Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic40.3% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Cheese, Desserts, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierBittersGarnish
- 1.0 ozAbsinthe Or PastisModifier
- 3.0 ozBrandyBase
- 3 dashesPeach BittersBitters
- 1 garnishLemon TwistGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnishChill
- Pour absinthe into chilled old-fashioned glass and swirl to coat.ChillChilling improves texture and keeps dilution under control.
- Shake brandy and bitters with ice and strain into glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add lemon twist.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
CheeseDesserts
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritCognac is smooth and refined; armagnac is earthier and more rustic; calvados brings apple notes. Swapping within these still changes the flavour profile — cognac is the safest neutral choice.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Gotham?
- The Gotham is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 40.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 320 calories.
- What does a Gotham taste like?
- Gotham has a flavour profile featuring Anise, Bitter, Fruit, Oak. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Gotham?
- Gotham pairs well with Cheese, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Gotham?
- The Gotham has an ABV of approximately 40.3%. That's approximately 2.00 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 320 calories, 1.5g sugar, 1.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Gotham typically served?
- Gotham is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Gotham?
- If you enjoy Gotham, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Gotham at home?
- Yes. The Gotham uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Gotham with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.