Attention

Adapted from The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock

attention cocktail recipe

It’s unknown exactly why the Attention (or the “Atty” as it’s sometimes called) is also referred to as the Arsenic and Old Lace. The Attention first appeared in Hugo Ensslin’s Recipes for Mixed Drinks in 1917. It then reappeared under an abridged moniker, the Atty, in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. In the latter rendition, author and bartender Harry Craddock edited the drink to proportions more accessible for a modern palate, essentially creating a fancier Martini.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • 1 bar spoon crème de violette
  • 1 bar spoon crème de violette
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 1/4 ounce absinthe
  • 1/4 ounce absinthe

Garnish: lemon peel

Directions
  1. Add absinthe to a chilled cocktail or coupe glass. Swirl to rinse and discard.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to a mixing glass.
  3. Add ice and stir until chilled.
  4. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with a lemon peel.