HOW TO MAKE A T.N.T. COCKTAIL

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The T.N.T. cocktail dates back to times of spirited rebellion, speakeasies, bootlegging, and clandestine revelry. It’s a daring two-ingredient drink best suited for slow-sipping, sophisticated soirées or elegant dinner parties.

Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or just starting out, the T.N.T.  is a fascinating and unique cocktail with its harmonious flavors and effortless preparation.

How To Make a T.N.T. Cocktail

What You’ll Need

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Shot Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
  

How to Mix

1. Fill a Mixing Glass with ice cubes.
2. Add Rye Whiskey and Pastis.
3. Using a Bar Spoon, give it a good stir.
4. Strain your mix into a chilled Shot Glass.
5. Sip and enjoy your T.N.T. responsibly.

What is a T.N.T. Cocktail?

An easy to make cocktail with a distinct and complex flavor profile. In fact, sipping it, you might expect it to be laborious to make, requiring numerous ingredients. But nope; it contains just two ingredients – Pastis and Rye Whiskey.

Its straightforward blend of Pastis and Rye Whiskey is deceptively simple and results in a bright yellow when mixed. It offers a tantalizing blend of spicy, smoky, fruity, and herbal flavors, delivering a satisfying kick when served over ice in a chilled Shot Glass.

What Does a T.N.T. Cocktail Taste Like?

Imagine a smoky, Anise-infused Whiskey party in your mouth. It’s spicy, smoky, fruity, and herbal. Yes, you gotta try this one!

The History of the T.N.T. Cocktail

Very little is known about this cocktail but one thing we do know is that it goes back to the Prohibition era and one can imagine it being enjoyed by patrons in dimly lit speakeasies during the Roaring Twenties.

We know that Rye Whiskey has its origins dating back to 1750, which is several decades before Bourbon Whiskey was invented.

As for Pastis, first we must look at Absinthe. Absinthe was a very popular spirit in 19th century France. However, Absinthe was prohibited in many countries at the start of the 20th century. As a legal alternative, Pastis emerged, offering the same Aniseed flavor but without the controversy of Absinthe.

Tips for Making the Perfect T.N.T. Cocktail

Chill Your Glass
Place your Shot Glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Variations of the T.N.T. Cocktail

Sazerac
The Sazerac is a timeless classic cocktail that is believed to have emerged somewhere between the 1830s and late 1800s. It brings together the rich flavors of Cognac, a hint of sweetness from simple syrup, and a complex blend of Absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and regular Bitters. Topped with a twist of Lemon Zest, it’s a true delight for the senses. Discover how to make a Sazerac with our recipe.

Different Whiskeys, Different Flavors
Whether you prefer a stronger Anise flavor or want to play with different Rye Whiskey profiles, there are plenty of ways to make the T.N.T. cocktail your own. For example, you could use Absinthe instead of Pastis like the Sazerac above, but, of course, it would no longer be a T.N.T.

See the FAQ below for more information about the difference between Absinthe and Pastis.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for T.N.T.

Adding a delicate twist of Lemon or Orange Zest can enhance the cocktail’s aroma, creating a more fragrant experience before the first sip.

To shake things up further, you may wish to shake the ingredients together with ice in a Cocktail Shaker instead of stirring it. It’s up to you. Shaken or stirred, we recommend serving your T.N.T. in a chilled Shot Glass. 

Oh, and if you happen to have any vintage cocktail Coupe Glasses tucked away in the attic or cellar, now is the time to bring them out! The timeless sophistication of a coupe glass perfectly complements this Prohibition-era cocktail.