The Guion is a lovely old 19th-century cocktail, named for the family behind the Guion Line steamship company and likely invented at the Waldorf-Astoria’s bar. Like many other drinks of the era, it’s a strong one – but the strength of the alcohol is tamed a bit by the vermouth and the Benedictine (a sweet herbal liqueur).
The recipe calls for a “float” of Benedictine, but don’t feel bad if yours sinks to the bottom. Benedictine has a higher specific gravity than gin, so its tendency is to sink to the bottom. But it’s no loss if it does, because it’ll still taste absolutely delicious.
