The Copper Top

A complex cocktail, the Copper Top features Scotch, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, apricot liqueur, bitters and even a splash of sparkling rosé. This sophisticated sipper is perfect for serving at your next soirée, and bridges the gap between winter and spring!

The Copper Top 

1 1/2 oz blended Scotch

1/2 oz sweet vermouth 

1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 oz apricot liqueur

3 dashes Angostura bitters

sparkling rosé

lemon peel 

Combine Scotch, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, apricot liqueur and bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, top with sparkling rosé and garnish with a lemon peel.   

Notes: A bad bottle of apricot liqueur can really spoil an otherwise excellent cocktail (as evidenced by the nearly full bottle we picked up on a lark on Friday evening and never opened again). I adore Rothman & Winter's Orchard Apricot, and have been tempted to try Luxardo's sweet spirit as well. Cheers, and happy weekend!

Image by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, recipe from Cavallo Point via Martha Stewart Weddings.