“The Rumpletini emerged organically during the 1990s "-tini" cocktail craze, with no documented creator or specific origin bar. It represents a cultural artifact of the era when bartenders created new cocktails by adding "-tini" to popular liqueurs. Rumple Minze, a German-style peppermint schnapps, was trademarked in the U.S. in 1981 and aggressively marketed in men's magazines like Playboy for its formidable 100-proof strength. The Rumpletini likely arose informally when bartenders and drinkers experimented with serving the potent shot chilled in cocktail glasses, adding vodka to increase volume and temper intensity. While it never achieved mainstream fame like the Appletini or Cosmopolitan, it maintains relevance in high-energy bars and as an après-ski drink, representing a functional approach to cocktails prioritizing potency and singular, strong flavor.”
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill mixing glass with high-quality, solid ice cubes
Add vodka, Rumple Minze, and optional dry vermouth to mixing glass
Stir briskly with bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well-frosted
Strain using Julep or Hawthorne strainer into chilled coupe or cocktail glass
Garnish with fresh mint leaf, gently slapped to release oils
Served up in a chilled coupe or small martini glass
Gently slapped to release oils and floated on surface
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Professional insights to elevate your craft
Keep Rumple Minze in freezer at all times for optimal serving temperature
Use precise measurements - the 100-proof schnapps can easily dominate
Pre-chill glassware for at least 30 minutes
Serve with water on the side due to high alcohol content
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Rumpletini.
Chilled Rumple Minze served neat in a cocktail glass without vodka.
Rim glass with crushed peppermint candy for extra sweetness and presentation.
Related drink combining Rumple Minze with chocolate liqueur and cream.
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
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The vodka martini—vodka stirred very cold with dry vermouth.
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