The genesis
Sometime around 2012 my partner and I wanted to have a cocktail, but not being sure what we wanted we just started putting together individual alcohols we liked. This will not always result in something you like in aggregate, this is important to note.
But in this instance it worked out great! Beyond my partner and I, field trials and parties and bars, guests and bartenders alike have enjoyed them. I regularly get asked how to make them, so here it is.
And yes, like a Long Island Iced Tea, this is just alcohol + alcohol + alcohol, so be warned.
Why is it called “The Cotton Sweater”? There is a good reason.
How To
2 parts a whisky you like. I like a rye and the Sweater reduces the pepperiness of a rye if that’s a thing that dissuades you from rye. A sweeter bourbon will end up even sweeter but if thats cool there’s no rule against a bourbon. You can even use a novelty whisky like Fireball but this is going to be VERY sweet probably?
1 part DeKuyper triple sec. Not another brand. Grand Marnier works well if no DeK is to be had.
1 part Disaronno Amaretto. Not another brand. Amarettos vary widely in sweetness and nuttiness. Field trials indicate that a very nutty Sweater is not to most people’s taste, interestingly. Maybe if you really like hazelnut chocolate?
Bulleit 95 rye is the reference whisky for a Sweater, but I first started making them with Woodford Reserve’s straight bourbon.
Over rocks. Bartenders often shake them when I order them and that is good too.