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citrus, refreshing, crisp

Silent Third

An equal-parts Scotch twist on the Sidecar that's as clean as it is clever -- Scotch, Cointreau, and fresh lemon in perfect three-way balance.

scotchEasy~20% ABV
MethodShakeGlassCoupeIcenoneGarnishLemon twist
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • 1 ozscotch whisky
  • 1 ozcointreau
  • 1 ozfresh lemon juice
  • Lemon twistgarnish
Instructions
  1. 1Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. 2Shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds.
  3. 3Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. 4Garnish with a lemon twist.
#classic#scotch#whisky#sidecar#sour#citrus#vintage
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History & Origin

The Silent Third was created by William James "Billy" Tarling and appeared in his 1937 Cafe Royal Bar Book, as well as the UKBG Approved Cocktails of the same year. The name refers to the cocktail's equal-parts construction -- three ingredients, each in equal measure, with the Scotch serving as the silent anchor. Essentially a Scotch Sidecar, it replaces the brandy of that classic with Scotch whisky for a smokier, more complex result. Its rediscovery in recent years has made it a favourite among bartenders who appreciate pre-war British cocktail culture.

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citrus, refreshing, crispโ—†Shake