restaurant because I don't want to feel too buzzed if I have to drive home. So, I often opt for wine instead. But a low-alcohol one solves that dilemma. Plus, this one is so pretty.

Bam's Kitchen said...

John this is a very classy drink. Elegant and sophisticated and a perfect start to any Mother's Day feast. Oh my goodness I know just what you mean about the humidity. It is 100% humidity in HK and it is already 30 degrees celsius and it is only 8:30 am... Your photos are just gorgeous as usual and will like my cocktail stirred and not shaken. Sharing and pinning!!!

Pam said...

Woo hoo, way to go, John! Perfect for Mother's Day and my birthday, the next day! I love Vermouth in Manhattan's and bet this Bamboo drink is great. No humidity here, just starting to warm up, and sometimes I miss the humidity, growing up in Louisville. :-)

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

I bet Pandas LOVE this recipe too! ;)

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Boy, it felt like summer today! One of these light, tasty cocktails would have been perfect to sip on before dinner.

Zoe said...

Hi John,

Wish that I can be at your part of the world and sipping this beautiful cool drink.For us, it is hot tea and coffee now... hmmm...

Hope you have a perfect weekend and a great time celebrating Mother's day :D

Zoe

Brooks said...

I always get a smile when your site loads and I see a lovely cocktail such as this one. Terrific information behind the drink, and a fun, closing conversation too!

thelady8home said...

This looks awesome. I'm in love with the color. Thank God for spring!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, isn't this a great drink? And I love the color, too. One of the neat things about the color is it'll change a bit depending on what bitters you use (and if you replace half the dry vermouth with sweet, the color is even prettier!). Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, the alcohol in this is probably about the same as a glass of wine (assuming the glass of wine is at least 4 ounces), so it's a great drink when you're driving. Tasty, too. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bam, we haven't hit 100% humidity yet, but it won't be that long. Alas. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, you get to celebrate twice -- Mother's Day and birthday! So you get to have this twice. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, :-) I seriously considered some panda jokes! Thanks for the comment.

Hotly Spiced said...

It really is a pretty colour and I do love cocktails with bitters. Great that it's low on the alcohol too so perhaps I could indulge in more than just one xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, we've actually had a pretty cool spring, but the last week or so it's really warmed up. Just the weather for this sort of drink! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, yup, you're looking for warming drinks, not cooling ones! Plenty of those around, thank goodness. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Brooks, we always like doing cocktails too! Particularly the research. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Minnie, after all the snow you got, spring must be really welcome this year! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, bitters are so nice, aren't they? And they add quite a bit of the color to this drink. Thanks for the comment.

Jasline @ Foodie Baker said...

This beautiful cocktail reminds me of sunset, just look at pretty colours!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jasline, this really is a pretty one, isn't it? And it tastes even better! Thanks for the comment.

Rocquie said...

I do love the color of this drink and wouldn't mind having a summer dress in that shade. And the photographs are gorgeous. Very interesting post though I must admit I was expecting at least 1 Panda joke. --Rocquie

Pam said...

My husband and I would both love these classy cocktails. YUM.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, it's a pretty shade, isn't it? And I was really tempted by panda jokes. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it's a delish drink! You'd definitely enjoy it. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kristi @ MySFKitchen said...

This reminds me that summer is just around the corner :) Great cocktail!

Carol at Wild Goose Mama said...

Yay!!!! Cocktail Post!!!!! Love the name. I also like that's it's light on the booze. Cold Drink--Warm Cockles????? I am laughing----Man that was pushing it.

Laura Dembowski said...

My mom is always saying she'd like me to make a drink for her, so I'll have to give this a try!

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

This looks really good!

Juliana said...

This is such an elegant cocktail...so pretty...I would love a sip of it...
Hope you are enjoying your week John :)

Marcela said...

I am soooooo sold! It looks delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, always nice to see summer again, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carol, this is a really cool drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, bet your mom will like it. You, too! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, it is, it is. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, it's a nice drink -- so tasty. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcela, always happy to make a sale! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

John, you always make such beautiful drinks. I don't drink a lot of alcohol, but this sounds perfect for a warm spring day like we had to day.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this is such a great drink for a warm spring day! Very flavorful. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef said...

My mother-in-law loves sherry and she'll be here for Mother's Day. I'll make this for her in your honor!

Lux G. said...

