The Liberal
The Liberal: A Manhattan Variation with French Bitters
The Liberal cocktail appeared in bartending manuals from the early 1900s, representing the pre-Prohibition era's experimentation with European liqueurs and bitters in American whiskey drinks. The drink's name origin remains uncertain, though it may reference political liberalism popular during the Progressive Era, according to Kindred Cocktails.
The cocktail is essentially a Manhattan variation that incorporates Amer Picon, a French orange bitter liqueur with gentian and quinine. This addition creates more complexity than a standard Manhattan, adding citrus and herbal bitterness alongside the sweet vermouth's richness, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Liberal demonstrates how American bartenders in the early 20th century embraced European ingredients to create more sophisticated cocktails. Amer Picon was widely available in American bars before Prohibition but became difficult to source afterward.
The cocktail remained largely forgotten throughout most of the 20th century. Modern bartenders often substitute other orange bitters or amari for Amer Picon, as the original formula is no longer imported to the United States. The Liberal appeals to drinkers who enjoy bittersweet, spirit-forward cocktails.
RECIPE:
2 oz rye whiskey
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
1/2 oz Amer Picon (or substitute Torani Amer or Bigallet China-China)
Orange twist for garnish
Method:
Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Amer Picon to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Express orange twist over the drink and garnish.