The name “Napoleon” conjures images of the famed French Emperor, but in the world of cocktails, it represents a few different concoctions, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. While there is no evidence that Napoleon Bonaparte himself enjoyed any of these particular drinks, their names have been adopted, adding a touch of history to the bar scene. This article will explore two popular versions of the Napoleon cocktail, detailing their recipes, history, and the unique elements that make each one a noteworthy drink.
The Classic Gin-Based Napoleon
This version of the Napoleon cocktail is a classic, gin-based drink with roots stretching back to the mid-20th century. It’s a complex and flavorful beverage, offering a unique twist on the traditional martini.
History of the Gin Napoleon
This Napoleon cocktail is believed to have originated at the famous Stork Club in New York sometime before 1946, when it was first published. The Stork Club, a popular haunt for the city’s elite, was known for its glamorous atmosphere and sophisticated cocktails. This version of the Napoleon cocktail was a variation on the martini, and it called for ingredients that were both readily available and luxurious. Although it is named Napoleon, there is no evidence the French Emperor actually enjoyed this drink.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this gin-based Napoleon include:
- 2 oz Gin: The base of the cocktail, providing a strong, botanical foundation. A dry gin works best here.
- 2 Dashes Curaçao: An orange liqueur, adding a touch of sweetness and citrus.
- 2 Dashes Fernet Branca: A bitter, herbaceous liqueur, adding a complex and intense flavor.
- 2 Dashes Dubonnet: A sweet, aromatized wine-based aperitif, lending a slightly sweet, herbal note. If Dubonnet is not available, sweet vermouth can be substituted.
- Lemon Twist: Used as a garnish, expressing the citrus oils over the drink.
How to Make It
- Chill: Begin by chilling a coupe or martini glass.
- Combine: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the gin, curaçao, Fernet Branca, and Dubonnet.
- Stir: Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon twist over the top of the drink and use the twist as a garnish.
Flavor Profile
This version of the Napoleon cocktail is characterized by its complex and layered flavors. The gin provides a dry, botanical base, while the curaçao adds a hint of sweet orange. The Fernet Branca brings a bitter, herbal note that cuts through the sweetness, and the Dubonnet adds a touch of sweetness, herbal notes and a touch of spice. The lemon twist adds a bright citrus aroma and flavor. The result is a bittersweet, sophisticated cocktail that is both refreshing and intriguing, and is perfect as an aperitivo or digestivo.
The Modern, Bourbon-Based Napoleon
A more recent addition to the cocktail scene, this bourbon-based Napoleon offers a completely different experience compared to the gin-based version. It’s a complex and fruity cocktail with a rich depth of flavor.
History of the Bourbon Napoleon
This version was created in 2023 by Sam Penton at the Manor Bar in the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel in Montecito, California. Penton named his creation after the Marxist pig from George Orwell’s 1945 novel, Animal Farm, as part of a literary villain-themed menu. This is the same cocktail that has also appeared on menus as the President Napoleon. This Napoleon cocktail is a modern take on a classic sour cocktail.
Ingredients
The ingredients for the bourbon-based Napoleon include:
- 2 oz High-Proof Bourbon: Providing a strong, oaky foundation for the cocktail.
- 1 oz Bianco/Blanc Vermouth: Adds a floral and herbal note, adding a layer of complexity to the bourbon.
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and brightness, balancing the sweetness.
- ½ oz Simple Syrup: Used to sweeten the cocktail.
- 1 Egg White: Adds a silky texture and creamy mouthfeel, creating a foam head on the drink.
- ½ oz Campari: Adds a bitter orange note to the cocktail
- 4-5 Fresh Raspberries: Muddled for a fruity note.
How to Make It
- Muddle: Gently muddle the fresh raspberries in a cocktail shaker.
- Combine: Add the remaining ingredients to the shaker.
- Dry Shake: Dry shake (without ice) to emulsify the egg white.
- Wet Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain: Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Express lemon peel oils over the cocktail and garnish with skewered raspberries and a lemon twist.
Flavor Profile
This version of the Napoleon cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The high-proof bourbon offers a robust, oaky base, while the bianco vermouth adds a floral touch. The lemon juice provides acidity, the simple syrup offers sweetness and the Campari contributes a bitter orange flavor. Muddled raspberries bring a fresh, fruity element and a beautiful color. The egg white adds a smooth, velvety texture. It is a complex and layered cocktail, suitable for a summer occasion and enjoyed by those with a more adventurous palate.
Napoleon Cognac: The Emperor’s Spirit?
While not directly related to the previously mentioned cocktails, it’s worth noting the existence of Napoleon Cognac, a category of Cognac that also shares the name of the famous French leader. It’s often a source of confusion as it is sometimes mistakenly connected with the Napoleon Cocktail.
What is Napoleon Cognac?
Napoleon Cognac is a quality level of Cognac that falls between VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old). According to official regulations, Napoleon Cognacs must be aged for a minimum of six years, though many producers age their Napoleon expressions for much longer. This aging process results in a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to VSOP Cognacs, while often being more affordable than XO Cognacs.
A Myth Debunked
Contrary to popular belief, Napoleon Bonaparte was not a big fan of alcohol and there is no record of him drinking Cognac. The myth that Napoleon took barrels of Courvoisier Cognac with him into exile is false as the company was not established until after his death. However, the name has stuck, becoming a marketing term used by the company to represent its high-quality Cognac.
Flavor Profile
Napoleon Cognacs typically display notes of vanilla, oak, and dried fruit, with a smooth and elegant taste. Brands such as Courvoisier, Hennessy, and Rémy Martin all produce their own versions of Napoleon Cognac, each with a distinctive flavor profile.
Conclusion
The name “Napoleon” in the realm of cocktails refers to diverse drinks with varying origins and flavors. The classic gin-based Napoleon is a complex, bittersweet cocktail with a history rooted in New York’s glamorous bar scene, while the modern bourbon-based Napoleon is a refreshing, fruity sour with a rich depth of flavor. Then there is the category of Napoleon Cognac, a high-quality spirit with no historical link to Napoleon himself. Each of these “Napoleon’s” provides a unique experience and offers something for every cocktail enthusiast.
