Reform Cocktail

The Reform Cocktail is a classic aperitivo-style drink that dates back at least to the mid-20th century, gaining prominence in bartending manuals such as the 1968 edition of Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender’s Guide. It is traditionally crafted using a combination of dry vermouth, sherry wine, and orange bitters, often garnished with a maraschino cherry. Its profile is characterized by a balance of herbal, nutty, and citrus notes, making it a sophisticated alternative to the Bamboo cocktail.

Because the Reform is a recipe rather than a pre-packaged single-brand product, its 'manufacturing' occurs wherever a bartender or consumer chooses to mix it. The individual components—the vermouth, sherry, and bitters—are produced by various specialized wineries and distilleries globally, primarily in Spain, Italy, and France. There is no single owner of the 'Reform' name as it exists in the public domain of classic mixology.

Ownership of the components typically used in the drink, such as Lustau Sherry or Angostura Bitters, belongs to their respective historic beverage conglomerates. For example, Lustau is owned by the Caballero Group in Spain, while Angostura is owned by the Angostura Holdings Limited based in Trinidad and Tobago. This cocktail represents the global interconnectedness of the spirits industry, bringing together ingredients from different continents into a single glass.