Revelation (cocktail)

Revelation is a pre-Prohibition era cocktail known for its complex and layered flavor profile. Typically categorized as a variation on the Manhattan or Martini, it features a combination of rye whiskey (or sometimes bourbon), dry vermouth, and a liqueur, often Bénédictine. The proportions of the ingredients vary, but the Bénédictine is crucial to its characteristic spicy and herbal sweetness, distinguishing it from simpler whiskey-vermouth combinations. Some recipes also include a dash of bitters for added complexity.

The drink is traditionally served chilled, straight up in a cocktail glass, and garnished with a lemon twist or cherry. While not as widely known as some other classic cocktails, the Revelation enjoys a dedicated following among cocktail enthusiasts for its balance of sweet, bitter, and spirituous elements. Its precise origins are somewhat obscure, though it appears in early cocktail recipe books dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name "Revelation" likely alludes to the drink's perceived discovery of a particularly harmonious blend of ingredients, revealing a new and satisfying taste experience.