We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Phoebe Snow Cocktail Recipe

The Phoebe Snow cocktail combines cognac, Dubonnet Rouge, and absinthe for a smooth yet complex flavor perfect for cocktail enthusiasts.

Pinterest Hidden Image

The Phoebe Snow cocktail recipe was named after a fictional character from a railroad advertising campaign. The story claimed that her dress remained white as snow because her train ran on anthracite instead of regular coal. Presumably, if she’d had a signature cocktail, this would have been it.

Phoebe Snow cocktail in Nick and Nora glassPin

This drink recipe dates back to at least 1941, but don’t expect your average bartender to know how to make it. Many bars don’t stock Dubonnet, either. It’s a bitter form of red wine flavored with quinine, along with other herbs and spices. It’s not too bitter – it’s along the lines of Campari, with the bitter notes being mostly overwhelmed by the sweeter ones.

The Phoebe Snow is sophisticated and unique, with flavors of anise and herbal spice shaking up the smoothness of the cognac. The recipe calls for absinthe, which probably explains why it declined in popularity in the United States.

Absinthe was banned for many years because of exaggerated reports of hallucinations and other trippy effects. While absinthe does have a high-proof, it has no worse effects for you than any other spirit. In any case, this recipe only calls for a dash of it.

This recipe also calls for cognac, but you don’t need to break out a high priced bottle. For cocktails, Hennessy VS works very well. It has a great flavor and it goes down smooth.

Yield: 1 drink

Phoebe Snow Cocktail Recipe

Phoebe Snow cocktail in Nick and Nora glass

A timeless Phoebe Snow cocktail recipe featuring cognac, Dubonnet Rouge, and a dash of absinthe for a bold, herbal twist.

Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces cognac
  • 1 1/2 ounces Dubonnet Rouge
  • Dash absinthe (or 2 dashes Pernod Pastis, if absinthe isn't available)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker all the way with ice.
  2. Pour in the ingredients.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Pour into a red wine or martini glass. Or Nick and Nora glasses, as used here.

Follow me on Pinterest for more great recipes!

Or share this post on Pinterest!

 

More Like This

  • Jack Rose Cocktail garnished with apple slice and raspberry

    Jack Rose, The Classic Apple Brandy Cocktail You’ve Been Missing

  • Queen Victoria cocktail with lemon twist and cinnamon stick

    Queen Victoria Cocktail Recipe

  • Bayou cocktail with lime wheel

    Bayou Cocktail Recipe

  • Queen Bee drink with orange twist garnish

    Queen Bee Drink Recipe

  • Eden Cocktail beside bottle of Pisco Porton

    Eden Cocktail Recipe

  • Zephyr cocktail with pineapple wedge garnish

    Zephyr Cocktail Recipe

  • Kriss Cocktail with lemon

    Kriss Cocktail Recipe

  • Liberty Cocktail drink with a lime wedge

    Liberty Cocktail Recipe

  • Hawaiian Brandy drink in cocktail glass

    Hawaiian Brandy Cocktail Recipe

  • Mikado drink in tall glass with ice

    The Best Mikado Cocktail Recipe

  • Baltimore Bracer drink in cocktail glass

    Classic Baltimore Bracer Cocktail Recipe

  • Porto Flip cocktail on table

    Porto Flip Cocktail Recipe

Filed in:

Last Updated:

March 24, 2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *