K.O. Cocktail

Here again, a wonderful treasure from the Cafe Royal Cocktail Book (1937).

THE K.O.


1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) London dry gin
3/4 ounce (22 ml) Jamaica Rum
3/4 ounce (22 ml) French Vermouth


Stir well with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a cocktail glass.

I went with Lillet blanc here, as I thought it would go better with the Smith & Cross rum than a traditional French Vermouth, but Noilly Prat should be good here too.

The gin, even though it makes up half the drink, takes a back seat to the Smith & Cross, which really comes to life in this cocktail. The silky texture and light florals of the Lillet also work extremely well.

I actually was a bit knocked out by this one. I like my Martini's wet, and love gin and Lillet together. The addition of a "full-hogo" high-proof rum, not as a base but as a balancing flavor, is brilliant.

It leaves me with one thing to say. "The drink is nice, Heini."