Chrysanthemum - Elegant aperitif with vermouth and absinthe
Published: 19.06.2026
Chrysanthemum is a classic cocktail that looks simple but tastes more complex than the ingredient list suggests. With dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and a few dashes of absinthe, you get an aromatic aperitif with herbs, a hint of sweetness, and orange on top.
- Servings
- 1 cocktail
- Prep
- 1 min
- Cook
- 5 min
Ingredients
- 6.6 cl dry vermouth
- 3 cl Bénédictine
- 2 dashes absinthe
- Orange twist for garnish
- Ice for stirring
Instructions
- Mise en place: Chill the cocktail glass. Gather the mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, measuring jigger, ice, and orange peel.
- Add dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and absinthe to the mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass well with ice.
- Stir until the drink is cold and slightly diluted.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Chrysanthemum appears in cocktail history in the early 1900s. It is often associated with classic cocktail books from the same period. Several modern recipes use dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and a few dashes of absinthe, often garnished with an orange twist.
Flavor Profile
Light, aromatic, and herbal.
Dry vermouth provides the body of the drink.
Bénédictine adds sweetness, spice, and herbs.
Absinthe gives a slight anise note but does not overpower.
The orange peel elevates the aroma and makes the drink fresher.
Glass Type, Ice, and Garnish
Glass Type: Cocktail glass or coupe
Ice: Stirred with ice, served without ice
Garnish: Orange twist
Chrysanthemum is a cocktail for those who enjoy stirred drinks with a distinct aromatic character. It is not spirit-driven in the same way as many classic cocktails. Here, dry vermouth is the main base, while Bénédictine provides sweetness, spice, and herbal notes.
Absinthe is used in small amounts. It should not make the drink heavy or dominant. In this drink, it acts more as a flavor enhancer. It adds anise and depth, but without the entire glass tasting like licorice.
The orange twist is important. The oils from the peel provide freshness and balance the drink on the nose. It pairs well with both the vermouth and Bénédictine.
This is a drink that should be served cold, in a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. It is best suited as an aperitif or as a relaxed drink before a meal.
Photos
Note: Information may contain errors. Always verify important facts yourself.
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