Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- .5 oz Creme De Cassis
- .5 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 dash Bitters
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz crème de cassis, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 1 dash of bitters.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture vigorously until it is well-chilled.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the bold and sophisticated flavors of the Catwoman Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No dusty prohibition-era ledger lists the Catwoman Cocktail. This drink is a modern creation, likely born in the last few decades, inspired by the iconic DC Comics character. It's the kind of drink a sophisticated, slightly dangerous femme fatale might order, making its origin more pop culture than classic bar history.
At its core, this drink is a spin on a whiskey sour, but the sweet vermouth and particularly the crème de cassis pull it into its own dark, fruity territory. Think of it as a richer, more complex cousin to a New York Sour, without the red wine float, or a bourbon twist on a Kir Royale. The cassis is what truly sets it apart from more common whiskey sours.
You’d likely find this on a themed menu at a comic-con afterparty, a swanky downtown lounge with a playful side, or certainly in a home bar where someone appreciates a unique, character-driven concoction. It’s a statement drink, not a casual sipper for a dive bar.
What it tastes like
The first sip delivers a punch of tart lemon quickly followed by the rich, dark fruit of crème de cassis. As it settles, the bourbon’s caramel and oak notes emerge, supported by the sweet vermouth’s herbal complexity and a hint of spice from the bitters. The finish is a smooth, lingering blend of dark fruit and warm whiskey, with just enough acidity to keep it from being cloying.
Clocking in at roughly 26-28% ABV, the Catwoman Cocktail is a serious drink. That’s about five times stronger than your average light beer and significantly more potent than a glass of wine. Treat it like a proper cocktail, savoring its depth, rather than a session sipper. It packs a punch, as any good cat burglar should.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Grab your shaker, fill it with ice, then pour in the bourbon, sweet vermouth, cassis, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of bitters. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker is frosted over, then double strain it into a chilled martini glass. No need for a garnish unless you’re feeling fancy.
The single most important tip here is to shake it thoroughly. The lemon juice demands aeration, and the combination of spirits needs proper chilling and dilution to marry the flavors correctly. A weak shake leaves it flat, warm, and disjointed, missing the crispness and integrated taste you want.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Bourbon Whiskey
- Use
- Any solid 80 to 100 proof bourbon works well here. Brands like Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, or Wild Turkey 101 bring the right balance of sweetness and spice without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Skip
- Avoid cheap, bottom-shelf bourbons as their harshness will definitely show through. Also, steer clear of rye whiskey; while tasty, its spicier profile would drastically change the drink’s character.
- Why
- Bourbon provides the essential warm, caramel, and oak backbone that grounds the cocktail. It gives the drink its spirit-forward character and ensures it feels substantial, not just fruity.
Creme De Cassis
- Use
- Opt for a good quality crème de cassis from brands like Giffard, Briottet, or Lejay. These offer a rich, authentic blackcurrant flavor with the necessary sweetness and viscosity.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with blackcurrant syrup; it lacks the depth, complexity, and slight boozy kick of true cassis. Chambord is also a no-go; it’s raspberry liqueur, which is a different flavor entirely.
- Why
- Cassis is the signature flavor here, delivering the dark, mysterious fruit notes and a beautiful deep color that evokes the Catwoman character. It’s crucial for the drink’s unique profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Rye Catwoman
- A spicier, bolder version.
- Swap the bourbon for a rye whiskey to introduce a drier, spicier kick. This gives the drink a sharper edge, appealing to those who prefer less sweetness and more peppery notes.
Sparkling Catwoman
- Lighter and effervescent.
- After straining into your martini glass, top the drink with about 1 to 2 ounces of dry sparkling wine. This adds a refreshing effervescence and lightens the body, making it a bit more approachable.
Bitter Catwoman
- More complexity, less sweetness.
- Reduce the crème de cassis to 0.25 oz and add 0.25 oz of a bitter liqueur like Campari or Aperol. This introduces a pleasant bitterness and herbal complexity, cutting through the sweetness for a more sophisticated palate.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use rye whiskey for a spicier drink, or a good aged rum for a sweeter, molasses-driven profile. The character will shift, but it will still be a strong, dark drink.
A good quality port wine or another fortified red wine can work in a pinch, though it will lack some of the herbal complexity of vermouth.
Blackberry liqueur is the closest substitute, offering a similar dark fruit profile. Raspberry liqueur like Chambord could also work, but the flavor will be noticeably different.
A coupe glass is the next best choice. If neither is available, serve it in a rocks glass over a large ice cube; it won’t be as elegant but still gets the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Catwoman Cocktail?
The Catwoman Cocktail contains bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, crème de cassis, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of aromatic bitters.
Is the Catwoman Cocktail sweet?
It has a noticeable sweetness from the crème de cassis and sweet vermouth, balanced by the tart lemon juice and the warmth of the bourbon. It’s not overly saccharine.
What kind of bourbon should I use?
An 80 to 100 proof bourbon works best. Anything from a standard Jim Beam to a Bulleit or Maker’s Mark will do the trick.
What does crème de cassis taste like?
Crème de cassis is a sweet, deep red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It has a rich, slightly tart, dark berry flavor, distinct from other red fruit liqueurs.
Can I make the Catwoman Cocktail ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, as the lemon juice and shaking process are key to its texture and flavor. However, you could pre-batch the bourbon, vermouth, and cassis, then add lemon and shake when ready to serve.
What’s a good garnish for a Catwoman Cocktail?
A simple lemon twist or a few fresh blackcurrants if you can find them. A dark cherry also looks good against the deep red color.
Is this a shaken or stirred drink?
The Catwoman Cocktail is a shaken drink. The lemon juice requires aeration and thorough chilling to properly integrate with the other ingredients.
Why is it called the Catwoman Cocktail?
The name is a nod to the iconic DC Comics character Catwoman. The drink’s dark, mysterious color and bold, intriguing flavor profile are meant to evoke her persona.
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