How to Make the Diplomat Cocktail

The Diplomat Cocktail is proof that vermouth doesn’t always have to play second fiddle to gin or whiskey. Made with dry and sweet vermouth, just a touch of maraschino liqueur and Angostura bitters, it’s an elegant, lower-alcohol classic that deserves to be better known.

This is also an excellent cocktail when you want something sophisticated without the punch of a Martini or Manhattan. The dry vermouth takes the lead, while sweet vermouth, maraschino and bitters give it just enough complexity to make things interesting.

The History of the Diplomat Cocktail

The Diplomat appears in Harry Craddock’s legendary The Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930. His recipe called for two parts French vermouth to one part Italian vermouth, with a dash of maraschino, a cherry and lemon peel.

French and Italian vermouth were the terminology of the time. French generally meant dry vermouth, while Italian referred to the sweeter red style, which gives us the basic structure of the Diplomat we still know today.

What’s in a Diplomat Cocktail?

The beauty of the Diplomat is how much it gets out of very few ingredients.

Dry vermouth makes up most of the cocktail, bringing herbal, floral and slightly bitter flavors. Because vermouth is so prominent here, this is definitely the occasion to use a good bottle and, most importantly, a fresh one.

Sweet vermouth adds richness and spice while softening the dryness of the cocktail. You’ll also find it in classics such as my Perfect Manhattan.

Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle cherry and almond character. We’re using only a tiny amount, which is enough to round out the vermouth without making the Diplomat noticeably sweet.

Angostura bitters add spice and depth. Two dashes may not sound like much, but in such a delicate cocktail they make their presence known.

Finally, the lemon twist and maraschino cherry aren’t there just to make the glass look pretty. Expressing the lemon oils over the drink adds a wonderful fresh citrus aroma.

What Does the Diplomat Cocktail Taste Like?

The Diplomat is aromatic, herbal and relatively dry, with a gentle sweetness running underneath. Since there is no gin, vodka or whiskey to dominate the glass, you really taste the vermouth. The dry vermouth leads, the sweet vermouth adds body and spice, while that tiny amount of maraschino brings a subtle fruitiness.

The Angostura in this version pushes the spices a little further, while the lemon oils brighten everything up at the end. It’s a particularly good choice as an aperitif before dinner, especially if you enjoy vermouth but don’t necessarily want to drink it simply over ice.

How to Make the Diplomat Cocktail

The Diplomat is a stirred cocktail, so you will need a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger and strainer, along with a chilled cocktail glass.

If you’re building your cocktail kit from scratch, my home bar guides cover the tools you actually need to start making cocktails at home.

Tips for Making the Best Diplomat Cocktail

• Use fresh vermouth. This matters more here than it does in almost any other cocktail. Vermouth is wine-based and begins oxidizing after you open it, so keep your bottles refrigerated.
• Don’t overdo the maraschino. Half a teaspoon may look rather mean when you’re measuring it, but that’s all you need. Maraschino has a distinctive flavor that can quickly overwhelm the vermouth.
• Get it properly cold. Chill your serving glass beforehand and stir the cocktail with plenty of ice.
• Don’t skip the lemon peel. Run it around the rim and express those oils over the drink before dropping it in. You’ll smell the lemon before you even take your first sip.

FAQ

Is the Diplomat a low-alcohol cocktail?

Relatively speaking, yes. Unlike a Martini or Manhattan, there is no full-strength base spirit such as gin or whiskey. Vermouth is fortified wine, so the Diplomat offers the complexity of a classic cocktail at a gentler strength.

Can I use any vermouth in a Diplomat?

You can experiment with different brands, and that’s actually part of the fun. Since vermouth is the main event here, changing either bottle can noticeably change the finished cocktail. Start with a dry vermouth you genuinely enjoy and a good-quality sweet vermouth, then experiment from there.

Should a Diplomat be shaken or stirred?

Stirred. There is no citrus juice, egg white or other ingredient that needs the aeration of shaking. Stirring chills and dilutes the drink while retaining its silky texture.

Why A Lush Life Loves It

I love that the Diplomat turns the usual cocktail formula on its head. Vermouth is so often treated as something you add to the “real” spirit, but here it gets to run the show.

It’s also exactly the sort of cocktail I want before dinner: elegant and complex without being too boozy. Add the lemon twist and cherry and it looks rather fabulous for something that took only a few minutes to make.

For more drinks to make at home, head over to my Cocktail Recipes and find your next one.

Here is the Recipe