Saint Sauvant: A Cocktail Upgrade With Sweet Vermouth, Cognac
Creativity doesn't happen in a vacuum! What is a better testament to this statement than the invention of multitudes of cocktails. The story of Saint Sauvant cocktail lies in the seed of this thought. Let's get acquainted with its history.
About Saint Sauvant
Saint Sauvant's recipe is adapted from another recipe which was created by Jason E Clapham at the St Edward's MCR (a dining room) in Oxford, England. Some experts say that its origins lie in a French commune called Saint Sauvant. It is known to be inspired by the cocktail called Copenhagen and replaces the gin with cognac. Copenhagen itself is an adaptation of a Danish bartender's recipe.
Saint Sauvant
This is a classic cocktail known for being served at upscale events. It is also a great evening drink if you are used to partaking in such libations. It uses an ingredient with significant historical value, the Vermouth Di Torino. It offers depth, complexity and a little bitterness when it comes to the cocktail's flavour makeup.
Ingredients
60 ml Cognac
15 ml Vermouth Di Torino (Italian sweet vermouth)
15 ml Cherry liqueur
dash of Angostura aromatic bitters
Lemon twist, for garnish
Method
In a mixing glass with ice, add all the ingredients and stir well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
This method of preparation and use of ingredients gives the Saint Sauvant cocktail a sophisticated flavour profile. The cognac lends it depth and warmth, while the liqueur brings sweet and subtle cherry notes. The vermouth adds to the complexity of the flavour profile by adding sweet and bitter flavours. The result is a cocktail with a rich and delicious taste.
Alcohol Strength Of Saint Sauvant
Saint Sauvant won't be categorised as a strong drink. It has low to moderate alcohol and goes down easily when you desire a tipple.
Alcohol Content
The drink has 1.7 times more alcohol than the standard drink. Its ABV (alcohol by volume) is 26.03% with alcohol proof at 52.06. It contains 23.5 GM's alcohol by weight.
Copenhagen Cocktail
Check out Copenhagan's recipe for comparison with the Saint Sauvant cocktail.
Copenhagen has a rich flavour profile which is given further depth by the bitters and vermouth.
Ingredients
20 ml Tanqueray No Ten
20 ml Cherry liqueur
20 ml Rosso Vermouth
5 ml Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Maraschino Cherry, for garnish
Method
In a cocktail shaker with ice, add all the ingredients. Shake well and strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with cherry on a skewer.
Note: The Nick and Nora glass is a glassware which fulfils the purposes of both, coupe and martini glass. It is usually confused with the martini glass. Its name is derived from the cult movie 'The Thin Man' which showcases the jubilation of the end of Prohibition in America. The two main characters in the film, Nicholas and Nora Charles, often engage in their dialogues with this very glass in hand
While it's great to learn about alcohol, it is important to also consume alcohol moderately. Remember to serve and drink responsibly to ensure you and your guests are healthy and out of harm's way. If you know anyone who has trouble controlling their alcohol intake, please refer them to a professional immediately.
