Too Soon? Cocktail: A Modern Classic by Sam Ross

Too soon? Cocktail

When it comes to modern cocktail innovation, few names are as influential as Sam Ross—the bartender behind globally celebrated drinks like the Penicillin and Paper Plane. Among his lesser-known but equally compelling creations is the Too Soon? cocktail: a citrusy, bittersweet gin-based drink that perfectly straddles the line between classic balance and contemporary flair.

In this post, we’ll explore the origins of the Too Soon?, break down its flavor profile, and show you exactly how to make this standout cocktail at home.

The Origins of the Too Soon? Cocktail

The Too Soon? was created by Sam Ross during his time at the iconic bar Milk & Honey in New York City—a venue synonymous with the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s. Known for his precision and inventiveness, Ross crafted the Too Soon? as a twist on the modern sour, leaning into the earthy complexity of Cynar, an Italian amaro made from artichokes and herbs.

It gained wider attention among bartenders after being featured in the book Regarding Cocktails, a tribute to Sasha Petraske, founder of Milk & Honey. Since then, it’s appeared on menus at discerning cocktail bars around the world.

The Flavor Profile

The Too Soon? cocktail is bright, herbal, and bittersweet. It’s structured like a gin sour but elevated with the depth of Cynar and the zing of muddled orange slices, which infuse the drink with subtle oils and a touch of fruitiness. The result is a refreshing yet thought-provoking drink—perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif or a refined happy hour option.

Expect:

• Bitterness from Cynar

• Crispness from London dry gin

• Bright acidity from lemon juice

• Slight sweetness and zest from muddled orange

How to Make the Too Soon? Cocktail

If you’re looking to mix up something with complexity and character, here’s the Too Soon? cocktail recipe as created by Sam Ross:

Ingredients:

Too Soon? Ingredients

Method:

1. Lightly muddle the orange slices in a shaker tin to release their oils.

2. Add the gin, Cynar, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.

4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

5. No garnish needed—this one speaks for itself.

   
   

This cocktail strikes the perfect balance of bitterness, brightness, and botanical complexity. It’s easy to make, but sophisticated in both flavor and presentation.

Why You Should Add It to Your Cocktail Repertoire

The Too Soon? isn’t just another cocktail with a clever name—it’s a thoughtful, layered drink that showcases modern bartending at its best. If you’re a fan of drinks like the Paper Plane or the Amaro Sour, this will hit all the right notes.

As someone who runs cocktail masterclasses and events, I love featuring drinks like the Too Soon? that offer guests something unexpected but delicious. It’s a great way to introduce people to amaro-based cocktails without overwhelming them.

Final Sip

The Too Soon? cocktail is proof that modern classics can stand shoulder to shoulder with the old-school legends. Created by one of the most respected minds in mixology, it’s got personality, balance, and just enough bitterness to keep you coming back for more.

Want to taste one crafted for you? Book a session with The Little Mix Cocktail Van or join one of my cocktail classes, where we bring drinks like this to life—one story and one sip at a time.

Watch me make it here.

Too Soon? YouTube video