Lion's Tail

The traditional Lion's Tail, which appeared in the 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book, calls for bourbon whiskey rather than Scotch, combined with lime juice, allspice dram, Angostura bitters, and a touch of simple syrup. The version described here with Scotch, crème de menthe, and absinthe is a significant departure from the original. The classic version has a spiced, tart profile rather than a minty or anise-forward one.

The name 'Lion's Tail' is sometimes attributed to a pun on 'twisting the lion's tail,' a slang expression for provoking the British that was common in American political rhetoric. The cocktail's original publication in the Café Royal Cocktail Book places it in the late-Prohibition-era London cocktail scene. The name has no direct connection to the ingredients themselves.

This version combines the smoky, malty character of Scotch with the cool sweetness of crème de menthe and the intense anise aroma of absinthe. The absinthe rinse on the glass creates a powerful licorice note that sits atop the drink. The result is an unusual, polarizing flavor profile that blends mint, smoke, and fennel.

In fact, bourbon is the traditional base spirit for the Lion's Tail as published in the 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book. The classic bourbon version also uses allspice dram and lime juice rather than crème de menthe and absinthe, creating a warm, spiced cocktail that is quite different from the Scotch variation. Bourbon lovers seeking the authentic recipe should seek out the original formula.