Remember the Maine Cocktail Drink

Remember The Maine

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Remember The Maine Cocktail recipe! It’s a simple yet exciting drink you can whip up quickly.

Remember the Maine

This easy Remember The Maine cocktail recipe will warm you up in winter! With rye whiskey, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and a hint of absinthe, it's the perfect drink for cold nights.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

204 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • ¾ oz sweet Vermouth
  • 2 tsp Cherry Heering or cherry Liqueur
  • ½ tsp Absinthe
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon
  • Cocktail Glass chilled

Instructions

  • In the cocktail glass pour ½ tsp Absinthe, and swing the glass around until the absinthe has evenly coated the entire interior surface.
  • Fill the cocktail glass with ice to chill it.
  • Measure and pour 2 tsp Cherry Heering or cherry Liqueur into the mixing glass.
  • Add ¾ oz sweet Vermouth.
  • Pour in 2 oz Rye Whiskey.
  • Fill your mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 45 revolutions.
  • Discard the ice and the absinthe from your cocktail glass and strain the drink into it.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can be used as a substitute for rye whiskey if you prefer a sweeter profile. For a smoky flavor, try using Scotch whisky.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used instead of sweet vermouth, but you may want to add a touch of simple syrup to balance the sweetness.
  • Cherry Heering: If you don't have Cherry Heering, you can use cherry-flavored liqueur or cherry brandy. It won't be the same, but it will give the cocktail a similar flavor profile.
  • Absinthe: Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur can be used as a substitute for absinthe.

Making a Pitcher of Remember The Maine:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of rye whiskey, 6 oz of sweet vermouth, 16 tsp of Cherry Heering, and 4 tsp of absinthe.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Cherry Heering with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled and absinthe coated cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic whiskey's flavor.
  • Cherry Heering Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic cherry-flavored syrup or juice.
  • Absinthe Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic anise-flavored syrup.
  • Vermouth Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic alternative available in the market. 
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements as some brands may use animal-derived products during the manufacturing process.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
204
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Potassium
 
21
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Calcium
 
2
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Remember the Maine Cocktail Drink

Remember the Maine

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This easy Remember The Maine cocktail recipe will warm you up in winter! With rye whiskey, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and a hint of absinthe, it's the perfect drink for cold nights.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 204

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • ¾ oz sweet Vermouth
  • 2 tsp Cherry Heering or cherry Liqueur
  • ½ tsp Absinthe
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon
  • Cocktail Glass chilled

Instructions

  • In the cocktail glass pour ½ tsp Absinthe, and swing the glass around until the absinthe has evenly coated the entire interior surface.
  • Fill the cocktail glass with ice to chill it.
  • Measure and pour 2 tsp Cherry Heering or cherry Liqueur into the mixing glass.
  • Add ¾ oz sweet Vermouth.
  • Pour in 2 oz Rye Whiskey.
  • Fill your mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 45 revolutions.
  • Discard the ice and the absinthe from your cocktail glass and strain the drink into it.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can be used as a substitute for rye whiskey if you prefer a sweeter profile. For a smoky flavor, try using Scotch whisky.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used instead of sweet vermouth, but you may want to add a touch of simple syrup to balance the sweetness.
  • Cherry Heering: If you don't have Cherry Heering, you can use cherry-flavored liqueur or cherry brandy. It won't be the same, but it will give the cocktail a similar flavor profile.
  • Absinthe: Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur can be used as a substitute for absinthe.

Making a Pitcher of Remember The Maine:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of rye whiskey, 6 oz of sweet vermouth, 16 tsp of Cherry Heering, and 4 tsp of absinthe.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Cherry Heering with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled and absinthe coated cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic whiskey's flavor.
  • Cherry Heering Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic cherry-flavored syrup or juice.
  • Absinthe Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic anise-flavored syrup.
  • Vermouth Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic alternative available in the market. 
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements as some brands may use animal-derived products during the manufacturing process.

What is a Remember The Maine Cocktail?

A Remember The Maine Cocktail is a whiskey-based classic cocktail made of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry heering, and absinthe. This drink is easy to make as long as you have the ingredients on hand, but it requires a bit of precision in measuring the components to achieve the right flavors.

The Remember, The Maine Cocktail is a variant of the Manhattan cocktail, with cherry heering and absinthe added for an extra layer of complexity. “Remember The Maine” comes from a rallying cry for the Spanish-American War, adding a historical touch to this flavorful concoction.

A side shot of a Remember the Maine cocktail in a coupe glass on a white coaster placed on wooden board on a brown placemat surrounded by red cloth, a strainer, and a jigger.

What is a Remember The Maine Cocktail made of – The ingredients

For the creation of a Remember The Maine Cocktail, these ingredients are necessary:

  • Rye Whiskey: Provides a strong, robust base for the cocktail. Its spicy and fruity notes add depth to the drink.
  • Sweet Vermouth: Balances the rye whiskey with its sweet and herbal characteristics. It adds complexity and smoothness.
  • Cherry Heering: This cherry-flavored liqueur gives the cocktail a rich, fruity sweetness, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
  • Absinthe: Used sparingly, it imparts an anise flavor and a slight bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of other ingredients.
  • Lemon Peel: Serves as garnish. Its citrus aroma enhances the sensory experience of the cocktail.

