Servings: 1
Lilywacker
A Bold Fusion of Apple, Orange, and Chocolate
The Lilywacker is one of those rare cocktails that manages to surprise and seduce in equal measure. Created by Phil Ward in 2008 for Death & Company’s Modern Cocktail Classics, this drink captures the artistry of balance—where boozy warmth, subtle sweetness, and unexpected depth come together in a single elegant sip.
Apple Brandy: America’s Original Spirit
At the foundation of the Lilywacker is Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, a robust spirit steeped in American heritage. Distilled entirely from apples and aged to perfection, it brings the unmistakable essence of orchard fruit—crisp, warm, and deeply aromatic. Its Calvados-like character gives the cocktail a distinctly autumnal heart, rich with nostalgia and complexity.
Vermouth and Cointreau: A Dance of Sweet and Citrus
The addition of Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth softens the edges, introducing floral and spiced notes that deepen the drink’s body. Then Cointreau enters the scene with its signature bright orange flavor, adding both sweetness and zest. Together, they create a captivating interplay of flavors—fruity, bittersweet, and deliciously refined—that lingers on the palate.
The Unexpected Power of Chocolate Bitters
A dash of Bittermen’s Xocolatl Mole Bitters transforms the cocktail into something almost magical. The subtle blend of cacao, cinnamon, and spice elevates the drink’s warmth and ties the apple and orange together in a luxurious embrace. It’s the kind of touch that turns a great cocktail into an unforgettable one—dark, mysterious, and perfectly layered.
Crafting a Modern Classic
Stirred gently over ice and served straight up in a coupe, the Lilywacker exudes quiet confidence. No garnish needed—just a deep amber hue and a whisper of aromatics that tell you you’re about to experience something extraordinary. It’s a masterclass in cocktail construction, a nod to Death & Company’s enduring influence on the modern craft cocktail movement, and a toast to those who appreciate complexity in every sip.
Ingredients:
2 ounces Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy
3/4 ounce Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 dash Bittermen’s Xocolatl Mole Bitter
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients over ice, then strain into a coupe, no garnish.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 210 Calories; trace Fat (1.0% calories from fat); 0g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol;
2mg Sodium; 7g Total Sugars; 0mcg Vitamin D; 0mg Calcium; trace Iron; 22mg Potassium; 2mg Phosphorus. Exchanges: .
