This Addington cocktail recipe wraps dry and sweet vermouth in the crisp bubbles of soda, with a touch of orange bringing a bright accent to its light, refined character — perfect for a moment when you want to feel refreshed.
Recipe & Instructions
Ingredients
Recipe no.008
- Dry vermouth ー 1 oz (30ml)
- Sweet vermouth ー 1 oz (30ml)
- Soda – Full
- Orange peel
- Full = fill the glass about 80–90% full
- Peel = a twist of citrus zest expressed over the drink for aroma
Instructions
Fill the glass with ice and stir with the ice alone to chill it, then discard any excess water while keeping the ice in the glass.
Add the dry vermouth and sweet vermouth, and stir.
Gently top with soda, being careful not to create foam, then give it a light, slow stir to finish. When mixing in carbonated ingredients, stir slowly with just one or two rotations, lifting and lowering the ice to combine everything evenly.
- Technique ｜Stir
- Glass ｜Old Fashioned Glass
- ABV ｜approximately 9–10%
- Best Enjoyed ｜Daytime / Before dinner
- Style ｜On the Rock
About the Addington & Video
Origins
Photo ｜ Henry Addington, former British Prime Minister
The true origin of the name “Addington” is something of a mystery. The cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock’s 1930 classic, The Savoy Cocktail Book, but no definitive account of how it got its name has survived.
One popular theory points to Henry Addington, who served as British Prime Minister from 1801 to 1804. His time in office was brief and divisive — he negotiated the Peace of Amiens, temporarily ending hostilities with France, only for the treaty to collapse and war to resume shortly after. He resigned in 1804 amid doubts over his ability to lead the country through renewed conflict. Some drink historians speculate that this fleeting moment of calm may be echoed in the cocktail’s balanced, understated character — though this connection remains unconfirmed.
Others suggest a very different origin: a link to The Addington, a prestigious English golf club founded in 1913, which may have served this refined aperitif to its members. As with many classic cocktails, the true story may never be settled.
What is certain is the recipe itself: equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, lengthened with soda. A twist of orange peel ties the sweetness and freshness together, giving the drink an easy elegance.
In the end, the Addington borrows a name — whoever it truly belongs to — and lets the character of vermouth take center stage. It’s a small, unresolved piece of cocktail history wrapped around a refreshing, sophisticated drink.Photo
Characteristics
The Addington uses equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, lengthened with soda, delivering sweetness and refreshment in the same sip. It’s light on the palate yet layered with depth, making it a drink that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
That balance comes from how well the two vermouths play off each other: dry vermouth’s herbal, spiced edge keeps things sharp, while sweet vermouth rounds it out with gentle sweetness. The soda’s carbonation adds a light, crisp lift that makes the drink dangerously easy to sip.
The citrus brightness of orange peel opens things up first, followed by the slow unfolding of vermouth’s characteristic bitterness and sweetness. Soda ties the finish together, leaving a clean, refreshing aftertaste.
Altogether, the Addington strikes a graceful balance between sweetness and refreshment, making it ideal for a relaxed moment. With a moderate ABV, it’s an approachable cocktail even for those new to vermouth-forward drinks.
Points, Twists & Food Pairings
- Best Pairings・・・Pair with green olives, thin-sliced prosciutto, or a mild cheese board — the vermouth’s herbal notes love salty, savory bites.
- Mixing Tip・・・Chill dry and sweet vermouth in the fridge beforehand; this keeps dilution low and preserves the drink’s delicate balance.
- Easy Twist・・・Swap soda for tonic water, or add a dash of orange bitters for extra depth and a slightly more aromatic finish.
- Drinking Note・・・Vermouth oxidizes quickly once opened; use a bottle that’s been open less than a month for the freshest, brightest flavor.
Recipe Video
- Recipe Video ｜ Muse Amuse Channel Home
