Ingredients
- 1 Shot(s) Dry Vermouth
- 3/4 Shot(s) Gin
- 1/2 tsp Anise Liqueur
- 1 Dash(s) Bitters
Instructions
Mix the ingredients:
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, pour the dry vermouth, gin, anise liqueur, and bitters.
Stir and strain:
- Stir the mixture well to chill and blend the flavors. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serve immediately:
- Enjoy this bold and aromatic cocktail!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Wilfred`s Weather doesn’t boast a long, storied history in the classic cocktail canon. Its precise origins are somewhat obscure, suggesting it’s more likely a contemporary creation from a modern craft bar, or perhaps a bartender’s personal interpretation of a gin and vermouth classic, given the unique anise addition. It feels like a drink born from experimentation rather than Prohibition-era necessity.
This cocktail sits firmly in the stirred, spirit-forward family, much like a Martini or a Bijou. While it shares the gin and vermouth backbone with a Martini, the addition of anise liqueur sets it apart from its more traditional relatives. It’s less herbaceous than a Bijou, which often includes Chartreuse, and leans more into a distinct licorice note that defines its character.
You’d typically find a drink like the Wilfred`s Weather in a well-regarded cocktail bar with a discerning clientele, or perhaps served as a thoughtful aperitif at a dinner party. It’s a sipper, not a gulping drink, well-suited for quiet conversation or contemplation, rather than a raucous happy hour.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Wilfred`s Weather leads with a pronounced botanical hit from the gin, quickly followed by the unmistakable, assertive licorice notes of anise. The dry vermouth provides an herbal, slightly bitter counterpoint, adding depth and rounding out the mid-palate. The finish is long and aromatic, with the anise lingering pleasantly, supported by a whisper of bitterness.
At roughly 28% ABV, the Wilfred`s Weather is a potent drink. It packs significantly more punch than a standard beer, which typically hovers around 5% ABV, and sits on the stronger side even compared to many classic stirred cocktails that might be closer to 20-25% ABV. This is a robust sipper, so pace yourself.
The technique
Building a Wilfred`s Weather is straightforward: combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir the mixture deliberately until it’s thoroughly chilled and properly diluted. Once cold, strain the liquid into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. There’s no fancy garnish required; the drink’s aroma is its own adornment.
The most crucial technique for this drink, as with any stirred cocktail, is proper chilling and dilution. Don’t skimp on the ice or the stirring time. If you don’t stir long enough, the drink will be too warm and too boozy, lacking the smooth, integrated texture that makes a stirred cocktail truly enjoyable. You’re aiming for a frosty glass and a balanced sip.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry gin works best here, providing a clean, juniper-forward backbone that stands up to the anise. Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Plymouth Gin are solid choices.
- Skip
- Avoid highly floral or citrus-heavy gins, as their delicate notes can get lost or clash with the strong anise flavor. Old Tom gin would also be too sweet for this dry profile.
- Why
- Gin is the primary spirit, providing the botanical complexity and alcoholic backbone. Its juniper and herbal notes are essential for balancing the anise without being overwhelmed.
Anise Liqueur
- Use
- Absinthe or Pastis are excellent choices for their strong, distinct anise flavor and relatively dry profile. Sambuca could work if you prefer a sweeter licorice note.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with Jagermeister; while herbal, it lacks the specific anise profile required. Similarly, avoid overly sweet anisettes if you want a balanced drink.
- Why
- This ingredient is the defining characteristic of the Wilfred`s Weather, providing its unique aromatic and flavor signature that separates it from a standard gin and vermouth drink.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Absinthe Rinse
- For a subtle anise whisper
- Instead of adding anise liqueur directly, rinse your chilled cocktail glass with absinthe, discarding the excess, then strain the gin and vermouth mixture into the rinsed glass. This provides a delicate aromatic layer.
Citrus Twist
- A bright aromatic garnish
- After straining, express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in. The citrus aroma can add a bright counterpoint to the anise and botanicals.
Sweetened Vermouth
- A softer, rounder profile
- Swap out half of the dry vermouth for a sweet vermouth, like Dolin Rouge or Carpano Antica. This will add a touch of sweetness and a richer, more rounded mouthfeel to the drink.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try Lillet Blanc for a slightly sweeter, more floral profile, or even a very dry sherry if you’re adventurous. The overall character will shift, but it provides some aromatic complexity.
A good quality vodka could work as a neutral base, but you’ll lose the botanical complexity. You might need to adjust the anise slightly to compensate for the lack of gin’s character.
This is a tough one, as anise is key. You could try a very tiny amount of Pernod or even a drop of anise extract (food grade) if desperate, but the texture and depth won’t be the same.
A small, chilled coupe or even a rocks glass without ice would suffice. The goal is a vessel that presents the drink cleanly and keeps it cold for a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Wilfred`s Weather?
The Wilfred`s Weather contains dry vermouth, gin, anise liqueur, and a dash of bitters.
Is the Wilfred`s Weather a strong drink?
Yes, it is a spirit-forward cocktail with an ABV of around 28%, making it quite potent.
What does Wilfred`s Weather taste like?
It tastes dry, botanical, and distinctly aromatic, with prominent notes of juniper and licorice from the gin and anise liqueur.
What kind of gin should I use?
A classic London Dry gin is recommended to provide a robust botanical base that can stand up to the anise flavor.
Is Wilfred`s Weather a sweet cocktail?
No, it is a dry, spirit-forward cocktail with minimal sweetness. The anise liqueur might have a slight inherent sweetness, but the overall profile is dry and aromatic.
What glass should I serve it in?
Serve the Wilfred`s Weather in a chilled cocktail glass, such as a coupe or martini glass.
Can I make Wilfred`s Weather ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, as stirred drinks can lose their chill and balance if left to sit. However, you can pre-chill your ingredients.
What bitters are best for this drink?
Angostura bitters are a classic choice and work well, adding a touch of spice and complexity without overpowering the main flavors.
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