Shake up your summer with this simple Tuxedo Cocktail recipe, where the classic allure of Gin meets the subtle charm of vermouth and maraschino.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
204
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Gin
- 1½ oz dry Vermouth
- ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 3 dashes Absinthe
- 3 dashes Angostura orange bitters
- Lemon twist or cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice cubes and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: In the mixing glass, combine 3 dashes Angostura orange bitters, 3 dashes Absinthe, ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur, 1½ oz dry Vermouth, and 1½ oz Gin.
- Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients well until the mixture is chilled.
- Prep Serving Glass: Discard the ice cubes from your cocktail glass or remove it from the freezer.
- Strain: Strain the mixed ingredients into your prepared cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release the oils or drop a cherry into the glass.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: I've replaced Gin with tequila for a different kick in my experiments, calling it a "Tequila Tuxedo." It adds an exciting twist!
- Dry Vermouth: No dry vermouth? Try using white wine with a splash of vodka; it doesn't replicate the flavor perfectly but creates an interesting variation.
- Maraschino Liqueur: I've used cherry brandy as a substitute; it's sweeter but delightful!
- Orange Bitters: A mix of regular aromatic bitters and a squeeze of fresh orange juice can work if you're out of orange bitters. It changes the taste slightly but keeps the drink's spirit alive.
- Absinthe: Pernod or any other anise-flavored liqueur will do the job.
Making a Pitcher of Tuxedo Cocktail:
- Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. You'll need 12 oz of Gin, 12 oz of dry vermouth, 2 oz of maraschino liqueur, and 24 dashes of orange bitters and absinthe.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients with ice. Stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the blend into individual chilled cocktail glasses, add garnish, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic gin alternative available in the market.
- Vermouth Substitute: Use non-alcoholic white wine. A dash of white grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar can mimic the vermouth's tang.
- Absinthe Substitute: Opt for an anise-flavored syrup or for a non-alcoholic absinthe alternative.
- Skip the Maraschino: Exclude the liqueur or select a few drops of natural cherry essence for flavor.
- Follow the Original Steps: With these non-alcoholic substitutes, prepare the cocktail following the original instructions, and enjoy your alcohol-free Tuxedo!
Making it Vegan:
- Ensure Your Spirits are Vegan: Some spirits use animal products in processing. Double-check that your Gin, Vermouth, Absinthe, and Maraschino Liqueur are certified vegan.
- Garnish Wisely: Instead of a regular maraschino cherry (which might contain non-vegan dyes), use fresh cherry or organic, vegan-certified preserved cherries.
What is a Tuxedo Cocktail?
A Tuxedo Cocktail combines Gin and Dry Vermouth, often accompanied by maraschino liqueur and orange bitters for that extra zest. Its name, evoking the sleek sophistication of a tuxedo suit, aptly fits this cocktail’s classic and refined character. The drink is listed among “The Unforgettables” by the IBA (International Bartender Association) which officially acknowledges the drink.
What is a Tuxedo Cocktail made of – The ingredients
For a Tuxedo Cocktail, the necessary ingredients include:
- Gin: Provides the foundational spirit of the cocktail, delivering a crisp, herbal backbone.
- Dry Vermouth: Offers a subtle, complex sweetness and slightly bitter flavor, balancing the Gin’s botanicals.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Adds a hint of sweet cherry notes, giving the drink a nuanced depth.
- Orange Bitters: Introduces a bright, citrusy accent, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Absinthe: donates a subtle anise flavor
- Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish): Contributes a final aromatic touch or a sweet contrast, completing the cocktail’s sophisticated appearance.
