Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts cocktail

The Queen of Hearts cocktail was one of the easier variations in the Jabberwock Cocktail Project to create. I knew from the start what I would use to represent this vibrant and bold character – the bitter aperitif Campari. I don’t think there is a more appropriate spirit to capture the essence of the Queen. Its bright red color announces its presence in any cocktail, and its citrusy bold bitterness dominates the palate.

Bitter, Dominant and Bold

Replacing the Caperitif from the original Jabberwock cocktail with Campari results in a gin, Campari and sherry cocktail, a template that looks oh so familiar. Indeed, this is the Negroni variation of the Jabberwock, replacing the sweet vermouth found in a Negroni with a sweeter sherry such as Oloroso. Of course it works tremendously well – the Negroni is an incredibly good drink, after all. I finished off the Queen with some bright and tart hibiscus bitters for good measure. Too many of these, and it’s off with your head! Cheers.

A royal pair

Queen of Hearts

1 oz gin

1 oz Campari

1 oz Oloroso sherry

2 dashes Bittermen’s Burlesque bitters

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with a citrus scepter.

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