Alligator

The Alligator cocktail is a distinctive creation by bartender Dante Wheat of Louisville, Kentucky. Debuting around 2018 at Louisville’s Butchertown Social, where Wheat served as Beverage Director, the Alligator showcases his innovative approach to cocktail design. 

This cocktail is noted for its bold use of Fernet-Branca as the primary spirit—a choice that imparts robust herbal and mentholated notes. The inclusion of lime juice, orange liqueur (such as Dry Curaçao), and cinnamon syrup balances the drink with citrus brightness and warm spice, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile.  

The Alligator is sometimes viewed as a creative riff on the classic Margarita, substituting Fernet-Branca for tequila, resulting in a unique twist that stands apart from its inspiration.

Since its inception, the Alligator has garnered attention in the cocktail community, praised for its inventive use of ingredients and the depth of flavors it delivers. It serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of modern mixology and the creative endeavors of contemporary bartenders.