Intercontinental Recipe

About the Intercontinental

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.

Method

1. Fill a coupe with ice to chill; set aside.
2. Measure and pour the Averna Amaro, maraschino liqueur and Armagnac into the mixing glass.
3. Add a scoop of ice to the mixing glass.
4. Stir for 30 seconds.
5. Discard the ice from the coupe.
6. Strain the cocktail into the coupe.
7. Cut a lemon twist.
8. Express the peel over the drink and garnish with it.