Prompted Pours

Cloister Light

Low-ABV aperitif combining vermouth and Bénédictine with bitters, designed as a softer companion to Cathedral.

Glass
Small coupe or Nick & Nora
Method
Stir
Ice
Stirred Over Ice; Optional Light Top With Soda or Tonic
Garnish
Lemon peel
Serves
1

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Dry Vermouth
  • 0.75 oz Bénédictine
  • 1 dash Orange Bitters
  • 0.5 oz Tonic Water or Soda Water — optional top for lift

Story

After finalizing the Cathedral as a spirit-forward gin and Bénédictine cocktail, you asked for a low-ABV companion in the same flavor family. That shifted the direction away from gin entirely and toward vermouth as the structural base, keeping Bénédictine as the connective herbal thread. The goal became a lighter, aperitif-style drink that mirrors Cathedral’s aromatic profile without its strength, resulting in this softer, contemplative counterpart.

Method

  1. Stir vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters with ice until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Optionally top with a small splash of soda or tonic for brightness. Express a lemon peel over the drink and use as garnish.

Notes

  • Functions as a structural mirror to Cathedral but in a low-ABV format. “Aperitif” and “low-ABV” tags may not match a strict external taxonomy; adjust if needed for catalog consistency.