The Made Man cocktail

Welcome to Capo’s, where Prohibition-era charm meets Chicago sophistication. The Made Man, our best-selling cocktail, pays homage to the speakeasy culture of the past with a modern twist. We take Cyrus Noble San Francisco bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Rémy Martin unaged Cognac, and Bénédictine, aging them in oak casks near the entrance for several weeks. The result is a mellow, smoky-oaky flavor that serves as the foundation for this Chicago speakeasy classic. A variation of the New Orleans Vieux Carré, The Made Man embodies the spirit of Capo’s, where history, craftsmanship, and innovation intertwine to create an unforgettable cocktail experience. Served over a king ice cube to ensure a slow melt and preserve its robust flavor, The Made Man is the epitome of the perfect cocktail, capturing the essence of Capo’s allure in every sip.

INGREDIENTS:

AGED SPIRITS

• 3 parts Cyrus Noble bourbon
• 2 parts Carpano Antica Formula vermouth
• 1½ parts Rémy Martin unaged Cognac
• 1 part Bénédictine

FINISHED COCKTAIL

• 2½ ounces aged spirits or aged Cognac or brandy
• 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
• 1 king ice cube
• 1 strip orange zest, cut with a vegetable peeler, about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long, any pith scraped off with a paring knife

PREPARATIONS:

1. Decide how much of the aged spirits you would like to make and mix together all of the ingredients in the proportions given.
2. Pour the mixture into a mini barrel and let it sit at room temperature to age for 4 weeks.
3. Taste it, and if you feel it needs further aging, let it sit for 1 more week in the barrel.
4. Transfer the spirits to a bottle(s).
5. To make the cocktail, pour the aged spirits into a mixing glass and add both bitters.
6. Stir for 6 to 8 seconds.
7. Put a king ice cube in a rocks glass and strain the drink into the glass.
8. Hold the strip of zest centered about 4 inches above the glass and twist it to release its oils into the drink.
9. Rub the zest around the outside of the glass, about 1½ inches down from the rim of the glass.
10. Drop the zest into the drink.

YIELD:

• Makes 1 cocktail.

TIPS:

• For an alternative option, you can use an aged Cognac or brandy if you prefer to skip the barrel-aging step.
• The king ice cube ensures a slower melt, maintaining the cocktail’s full flavor.

At Capo’s, we take pride in crafting unique experiences that transport our patrons back in time while embracing the spirit of modern mixology. The Made Man, our signature cocktail, is the epitome of this philosophy—a harmonious blend of aged spirits and artful preparation that encapsulates the essence of Capo’s allure.

Our journey begins with an infusion of Cyrus Noble bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Rémy Martin unaged Cognac, and Bénédictine in oak casks near our entrance. This aging process imparts a delightful mellow, smoky-oaky flavor to the spirits, creating the foundation for The Made Man. Akin to the New Orleans Vieux Carré, this cocktail celebrates the timeless allure of Prohibition-era speakeasies with a uniquely Chicago twist.

The craftsmanship that goes into each element of The Made Man elevates it from a simple drink to a work of art. Served over a single king ice cube, this cocktail slowly releases its intricate flavors, ensuring a memorable experience with every sip. As the king ice cube melts at a leisurely pace, the robust flavors of The Made Man remain undiluted, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the palate.

The finishing touch to this exquisite concoction is the zest of an orange, carefully twisted to release its aromatic oils. As the zest is rubbed around the glass, it imparts a captivating aroma that enhances the drinking experience. The Made Man not only delights the taste buds but also entices the senses with its complexity and refinement.

As you savor The Made Man, you become a part of the timeless story that unfolds within the walls of Capo’s. Each sip represents the culmination of tradition, innovation, and attention to detail that define our establishment. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of our mixologists, who strive to create cocktails that leave a lasting impression on every guest.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of cocktails or a first-time visitor to Capo’s, The Made Man promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Chicago’s culinary and mixology heritage. Raise your glass and toast to the spirit of the speakeasies, to the allure of The Made Man, and to the timeless charm of Capo’s—a haven of culinary delights and unforgettable experiences.