[The Spirit of the] Algonquin

The story

The Algonquin cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, named after the Algonquin Hotel in New York City, where it was popular among literary figures. Its combination of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and pineapple gum reflects the era's preference for balanced, complex cocktails. The drink has persisted due to its unique flavor profile and connection to the literary scene of the 1920s.

How it tastes

The Algonquin offers a harmonious blend of spicy rye, tart lemon, and sweet pineapple, with a hint of herbal complexity from the Dolin Blanc. This cocktail is suitable for pre-dinner drinks or as a refreshing option at social gatherings.

Getting it right

Key to the Algonquin's success is the balance between the tartness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the pineapple gum. Proper shaking is essential to integrate the flavors and chill the drink effectively before straining into the glass.

Variations

• Classic Algonquin — The original version uses sweet vermouth instead of Dolin Blanc, offering a richer, sweeter taste.
• Algonquin #2 — This variation replaces rye with bourbon, resulting in a smoother, sweeter profile.

Substitutions

• Pineapple Gum — If Small Hand Foods Pineapple Gum is unavailable, use a pineapple syrup or a homemade version with fresh pineapple and sugar.
• Dolin Blanc — In place of Dolin Blanc, any high-quality white vermouth can be used, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Questions

Can I use a different type of whiskey?

Yes, while rye is traditional, bourbon can be used for a sweeter variation. However, it will change the overall flavor profile.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Algonquin?

You can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the whiskey with a non-alcoholic spirit and using the same other ingredients.

What is pineapple gum?

Pineapple gum is a sweet syrup made from pineapple juice and sugar, used to add sweetness and a tropical flavor to cocktails.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026