Du Barry Cocktail – Gin & Anisette Martini with Orange Twist
A classic gin and anisette cocktail with dry vermouth and bitters, the Du Barry Cocktail delivers a clean, aromatic profile with subtle licorice notes and a bright citrus finish.
Intermediate
A quiet, spirit-forward cocktail built on gin, dry vermouth, and a restrained touch of anisette. The Du Barry Cocktail leans dry and aromatic, with a light licorice note that adds intrigue without overwhelming the glass. It’s a precise, pre-dinner drink that rewards careful stirring and clean execution.
Background
The Du Barry Cocktail traces back to the early 1900s, a period when gin and vermouth drinks dominated cocktail culture. Named after Madame du Barry, it reflects a French influence through its use of anisette, a traditional anise-flavored liqueur. It became known as a more aromatic alternative to the Martini, offering subtle complexity without added sweetness.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the botanical backbone that defines the drink
- Dry vermouth – adds herbal dryness and structure
- Anisette – introduces a light licorice note that sets this apart
- Angostura bitters – adds depth and a hint of spice
- Orange twist – provides a bright aromatic finish
Substitutions:
- No anisette? Use absinthe as a glass rinse for a drier profile
- Swap dry vermouth for blanc vermouth for a softer, slightly sweeter version
- Try orange bitters in place of Angostura for a brighter spice profile
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Cocktail glass
What Makes This One Different
Most Martini variations stay strictly herbal or citrus-driven. The Du Barry introduces a measured anise note, which shifts the drink into a more aromatic, almost perfumed space. It’s subtle when done right, but unmistakable.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use a softer gin (like a floral or citrus-forward style) to lighten the profile
- Add a lemon twist instead of orange for a sharper finish
- Rinse the glass with anisette instead of mixing it in for a more delicate touch
- Increase vermouth slightly (1 oz) for a lower-proof, aperitif-style version
Helpful Tips
- Measure the anisette carefully—small differences change the drink
- Stir with large ice for better control over dilution
- Always chill the glass beforehand to preserve structure
- Express the citrus peel directly over the drink to capture the oils
Du Barry Cocktail Recipe
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Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Prep Time
2 min
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/4 tsp. Anisette
- 1 dash
Directions
Add gin, dry vermouth, anisette, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir for 25 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Express an orange twist over the surface, then garnish and serve.
A precise, aromatic Martini variation with a subtle anise signature.
