Inspired by Andy Dufresne’s hidden escape in The Shawshank Redemption, the Prison Break cocktail reimagines the classic Martinez with a sharper 2:1 gin-to-sweet-vermouth ratio, Luxardo, orange and Angostura bitters, and a bright lemon finish to reflect the cold, deceptive calm of Shawshank Prison. (Recipe Below)
This cocktail's inspiration comes with a *spoiler alert* for The Shawshank Redemption, the plot that is unfolding under Warden Norton (Bob Gunton) and Captain Hadley's (Clancy Brown) noses also unfolds under ours and it is all covered up by a poster of 1940's pin-up girl Rita Hayworth- Andy's prison break. Upon that inspiration, we reformulated The Martinez- a cocktail created around the 1880's as a gin-based Manhattan then reformulated and popularized in the 1940's. Instead of an equal parts cocktail of Gin and Sweet Vermouth, we wanted to bring up the sharpness of the gin to reflect the cold and biting nature of the Shawshank Prison, so we made 2:1 with vermouth, hailing from the 1940's Martinez, we used Luxardo and both orange and Angostura bitters like the Martinez and give the cocktail a depth of warming spices. We stirred this all together and served it in a coupe with a lemon peel spritz to brighten it up and placed a lemon peel on the side to freshen the air and called it "Prison Break". The Prison Break cocktail with it's refreshing finish will inspire you to dig to freedom under the guise of a lovely Rita Hayworth Pin-Up.
Prison Break
2 oz (60mL) Gin
1 oz (30mL) Sweet Vermouth
.25 oz (7.5mL) Luxardo
1 Dash Angostura Bitters
1 Dash Orange Bitters
Lemon
In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz Gin, 1 oz Sweet Vermouth, .25 oz Luxardo, 1 Dash Angostura Bitters, and 1 Dash Orange Bitters. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a coupe. Express a lemon peel on top and garnish onto the edge.
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Aviation Gin
84 proof/42% ABV
Diageo Company
A dry gin that balances citrus and herbal notes to make it a clean, multipurpose gin.
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Martini Rosso Sweet Vermouth
36 proof/18% ABV
Martini & Rossi
Naturally burgundy in color. This fortified wine that has been redistilled with additional herbs and spices resulting is a fresh, strong flavored wine with notes of bittersweet orange and fresh herbs. The sweetness provides a richness in flavor and slight caramel in flavor.
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Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
64 proof/32% ABV
Girolamo Luxardo SpA
A liqueur that starts with fermenting Luxardo cherries and cherry tree branches in large ashwood vats. After three years, it is distilled then simple syrup and water are added to balance ot to 32% ABV. The overall flavor is that of cherry and straw with a cacao and bitter orange finish.
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Angostura Aromatic Bitters
89.4 proof/ 44.7 ABV
Angostura Limited
Flavored with several herbs and spices provided a concentration of pie-spice flavors brought out by the bitterness made with gentian root. The caramel color is an additive.
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Angostura Orange Bitters
89.4 proof/ 44.7 ABV
Angostura Limited
Bitters are made by concentrating flavors into an alcohol base. Orange bitters vary by brand, but are generally made with bitter orange peel, cardamom, caraway, coriander, anise and toasted sugar.
Get Busy Drinking: The Shawshank Redemption Reimagined Through ‘Prison Break’ and ‘Zihuatanejo’ Cocktails
The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne as he befriends Red, earns trust within Shawshank Prison, and quietly sets a long-term escape plan in motion while helping inmates, guards, and the corrupt warden. Inspired by Andy’s hidden tunnel behind the Rita Hayworth poster, the Prison Break cocktail reimagines the classic Martinez with a sharper gin-forward profile, sweet vermouth, Luxardo, orange and Angostura bitters, and a bright lemon finish. After his escape, Andy’s dream destination becomes reality in Zihuatanejo, a peaceful Mexican coastline symbolizing freedom and hope. The Zihuatanejo cocktail captures that escape with white rum, fresh lime juice, coconut cream, crushed ice, and a float of blue curaçao for a light, tropical finish. Celebrated for its iconic narration, enduring quotes, and emotional depth, The Shawshank Redemption is a must-watch film best enjoyed with themed cocktails and the reminder to “get busy living, or get busy dying.”
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