The Tuxedo Cocktail Recipe

Posted in Gin on March 7, 2014

The Tuxedo is a gin based cocktail which is perfect for a black tie event, just like its name suggests. It is very similar to a Martini and it has a unique flavor thanks to ingredients like the anise liqueur, the maraschino liqueur and the dry vermouth. In fact, it is a variation of the Imperial. The only thing that differentiates these two cocktails is the fact that the first one is flavored with some absinthe and it has a unique anise flavor that the Imperial misses. Some recipes call for stirring all the ingredients together while others suggests that the absinthe should only be used for coating the walls of the glass. It will thus transfer its flavor to the drink in a subtle manner.

The origins of the Tuxedo cocktail seem to be connected with the Tuxedo Club. This was a private country club located in the state of New York. It is also the place where the tuxedo as a clothing item first came into fashion. However, the first written reference about the cocktail with this name appeared in 1882 and the club only opened four years later.

The Tuxedo, just like any other decent Martini, is supposed to be stirred and not shaken. Some bartenders prefer to use anisette instead of absinthe, but this is sweeter in taste and it might disrupt the balance of the cocktail.

How to Prepare the Tuxedo

This cocktail is not very difficult to prepare and it only takes a few minutes. You can do it at home and serve it to your guests. It is a wonderful alternative to a Martini, so you can try it if you like the Martini, but you are also in for something new and different.

You need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. of gin.
• 1 ½ oz. of dry vermouth.
• ¼ tsp. of absinthe.
• ¼ tsp. of maraschino liqueur.
• 2 dashes of bitters.
• A maraschino cherry for garnish.

As said, this cocktail needs to be stirred, not shaken. Put all the ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and stir them well. Strain the drink in a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the maraschino cherry.

If you like, you can use the absinthe for coating the walls of the glass. Simply pour it in, swirl it around and then discard the excess.