Aha! Perfect for the weekend I say. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, I'm honored you're making this for your MIL. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lux, I'd say so too! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

A fun and pretty drink. Looks perfect for any occasion!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, it really is both a fun and pretty drink. And awfully good! Thanks for the comment.

Daniela Grimburg said...

Sherry and Vermouth is such a perfect combination and the color looks like sunshine in a glass!
Well done.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Daniela, isn't that a great combo? The two really play together so nicely! Thanks for the comment.

Gourmet Getaways said...

Low alcohol, sweet and refreshing sounds great for a cocktail. Have a super Sunday!

Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx

CQUEK said...

It looks and sounds wonderful! A glass in the evening will be great.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi J&A, it's a wonderful drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Candy, this is so nice! You'd definitely enjoy a glass of this. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

What mom wouldn't love this?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, this is such a nice drink, everyone would like it! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Beth said...

You've taught me something new yet again. I didn't know that definition of "perfect". Now I'm trying to figure out how I'll use it in conversation today!

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

I always learn so much from your posts, John. (And I always laugh at the witty repartee you share with Mrs.KR) Although I've always thought of sherry as a "little ol' lady drink" -- or just something to add to the custard for my quiche -- I'll have to take a second look.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, just ask for a Perfect Manhattan and you'll be good to go. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosemary, much of the sherry sold n the US isn't all that interesting, although it's fine for cocktails. But a good wine store will have some really good sherry -- there's good stuff out there. Worth checking out sometime. But that's sippin' sherry -- too good to use in a cocktail! Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

This cocktail is really awesome...such beautiful clicks....and will taste delicious,perfect for the summers,thanks so much :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kumar, this really is such a nice summer cocktail. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

All That I'm Eating said...

This is such a pretty colour, sounds great.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, this really is a nice color! Not to mention nice drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

dedy oktavianus said...

hmm, light alcohol, i think i can handle that...
Dedy@Dentist Chef

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

It's definitely warming up around here, too! It went from winter to summer and skipped spring! I love the idea of a pre-dinner cocktail and this one sounds nice and refreshing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dedy, I'll bet you can handle this! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, we've had a fairly cool spring this year, but it's definitely time for the AC now. Well, except for today -- really moderate temperatures. Love how changeable this time of the year is! Thanks for the comment.

Marcela said...

Uh.. If i only could drink it right now... Looks terrific!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcela, it is terrific! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

I just adore cocktails served in a martini glass. So pretty and classy looking. Love the shots on black, very moody.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, classic cocktail glasses have such a nice shape, don't they? I really like their looks too! Thanks for the comment.

Marimardepp said...

Lovely concoction.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maria, isn't this such a nice drink? Loads of flavor, and quite refreshing. Thanks for the comment.

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

It has beautiful color! I'm drawn to it. You made an interesting point (and lesson for me) about shaking and stirring the drink. This kind of knowledge is very important. I often make a mistake and find out something is not right... It's a simple thing that makes a huge difference for outcome! I love learning new things from you (as always)!! You'd host a great cooking class!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, it's OK to shake drinks that you "should" stir, and stir ones that are normally shaken. We break the rules all the time! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

It 4h40pm at work and cocktails are now on my mind. Love trying new drinks and this will be on the short bucket list .. and I really like the name

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi CEE, it's a fun drink. Tasty, too. ;-) Enjoy! And thanks for the comment.

Suzanne Perazzini said...

As always, it is delightful to see what your latest cocktail offer is for us. This is certainly pretty enough to present on Mother's Day.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Suzanne, isn't this pretty? And I love its flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

What a fab sounding cocktail, bonus... Ive got all the ingredients on hand to give it a whirl. My Saturday night sure is looking up. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anna, hope you're having a great Saturday night! Thanks for the comment.

Amanda@ChewTown said...

Ever widening my cocktail knowledge John! I LOVE this one. Its provenance is interesting and sounds perfect for your oncoming heat. In other news, its freezing here in Sydney!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amanda, sounds like you need a hot toddy! Thanks for the comment.

Cakespy said...

The Negroni is my favorite, and this aperitif sounds like it is in line with it. I can't wait to try.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cakespy, isn't the Negroni a wonderful drink? One of my favorites! This is also very nice, and lighter than a Negroni.Like the Negroni, this is wonderful in warm weather. Or winter, for that matter. ;-) Thanks for the comment.