Rye Whiskey, sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, and Absinthe laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Remember The Maine Cocktail?

With our transparent and concise steps, you can easily make a Remember The Maine Cocktail:

1
<p>Start by adding Absinthe to your cocktail glass</p>

Start by adding Absinthe to your cocktail glass

2
<p>Rinse your cocktail glass with the Absinthe, providing the cocktail with its anise aroma.</p>

Rinse your cocktail glass with the Absinthe, providing the cocktail with its anise aroma.

3
<p>Ice up the cocktail glass to chill it to the right temperature.</p>

Ice up the cocktail glass to chill it to the right temperature.

4
<p>In a mixing glass, incorporate 2 teaspoons of cherry liqueur. This will add a sweet and fruity flavor to the cocktail.</p>

In a mixing glass, incorporate 2 teaspoons of cherry liqueur. This will add a sweet and fruity flavor to the cocktail.

5
<p>Add 3/4 ounce of sweet Vermouth to the mixing glass. The sweet Vermouth will balance the strong flavor of the Rye Whiskey.</p>

Add 3/4 ounce of sweet Vermouth to the mixing glass. The sweet Vermouth will balance the strong flavor of the Rye Whiskey.

6
<p>Measure and pour 2 ounces of Rye Whiskey. The Rye Whiskey forms the base of the Remember The Maine cocktail.</p>

Measure and pour 2 ounces of Rye Whiskey. The Rye Whiskey forms the base of the Remember The Maine cocktail.

7
<p>Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.</p>

Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.

8
<p>Stir the mixture until it's well chilled. This will help to blend the flavors and dilute the drink slightly.</p>

Stir the mixture until it's well chilled. This will help to blend the flavors and dilute the drink slightly.

9
<p>Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass after removing the ice and the absinthe from it. This will remove any potential bits from the drink.</p>

Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass after removing the ice and the absinthe from it. This will remove any potential bits from the drink.

10
<p>Twist a lemon peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the drink as a garnish. The lemon peel will add a fresh and zesty aroma to your Remember The Maine cocktail.</p>

Twist a lemon peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the drink as a garnish. The lemon peel will add a fresh and zesty aroma to your Remember The Maine cocktail.

History and Origin of the Remember The Maine Cocktail

The Remember The Maine cocktail story goes back to the late 1800s. It gets its name from the USS Maine, an American ship that blew up and sank in Havana Harbor in 1898. This sad event started the Spanish-American War and led to the famous saying, “Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!”

Charles H. Baker Jr., a famous writer and traveler, brought this cocktail to light in his book “The Gentleman’s Companion” in 1939. He found the drink on a trip through Havana, Cuba, right before the Cuban revolution of 1933.

The Remember The Maine cocktail mixes rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and a bit of absinthe. It’s like the classic Manhattan drink but with an extra punch from the absinthe and cherry liqueur.

Baker said it was “a memory of a few against many,” showing the war and the spirit of standing strong and remembering.

A Remember the Maine cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a white marmol table surrounded by Rye Whiskey, sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, and Absinthe

 

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Remember The Maine cocktail?
A standard serving of Remember The Maine cocktail contains approximately 200 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of alcohol used.
How strong is a Remember The Maine cocktail?
The strength of a Remember The Maine cocktail can vary based on the ratio of ingredients, but typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 32% and a proof of 64. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What alcohol is used in a Remember The Maine cocktail?
Remember, The Maine cocktail primarily uses rye whiskey as its base spirit. It also includes Heering Cherry Liqueur, sweet vermouth, and a dash of absinthe for added complexity and depth.
In which glass is a Remember The Maine cocktail served?
A Remember The Maine cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass. This type of glass enhances the overall presentation of the drink.
What does a Remember The Maine cocktail taste like?
A Remember The Maine cocktail offers a complex flavor profile. It starts with the spicy warmth of rye whiskey, followed by the sweet and tart notes from the cherry liqueur and vermouth. Lastly, the absinthe adds an intriguing hint of anise or licorice aroma.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Remember The Maine cocktail?
The typical ratio for a Remember The Maine cocktail is 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 3/4 ounces of sweet vermouth, a touch of Heering Cherry Liqueur, and a dash or two of absinthe.
How is a Remember The Maine cocktail served with ice?
A Remember The Maine cocktail is usually stirred with ice until well-chilled, then strained into a coupe glass. It is not typically served over ice or on the rocks.
What is the origin of the Remember The Maine cocktail?
The Remember The Maine cocktail was first published in Charles H. Baker's 1939 book, "The Gentleman's Companion." The name of the drink is a reference to the USS Maine, an American naval ship that sank in Havana Harbor during the Cuban War of Independence against Spain in 1898.
Is there a specific time or occasion to enjoy a Remember The Maine cocktail?
While there are no hard and fast rules about when to enjoy a, Remember The Maine cocktail, its rich and complex flavors make it an excellent choice for sipping in the evening or at a sophisticated cocktail party.
Can I make a Remember The Maine cocktail at home?
Absolutely! You can easily mix up a Remember The Maine cocktail at home as long as you have rye whiskey, Heering Cherry Liqueur, sweet vermouth, and absinthe on hand. Just remember to chill your glass beforehand for the best experience.

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