Brooklyn

What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Brooklyn Cocktail?

The Manhattan and Brooklyn Cocktails hail from New York and are whiskey-based, but they differ in several ways. The Manhattan usually employs rye whiskey or bourbon paired with sweet vermouth, giving it a rich, slightly sweet undertone. On the other hand, the Brooklyn primarily uses rye whiskey and is accentuated by dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon, resulting in a crisper finish with a balance of sweet and bitter elements. While both can feature a cherry garnish, the Brooklyn sometimes opts for a lemon twist.

What is Amer Picon?

Amer Picon is a bittersweet French aperitif that’s a bit of a legend in the cocktail world. Its distinctive orange flavor has been a cherished ingredient in Europe for well over a century. While not as commonly found on American bars’ shelves, this very component gives the Brooklyn Cocktail its signature touch of bitterness. The original Amer Picon boasted a higher alcohol content, but today’s version is milder yet still packs a flavorful punch.

Variations

Looking for more distinct variations? We’ve gathered a few that we particularly love:

• Red Hook: This mix stands out with its inclusion of maraschino liqueur and Punt e Mes, adding a distinct sweet and bitter profile. The maraschino offers a cherry-like sweetness, while the Punt e Mes introduces a deep, complex bitterness. I’m especially drawn to the way the maraschino’s sweetness contrasts with the Punt e Mes, creating a uniquely balanced taste.
• Carroll Gardens: This one features a blend of rye, maraschino liqueur, and Nocino, a walnut liqueur. The Nocino adds a nutty, rich depth, complementing the spiciness of the rye. The maraschino’s subtle sweetness ties these flavors together. I appreciate how the Nocino adds a nutty warmth, making it cozy and intriguing.
• Bensonhurst: This blend includes rye, dry vermouth, and Cynar, an artichoke-based bitter. The dry vermouth adds a crisp, herbal quality, while the Cynar introduces a unique vegetal bitterness. The combination of herbal and bitter flavors makes this an adventurous and robust choice.
• Greenpoint: This combination is characterized by rye, yellow Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth. The yellow Chartreuse offers a honeyed, herbal complexity, perfectly complementing the sweet vermouth. The herbal notes of the Chartreuse bring a fresh and aromatic quality.
• Cobble Hill: In this mix, manzanilla sherry and Amer Picon join rye. The manzanilla sherry brings a dry, slightly saline quality, while the Amer Picon contributes a bitter orange flavor. This results in a nuanced and sophisticated blend, with the sherry’s dryness perfectly balancing the Amer Picon’s bitterness.
• Bushwick: This variation introduces the use of bitter liqueur and elderflower liqueur alongside rye. The elderflower adds a sweet, floral accent, while the bitter liqueur provides a contrasting sharp edge. This creates a delightful interplay of sweet floral notes and sharp bitterness.
• Slope: Featuring rye, apricot liqueur, and Peychaud’s bitters, this mix is both fruity and spicy. The apricot liqueur offers a sweet, fruity essence, and the Peychaud’s bitters add a light, floral spiciness. I love the apricot’s sweetness, which brings a sunny, bright quality to the mix.
• Bay Ridge: This one is a blend of rye, Cynar, and dry vermouth, creating a balance between bitterness and dry herbal flavors. The Cynar’s unique bitter profile melds seamlessly with the dry, crisp notes of the vermouth. This combination is bold and assertive, ideal for those who enjoy a more intense experience.
• Perfect BQE: This combines rye, dry and sweet vermouth, and a splash of elderflower liqueur. The dual vermouths create a perfect harmony of dry and sweet, while the elderflower adds a delicate, floral sweetness. This results in a refined and elegant blend, with the elderflower bringing a graceful touch.
• Williamsburg: This blend is made with rye, sweet vermouth, and Aperol, a bitter orange aperitif. The Aperol imparts a citrusy bitterness, which is nicely balanced by the sweet vermouth’s smooth, herbal qualities. The combination of bitter orange and herbal sweetness creates a lively and refreshing choice.

History and Origins

The Brooklyn Cocktail finds its roots in the early 20th century, closely associated with the famous New York borough from which it takes its name. Unlike its more famous cousin, the Manhattan, the Brooklyn remained relatively obscure for many years. This obscurity primarily stemmed from one of its original ingredients, Amer Picon, which became hard to find outside of Europe.

The original recipe for the Brooklyn appeared in J.A. Grohusko’s 1908 bartending guide “Jack’s Manual.” Over the years, the drink’s recipe has seen several modifications, especially due to the unavailability of Amer Picon in the United States. Bartenders and enthusiasts have frequently substituted other bitters or amari in place of the elusive Amer Picon, leading to a myriad of variations.