Dunlop Cocktail (Rum, Dry Sherry & Angostura Bitters)

The Dunlop cocktail is a minimalist classic built around rum and sherry, two ingredients that pair surprisingly well. Light rum brings gentle sweetness while dry sherry adds a nutty, slightly savory edge. A few dashes of Angostura bitters tie everything together with warm spice. The result is a smooth, aromatic cocktail that feels both classic and refreshingly different.

Background

The exact origin of the Dunlop cocktail is somewhat unclear, but drinks combining spirits with fortified wines have been popular since the late 1800s. Sherry was a common cocktail ingredient during the early days of mixology, prized for its nutty complexity and ability to soften stronger spirits. The Dunlop reflects that tradition, pairing rum with sherry to create a balanced aperitif style cocktail.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Light Rum – the smooth backbone of the drink, providing subtle sweetness and structure.
• Dry Sherry – adds nutty depth and dry complexity that balances the rum.
• Angostura Bitters – introduces warm spice and aromatic intensity.
• Lemon Twist – bright citrus oils that lift the drink's aroma.

Substitutions

• No dry sherry? Try Amontillado sherry for slightly richer nutty notes.
• If you prefer a brighter profile, orange bitters can replace Angostura.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Coupe or coupette glass
• Bar spoon (optional)

What Makes the Dunlop Interesting

A Rum Cocktail With Sherry Depth

Most rum cocktails lean tropical or citrus forward, but the Dunlop goes in a different direction. The sherry adds dryness and complexity that makes the drink feel closer to a classic aperitif than a beach cocktail.

Minimal Ingredients, Big Flavor

With only three main ingredients, the Dunlop proves how much flavor can come from a simple build when the ingredients complement each other.

Substitutions & Variations

Try a darker rum
A lightly aged rum will add vanilla and oak notes without overpowering the drink.

Experiment with sherry styles
Fino keeps the cocktail dry and crisp, while Amontillado adds nuttier richness.

Add a citrus accent
A small orange twist instead of lemon can bring out the bitters’ spice notes.

Helpful Tips

Chill the glass first
Because this drink is served up, a cold glass helps keep the cocktail crisp longer.

Use fresh sherry
Sherry oxidizes after opening. For the best flavor, store it refrigerated and use within a few weeks.

Express the lemon twist properly
Hold the peel over the drink and gently twist to release the oils onto the surface before dropping it in or discarding it.