Continental Cocktail Recipe

The Continental is a sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail that's perfect for those who appreciate a strong drink with a touch of herbal complexity. It's a variation of the classic Old Fashioned, but with rye whiskey instead of bourbon and the addition of Lillet Blanc, a unique French aperitif.

Here's what you'll need to make this distinguished drink:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye whiskey (choose a good quality rye for the best flavor) 
• 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc (a dry white vermouth can be substituted)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel, for garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the best experience, pre-chill a rocks glass. Fill it with ice and let it sit for a few minutes. Discard the ice before building your drink.

1. For the best experience, pre-chill a rocks glass. Fill it with ice and let it sit for a few minutes. Discard the ice before building your drink.
2. Express the orange peel over the rim of the glass to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim. Discard the peel.
3. Pour the rye whiskey, Lillet Blanc, and Angostura bitters into the chilled rocks glass.
4. Use a bar spoon to gently stir the ingredients for about 15 seconds. This will chill the drink and slightly dilute it without overdoing it.
5. Express another orange peel over the drink (discard the peel) and garnish with a maraschino cherry (optional).

Tips:

Rye whiskey adds a spicy and peppery kick to the drink. If you prefer a smoother flavor profile, you can substitute bourbon.

• Rye whiskey adds a spicy and peppery kick to the drink. If you prefer a smoother flavor profile, you can substitute bourbon.
• Lillet Blanc is a key ingredient that contributes a dry, floral, and citrusy character to the cocktail. If you can't find Lillet Blanc, a dry white vermouth can be used as a substitute, but the taste will be slightly different.
• Angostura bitters add a touch of complexity and aromatic depth. Don't skip them!
• Adjust the amount of bitters to your preference. Start with 2 dashes and add more for a more pronounced bitter character.
• A high-quality orange peel is essential for expressing the oils over the drink.
• If you don't like maraschino cherries, you can omit them or use another garnish like a lemon twist.