The Fancy Seeing You Here is sharp, smooth, and full of character just like its name. With gin and white vermouth at the base, it leans classic, but the maraschino liqueur and blue curaçao give it a modern edge and a hint of color. A few dashes of aromatic bitters tie it all together, adding depth without taking over. It’s stirred, not shaken, and served up for a clean, polished finish. This cocktail works well for evening gatherings or slow sips when you’re in the mood for something balanced but not too heavy. It’s stylish, straightforward, and quietly bold.
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Tasting Notes
The Fancy Seeing You Here is a sophisticated, spirit-driven cocktail that balances crisp botanicals with citrus, cherry, and herbal depth. The dry juniper notes of gin pair seamlessly with the floral, slightly sweet edge of white vermouth, while maraschino liqueur adds subtle cherry and almond complexity. A dash of blue curaçao lends a vivid hint of orange and a soft azure hue. Aromatic bitters tie the drink together with warmth and spice. The result is refined, slightly sweet, and boldly balanced like a tailored cocktail with a colorful pocket square. Smooth, nuanced, and assertive, it’s perfect for slow sipping and smart occasions.
Equipment and Glassware
To craft this stirred classic, you’ll need a mixing glass and bar spoon to chill and dilute the drink gently. A jigger ensures precise measurement of the potent, well-balanced ingredients. Strain with a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass, ideally one with a wide bowl to showcase the drink’s subtle color. For garnish, use a cocktail pick to skewer a cherry and tuck in a dried lemon wheel a polished finish that nods to the drink’s name and style.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz white vermouth
- 0.75 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz blue curaçao
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
Instructions
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, add all ingredients. Stir well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- (Optional garnish): Add a dried lemon wheel and a cocktail cherry for a sophisticated finish.
- Sip and enjoy with style.
Pro Tips
- Use a dry, classic-style gin like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Plymouth for structure, or a citrus-forward gin to enhance the blue curaçao.
- Opt for Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur for the most balanced cherry note.
- Chill your coupe in the freezer before serving to keep the drink crisp.
- For added flair, use a clear ice sphere in a rocks glass version or rim the glass with citrus oil before serving.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry or homemade maraschino for a more elevated finish.
When to Serve
The Fancy Seeing You Here is ideal for formal cocktail hours, weddings, holiday soirées, or any event where the drink should match the dress code. Its strong, clean profile and striking garnishes make it perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif or a signature cocktail for themed events. It’s also a wonderful choice for gin lovers seeking something complex, colorful, and slightly off the beaten path.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Choose a dry, balanced gin like Fords, Sipsmith, or Hendrick’s Orbium.
- For vermouth, go with Dolin Blanc, Carpano Bianco, or Cocchi Americano.
- Use Luxardo for authentic maraschino flavor, and Giffard or Bols Blue Curaçao for color and citrus aroma.
- Bitters like Angostura or Scrappy’s Aromatic will round out the mix beautifully.
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Hawthorne strainer
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz white vermouth
- 0.75 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz blue curaçao
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
Instructions
- Stir: In a mixing glass filled with ice, add all ingredients. Stir well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Optional Garnish: Add a dried lemon wheel and a cocktail cherry for a sophisticated finish.
- Serve: Sip and enjoy with style.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a clear, dry white vermouth to keep the drink balanced and elegant.
- For a slightly brighter finish, add a twist of orange peel alongside the garnish.
- Stir gently but thoroughly—over-dilution will mute the nuanced flavors.