Happy Accident Cocktail
Charles Joly, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Bar Program and co-founder of Crafthouse Cocktails, explains: “I created the Happy Accident as a riff on a riff, if you will. The classic Sbagliato cocktail was born from the Negroni. This takes it a step further, moving tequila into the role of gin, and leaving us with a perfectly clear cocktail.” Gentian bitters get their characteristic flavor from astringent gentian root. Suze Gentian Liqueur and Luxardo Bitter Bianco are two of Charles’s favorites, but he also explains that if you don’t have any on hand, you can use another bitter like Campari or Aperol, although they will add color to the drink.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. (30 ml) chilled blanco tequila
- 3/4 oz. (20 ml) chilled vermouth bianco
- 3/4 tsp. chilled gentian bitter liqueur
- 1 1/2 oz. (45 ml) chilled sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
- Orange twist for garnish
Directions
In a stemmed wine glass filled with ice, combine the tequila, vermouth, gentian bitter and sparkling wine. Stir gently to combine. Twist the lemon and orange twists over the drink, drop the twists into the drink and serve immediately. Makes 1 drink.
Recipe courtesy of Charles Joly of Crafthouse Cocktails