solomon grundy

1 1/2 oz Gin (Ford's)
1/2 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth (Cocchi)
3/4 oz Amaro Lucano
1/4 oz Fernet Branca

Stir with ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with a cherry.Two Tuesdays ago, I was perusing KindredCocktails when I came across the Solomon Grundy by Los Angeles bartender (and now brand ambassador) Dan Long in 2011. The drink had a Hanky Panky sort of vibe going on, and the modification of a gentle amaro with a touch of Fernet reminded me of Backbar's Scarecrow. The cocktail was named after the supervillain in DC Comics that was perhaps sourced from a 19th century nursery rhyme or a pun on the solomon gundy dish made up of pickled meats. In the glass, the Solomon Grundy showcased a caramel, orange, and menthol aroma. Next, grape and caramel on the sip slid into gin, caramel-orange, gentian, minty, and menthol flavors on the swallow.