Modern American Drinks by George J. Kappeler (1895, p.32) — George J. Kappeler 1895
| 0.67 quart | Old Tom gin — Tom gin | base |
| 1 jigger | orange bitters — orange bitters | bitter |
| 0.33 quart | water — water | dilution |
- Combine the Tom gin, water, and orange bitters.
- Mix well and bottle.
- Nose
- Sweet gin botanicals and orange bitters lead the aroma with a cleaner line than the darker bottled cocktail formulas.
- Palate
- This is notably leaner than the bottled brandy or bottled whiskey versions because the recipe omits added syrup and relies on Tom gin's inherent sweetness plus orange bitters for shape.
- Finish
- The finish is brisk, orange-toned, and gently sweet.
- Summary
- A streamlined bottled gin cocktail pointing toward later lighter gin service.
The recipe is historically useful because it shows bottled cocktail service adapting to the character of the base spirit. Kappeler does not simply clone the whiskey or brandy formulas but pares the structure back for Tom gin.
The omission of gum syrup is the key technical choice. It keeps the bottle cleaner and lighter, which would matter in service over time.
Compared with Bottled Holland Gin Cocktail, this is a lighter and more modern-feeling gin bottling, less rooted in older genever weight.