Gin and Calamus — The Cocktail Ontologist

Variants (3)

Jack's Manual by J. A. Grohusko (1910, p.52)

2 pieces	calamus root — Two or three small pieces steeped in bottle of gin.	base
	gin — Customer helps himself from the bottle.	base

Steep two or three small pieces of calamus root in a bottle of gin until the essence is extracted.
Set out the glass with the bottle and allow the customer to help himself.

The Buffet Blue Book by John H. Considine (1912, p.32)

calamus-infused gin — Prepared by steeping calamus root in gin.

base

Steep two or three pieces of calamus root in a bottle of gin until the essence has been extracted.
Set out a whiskey glass with the bottle and allow the customer to help himself.

Customer-finished plain service is part of the identity.

Bartenders' Guide: How to Mix Drinks by Wehman Bros. (1912, p.35)

3 piece	calamus root — Calamus root	base
1 bottle	gin — Gin	base

Steep the calamus root in a bottle of gin until the essence is extracted, then hand the glass and bottle to the customer for self-service.

Ice: Ice

See also: Gin and Tansy, Gin and Molasses

Source says two or three pieces of calamus root should be steeped in a bottle of gin until the essence has been extracted.