The Jean Harlow cocktail is one of those classic drinks that really doesn't get enough attention nowadays. So named because it was one of the original blonde bombshell's favorites back in the 1930's, it is essentially a sweet rum martini. In terms of flavor, you might think of it as a lighter version of the venerable Martinez cocktail. And just like its namesake, this sensational drink happens to have some serious pizzazz.

Jean Harlow cocktail in a glass coupe with a lemon twist.

Jump to:

Ingredients for the Jean Harlow Cocktail
Instructions for the Jean Harlow Cocktail
Related
📖 Recipe

Ingredients for the Jean Harlow Cocktail

light rum
sweet vermouth
orange bitters
lemon twist
ice

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions for the Jean Harlow Cocktail

Strip of lemon peel on a cutting board between a steel citrus channel knife and a lemon.

Cut a strip of lemon peel for the lemon twist.

Ice being dropped into a mixing glass next to a white and blue ice cube tray.

Place a generous amount of ice in a mixing glass.

Clear liquid being poured from a steel measuring jigger into a mixing glass with ice next to a bottle of Bacardi rum.

Add the rum.

Brown liquid being poured from a steel measuring jigger into a mixing glass with ice next to a bottle of cocchi vermouth di Torino.

Then add the sweet vermouth.

Drop of liquid falling from a small bottle of orange bitters into a mixing glass containing amber liquid and ice.

Finally, add a couple drops of orange bitters.

Amber colored liquid and ice being stirred with a metal bar spoon in a mixing glass.

Stir until extremely well chilled.

Amber colored liquid being strained from a mixing glass into a chilled coupe glass.

Then strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Garnish with the lemon twist and serve immediately.

Hint: Be sure to use a quality brand of sweet vermouth here. Since this cocktail calls for equal parts rum and vermouth, I recommend choosing one that you could also enjoy sipping entirely on its own. Personally speaking, I prefer Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for a Jean Harlow cocktail.

Looking for more timeless classics to upgrade your cocktail hour game? Try these: