Equal parts cocktails are just that, cocktails made with the same measure of each ingredient. Some only have two, while most have three, and a few have four. These classic drinks manage to offer a balanced taste experience with the simplest of formulas, 1 part to 1 part to 1 part. I love them for their simplicity, but they also offer a blueprint for great cocktail experimentation at home. The lack of brain power needed means they also make a great choice after a long day.
The most well-known equal parts cocktail is a Negroni - Gin, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth. Now swap out the Gin for Bourbon and you have a Boulevardier. Or take the Boulevardier and replace the Sweet Vermouth with Dry Vermouth for an Old Pal. I think you see where things can and might lead you.
Equal parts cocktails often make use of bitter, herbal liquors like Campari and Chartreuse but are then balanced by a much sweeter, softer ingredient like Sweet Vermouth or Lillet, and then given structure with a base spirit. Citrus can also be a great addition in drinks like Paper Plane, Last Word, and Naked and Famous. There are some great lower proof drinks that are equal parts bitter and sweet topped with soda like the Americano.
Here's a few of my favorite equal parts cocktail recipes to try out yourself. And yes, I added bitters to all of them even though most don't call for them.
Negroni
1 oz Campari
1 oz Gin
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters
You can build this drink in the glass or a mixing glass, whichever you prefer. Simply add all ingredients to chosen vessel, add ice, and stir till well chilled. Garnish with an orange twist or slice of orange.
Boulevardier
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Bourbon or Rye
3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Orange Bitters
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir well to mix and chill. Strain into a tumbler with one large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel.
Adonis
1.5 oz Sherry
1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Orange Bitters
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir well to mix and chill. Strain into a coupe and garnish with a twist of orange.
Americano
1.5 oz Campari
1.5 oz sweet vermouth
4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters
soda water
Pour Campari, vermouth, and bitters into a collins glass over ice. Top with soda, give a gentle stir and garnish with an orange or lemon slice
Paper Plane
3/4 oz Bourbon
3/4 oz Campari
3/4 oz Amaro Nonino
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
Cheers to simple, tasty cocktails!