Cutter
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 18.5% ABV ∙
The Cutter is a bourbon sour shaken with a red bitter such as Campari, an amaro, lemon juice and sugar syrup, served up in a coupe.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Bourbon 40 mlRed bitter 20 mlAmaro 15 mlLemon juice 20 mlSugar syrup 10 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 1 dash (opt.)
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Express a lemon twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Give it a hard 12- to 15-second shake; without enough melt, the red bitter and amaro taste harsh.
- Measure the lemon and sugar syrup exactly, 20 ml and 10 ml; they're what keeps the red bitter and amaro from tasting simply bitter.
FAQ
What is in a Cutter cocktail?
40 ml bourbon, 20 ml red bitter such as Campari, 15 ml amaro such as CioCiaro, 20 ml fresh lemon juice and 10 ml sugar syrup. A dash of Angostura bitters is optional.
Is a Cutter shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The lemon juice and syrup need the aeration and fast chill of a shake to blend with the bourbon and bitters.
What glass is a Cutter served in?
A coupe glass, served up with a lemon twist. Fine-straining keeps the drink clear and free of ice or citrus pulp.
How is a Cutter different from a Boulevardier?
A Boulevardier is stirred and made with bourbon, a red bitter and sweet vermouth, with no citrus, so it is smooth and spirit-forward. The Cutter adds lemon juice, sugar syrup and an amaro and is shaken, which makes it lighter, tarter and more citrus-forward.
Is a Cutter vegan?
Yes. Every ingredient in this recipe is vegan, so it is also vegetarian and lactose-free.
