25th Hour
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 26.5% ABV ∙
The 25th Hour is a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail of peated single malt whisky, tawny port, amaro, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, served up.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Peated single malt whisky 40 mlTawny port 25 mlAmaro 15 mlMaraschino liqueur 5 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 2 dashes
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Express a lemon twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Stir over large cubes for 20–25 seconds and no longer; past that, the drink turns watery.
- Keep the maraschino to 5 ml so its sweetness doesn't take over.
History
The 25th Hour was created in 2021 by bartender Sandy de Almeida at The Drake Hotel in Toronto, Canada. It was devised as a riff on the Rob Roy, reworked with the addition of amaro alongside the base whisky. The original recipe called for Bowmore 12-year-old Islay scotch and Nonino Amaro, with later published versions offering other peated whiskies and amaro brands as substitutes.
FAQ
What is in a 25th Hour cocktail?
40 ml peated single malt whisky, 25 ml tawny port, 15 ml amaro, 5 ml maraschino liqueur and two dashes of aromatic bitters. The smoky whisky leads; the port and amaro add body, and the maraschino a touch of sweetness.
Is a 25th Hour shaken or stirred?
Stirred. With no juice in it, stirring chills and dilutes the drink while keeping it clear and dense. Give it 20–25 seconds over large cubes; any longer and the drink turns watery.
Does a 25th Hour need to use a peated whisky?
For this recipe, yes. The peat gives the drink its smoke against the port and amaro; an unpeated single malt makes a milder, sweeter drink without it.
Is a 25th Hour vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free, and it runs about 184 calories per serving at roughly 26.5% ABV.
