Smooth Operator recipe
Cognac, vanilla vodka and caramel liqueur, shaken and strained into a cocktail glass.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 3 ingredients
- Cocktail glass
What Ingredients do you need to make a Smooth Operator?
Cognac
Cognac is a variety of Brandy.
It’s named after Cognac, France and certain production methods are required to make sure the Brandy may be named Cognac.
These production methods include:
- Ugni blanc grapes must be used.
- The Brandy must be twice distilled in copper stills.
- The Brandy must be aged at least 2 years in Oak barrels.
Only then can it be called Cognac. Wowzers.
And even then, there are grades of Cognac:
- V.S. (Very Special) or 3 stars. This means that the Brandy has been aged for at least 2 years in a cask.
- V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve. This is where the Brandy has been aged for at least 4 years in a cask.
- Napoléon. This is where the Brandy is aged at least 6 years.
- XO (Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged at least 10 years.
- XXO (Extra Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged for at least 14 years.
- Hors d’âge (Beyond Age). This is where the Brandy is beyond the official age scales.
I mean, that’s some grading list. I’d wager by the end of that list you’d need to be a millionaire to sample those Cognacs.
ANYWAY… the Cognac we recommend is:
Vodka
We compared 12 different brands of Vodka and determined that Smirnoff was the overall best option. Given the current climate with Russia, that may seem like a questionable choice, but Smirnoff isn’t made in Russia, it’s made all over the world.
It actually has a history of Russian persecution and the creators were forced to flee Russia.
What Equipment do you need to make a Smooth Operator?
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail shakers improve the taste of cocktails. It’s a fact.
There’s a reason that famed British spy James Bond says “shaken, not stirred”. And that reason is: because it tastes better.
If you don’t already have a cocktail shaker set, you might want to check out our detailed cocktail shaker comparison.
But to cut a long story short, here’s the cocktail shaker we recommend:
Hawthorne Strainer
If you (or perhaps the person you’re buying for) don’t have a Hawthorne strainer as part of a cocktail shaker set, it’s a great, and incredibly useful, addition to your cocktail toolbox.
The strainer is typically used to remove the ice (or any other unwanted solid ingredients) from your cocktail as it’s poured from the cocktail shaker into your glass.
For a Hawthorne Strainer, we recommend:
Cocktail Glass
This cocktail recipe tastes great, but let’s make it look great too.
Having the right glass for the right cocktail always makes the experience more enjoyable in my experience.
And the right glass is a cocktail glass.
We recommend:
Advertisement
Recipe card
Smooth Operator
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Add the ingredients with ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well.
- Use a Hawthorne strainer to strain the mix into a cocktail glass.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of modern cocktails.
Smooth Operator FAQs
What Ingredients do you need to make a Smooth Operator?
What Equipment do you need to make a Smooth Operator?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a Hawthorne strainer and a cocktail glass.
What alcohol is in a Smooth Operator?
A Smooth Operator contains 60ml / 2oz cognac, 30ml / 1oz vanilla vodka and a splash of caramel liqueur.
Is a Smooth Operator shaken or stirred?
A Smooth Operator is shaken. Shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain it into a cocktail glass.
Can I make a Smooth Operator without a cocktail shaker?
A cocktail shaker is best, but a clean jam jar with a tight lid works too. Add ice and the ingredients, screw the lid on and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, then strain it into your glass through a small sieve.
What glass is a Smooth Operator served in?
Serve a Smooth Operator in a cocktail glass.
