Ingredients
- 1 Shot(s) Dry Vermouth
- 1/2 Shot(s) Gin
- 1 tsp Licorice Liqueur
Instructions
Mix the ingredients:
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, pour the dry vermouth, gin, and licorice liqueur.
Stir well:
- Stir the mixture well to chill and blend the flavors.
Strain into a glass:
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or an anise star for an extra touch, and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Westerman Sings the Blues carries the kind of name that suggests a late night invention, perhaps by a bartender playing with a bottle of something unusual. Given its simple build of vermouth, gin, and licorice, it likely emerged from a bar where unusual liqueurs were on hand and a patron wanted something different, perhaps in the early 2000s when more obscure spirits gained traction.
This drink sits within the broad family of gin and vermouth cocktails, much like a Martini or a Bijou, but the inclusion of licorice liqueur immediately sets it apart. While a Martini plays on juniper and botanicals, and a Bijou adds Chartreuse and orange bitters, the Westerman leans into the distinct anise profile, creating a truly unique flavor experience that deviates from its more traditional relatives.
You’d order this at a serious cocktail bar with a well-stocked back bar, or serve it at home when you’re looking to impress guests with something unexpected. It’s a contemplative drink, more suited for quiet conversation than a rowdy party. Think pre-dinner sipping or a sophisticated nightcap.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Westerman Sings the Blues opens with the dry, botanical notes of gin and vermouth, providing a familiar, crisp foundation. This quickly transitions to a distinct licorice hit in the mid-palate, which is both sweet and herbal, rather than cloying. The finish is long and smooth, with the anise lingering alongside a gentle warmth from the gin, leaving a complex, aromatic aftertaste.
Coming in around 25-26% ABV, the Westerman Sings the Blues is a solid pour. It’s notably stronger than a typical beer, which hovers around 5%, and sits comfortably in the range of many classic stirred cocktails like a Martini, though perhaps a touch less potent than a Negroni. Treat it with respect; it’s designed for sipping.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir until properly chilled and diluted. This isn’t a quick shake and pour; you need to give it time for the flavors to meld and the drink to reach its ideal temperature. Once adequately chilled, strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. A lemon twist or an anise star makes for a fitting garnish.
The most important technique here is proper stirring and dilution. Since this drink contains only spirits, it needs sufficient chilling to smooth out the alcohol and integrate the flavors without over-diluting. Skimp on the stir, and you’ll end up with a harsh, warm drink that tastes unbalanced and boozy, rather than the intended smooth, nuanced experience.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Dry Vermouth
- Use
- Look for quality dry vermouths like Dolin Dry, Noilly Prat Original Dry, or Carpano Dry. These offer a crisp, herbal, and slightly floral profile that complements gin without overpowering it. Aim for around 18% ABV.
- Skip
- Don’t use sweet vermouth here. The sweetness will completely throw off the dry balance of the drink, turning it into something syrupy and cloying that doesn’t fit the ‘blues’ vibe.
- Why
- Dry vermouth provides the necessary aromatic backbone and dryness, softening the gin’s edge while adding its own complex botanical layers. It’s crucial for the drink’s overall structure and herbaceous character.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry gin works best here, something with a good juniper presence but still balanced. Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Plymouth gin are all excellent choices, typically around 40-47% ABV.
- Skip
- Avoid overly floral or citrus-forward gins, as their delicate notes can get lost or clash with the strong licorice component. Also, steer clear of barrel-aged gins; their oaky notes won’t play nice.
- Why
- Gin is the primary spirit, providing the alcoholic punch and the foundational botanical complexity that the licorice liqueur then twists. Its juniper and herbal notes are essential for grounding the anise flavor.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Sweeter Blues
- For those who prefer a touch more sweetness
- Add 0.25 oz of simple syrup to the mixing glass. This will soften the dry edge and bring out more of the licorice liqueur’s inherent sweetness without making it overly sugary.
Anise Twist
- Experiment with different anise spirits
- Instead of licorice liqueur, try a dash of pastis, absinthe, or ouzo. Start with a smaller amount (e.g., 0.5 tsp) as these can be quite potent, adjusting to taste for a different take on the anise profile.
Citrus Lift
- A brighter, more zesty take
- While the recipe suggests a lemon twist, consider adding a dash of orange bitters to the mix. This will introduce a subtle citrus complexity that can brighten the overall profile without overwhelming the licorice.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A small dash of absinthe or pastis (0.25-0.5 tsp) can provide a similar anise flavor, but be mindful of their higher proof and adjust to taste, as they are more potent.
While not ideal, a very dry, unaged white wine with strong herbal notes could be a last resort, but it won’t provide the same depth or botanical complexity.
A good quality vodka could work as a neutral base, allowing the vermouth and licorice to shine, but you’ll lose the foundational botanical character that makes the drink sing.
A small coupe or even a sturdy whiskey tumbler will do the job. The key is a small glass that can be chilled, as this is a neat, spirit-forward drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Westerman Sings the Blues?
A Westerman Sings the Blues contains dry vermouth, gin, and licorice liqueur.
Is the Westerman Sings the Blues a strong drink?
Yes, at around 25-26% ABV, it’s a spirit-forward cocktail, stronger than most beers and comparable to many classic stirred drinks.
What does licorice liqueur taste like?
Licorice liqueur typically has a pronounced anise flavor, which is sweet, herbal, and aromatic, often reminiscent of black licorice candy or fennel.
What kind of gin should I use for Westerman Sings the Blues?
A classic London Dry gin is recommended. Its juniper-forward profile provides a solid base that complements the other ingredients without clashing.
Do I shake or stir a Westerman Sings the Blues?
This cocktail should be stirred. It’s a spirit-only drink, and stirring achieves the proper chilling and dilution without introducing unwanted aeration or cloudiness.
What is a good garnish for Westerman Sings the Blues?
A twist of lemon peel or an anise star makes an excellent garnish, adding an aromatic touch that enhances the drink’s existing flavors.
Can I make a Westerman Sings the Blues ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, as stirred drinks can lose their chill and balance if left to sit. You can pre-chill your glass, but mix the drink just before serving.
Is this drink sweet?
No, the Westerman Sings the Blues is generally dry and herbal. While licorice liqueur has some sweetness, the dry vermouth and gin balance it out for a complex, rather than sugary, profile.
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