Build at a glance
This version uses 3 ingredients across 4 steps. For a home bar, that makes it manageable rather than fussy.

The Bamboo cocktail is a classic sherry-based aperitif drink created by bartender Louis Eppinger at the Grand Hotel in Yokohama, Japan in the late 19th century. This sophisticated sherry cocktail combines dry sherry with dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters, creating low-alcohol cocktails perfect for pre-dinner sipping. As a fortified wine cocktail, the Bamboo offers dry, herbal, and crisp flavors that cocktail historian David Wondrich praised for its elegant simplicity. Traditionally served in a cocktail glass, this San Francisco bartender's creation represents one of the finest sherry cocktails in the classic cocktail canon. The Bamboo's use of fino sherry makes it an excellent introduction to sherry-based cocktails for those new to fortified wine drinks.
Glass:
Nick and Nora
Strength
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Add dry sherry, dry vermouth, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice. This classic stirring technique preserves the delicate sherry flavors.
Stir gently until well chilled (about 30 seconds). Proper stirring technique is essential for sherry-based cocktails to maintain their elegant profile.
Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. The smaller cocktail glass concentrates the aromatic qualities of this classic aperitif.
Garnish with a lemon twist if desired. Express the oils over the drink to enhance the citrus notes that complement the fortified wine base.
OptionalSelect ingredients in your bar to see what you can make.
Editorial Notes
The Bamboo combines Dry Sherry, Dry Vermouth, and Orange Bitters. These quick notes add context on structure, flavor, and where the drink fits best.
Updated Dec 22, 2025 • 3 ingredients • 4 steps
This version uses 3 ingredients across 4 steps. For a home bar, that makes it manageable rather than fussy.
Expect fresh, spirit forward, and herby notes. Served in a Nick and Nora, the drink lands on the lighter, easygoing side and keeps its structure clear.
This style fits weekend mixing and reliable home-bar service. If you already enjoy Liqueur cocktails, it is an easy recipe to keep in rotation.