Relax with this simple Red Hook cocktail recipe! It's the perfect easy drink for any time, combining rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
184
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- ½ oz sweet Vermouth
- ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Brandied cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
- Strainer
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your glass or place it in the freezer to chill.
- Mix Ingredients: In the mixing glass, pour ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur, ½ oz sweet Vermouth, and 2 oz Rye Whiskey.
- Stir Well: Add ice cubes and with a bar spoon, stir the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is properly chilled.
- Prepare Serving Glass: Remove the ice cubes from your cocktail glass or take it out from the freezer.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your cocktail glass, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
- Garnish: Drop a brandied cherry into the glass for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve: Present your Red Hook cocktail with pride. Cheers!
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: If rye's spiciness is too much for you, bourbon substitutes with its sweeter, softer character. I sometimes go for it when I'm in the mood for something less bold.
- Sweet Vermouth: No sweet vermouth? No problem! I've swapped it with dry vermouth, but remember, it's less sweet and more herbal, so you should add a dash of simple syrup to keep the balance.
- Maraschino Liqueur: It's unique, but in its absence, I've used a Luxardo cherry syrup or a dash of another cherry liqueur. The taste won't be the same, but it will maintain the cherry note essential to the cocktail.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: For a gathering, I often multiply the ingredients by 8 for a crowd-pleasing batch. That's 16 oz of rye whiskey, 4 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 oz of maraschino liqueur.
- Mix: Combine all these in a large ice-filled pitcher and stir well.
- Serve: Strain the cocktails into chilled glasses, garnish each with a cherry, and watch them disappear quickly!
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Substitute: Non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives are available, though they won't fully replicate rye's spiciness. They do bring similar warmth, which is crucial.
- Maraschino Liqueur Substitute: I choose cherry juice or a non-alcoholic cherry syrup to mimic the Maraschino's sweetness and flavor.
- Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth available in the market.
- Mix and Serve As Usual: Follow the main recipe and use these substitutes. You'll have a mocktail that even non-drinkers can love.
Making it Vegan:
- Garnish: The brandied cherry can be problematic since some brands use colorings or flavors derived from animal products. I ensure I'm using vegan-certified cherries for garnish or skip it altogether. Remember, it's more about the drink than the decoration.
- Ingredients Check: Most spirits are vegan, but I always double-check the ingredients label to ensure no animal products were used in their production. Better safe than sorry!
What is a Red Hook Cocktail?
A Red Hook Cocktail blends rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur. The drink owes its name to the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its edgy yet classic vibe, much like the cocktail itself. While it shares a kinship with Manhattan, Red Hook’s bold, straightforward flavor profile stands out.
What is in a Red Hook Cocktail – The ingredients
To put together a Red Hook Cocktail, make sure you have the following:
- Rye Whiskey: Provides the robust, spicy base that defines the cocktail’s strong character.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds a hint of herbal sweetness, balancing the whiskey’s heat.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Infuses the drink with subtle cherry notes, rounding out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
