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Brandy/Cognac

Intercontinental

Intercontinental cocktail served in a Chilled coupe. Garnish: lemon twist

Armagnac, amaro, and maraschino, stirred — three countries, one glass.

Every recipe on Sipped Right is tested at home before it's published — not just written.

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Origin

Intercontinental was created by bartender Duggan McDonnell, who built the drink to showcase Armagnac, Averna amaro, and maraschino liqueur side by side — three spirits from three corners of Europe, exactly where the name comes from. Unlike many modern classics credited to a bar rather than a person, this one has a clear, documented creator and intent. It sits in the same lineage as a Manhattan or Boulevardier — spirit, bittersweet amaro, liqueur accent, stirred — but swaps the usual whiskey or gin for Armagnac, giving it a rounder, fruitier backbone than its more famous cousins. A young drink by cocktail-history standards, but already a real fixture on modern menus rather than a passing mention.

Flavour Profile

Good for an after-dinner pour or anyone comfortable with a Manhattan looking for something different. Not citrusy or refreshing — this is a contemplative, stirred sipper. Medium-strong.

Glass & Garnish

Chilled coupe. Garnish: lemon twist, expressed over the top.

Garnish for the Intercontinental

Ingredients

  • Armagnac1 oz
  • Averna Amaro1 oz
  • Maraschino liqueur0.5 oz
Ingredients laid out for the Intercontinental

Method

  1. Fill a coupe with ice to chill; set aside.
  2. Add Averna, maraschino, and Armagnac to a mixing glass.
  3. Fill with ice, stir 20 seconds.
  4. Discard ice from coupe; strain in.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Stirring the Intercontinental

Notes

Cognac substitutes for Armagnac, slightly smoother. Montenegro or Nonino amaro substitutes for Averna. Cherry Heering works in place of maraschino. Batches well for a small dinner party. Pairs with dark chocolate or dried fruit.

Tools Used

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