Tuxedo
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 24.6% ABV ∙
The Tuxedo is a classic Martini variation of Old Tom gin and dry vermouth with a dash each of maraschino and absinthe, plus orange and aromatic bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Old Tom gin 45 mlDry vermouth 45 mlMaraschino liqueur 1 dashAbsinthe 1 dashOrange bitters 2 dashesAngostura aromatic bitters 2 dashes
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry on a skewer
Tips
- Stir over ice for about 30 seconds before straining into the chilled coupe; the water softens the strong mix, and stirring keeps it clear.
- Absinthe and maraschino are both loud, so keep each to a single dash; any more and they drown the gin and vermouth.
History
The Tuxedo is a martini relative that emerged in the late 19th century and is named for the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, an exclusive country community established in 1886. The same club also gave the tailless dinner jacket its name.
Cocktail historian David Wondrich traces the drink itself to the bar of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. In his view a gin-and-sherry drink, one of many popular around the turn of the century, appears to be the first to bear the name. Numerous variations followed. This Tuxedo recipe is one of them: it has no sherry and pairs Old Tom gin with dry vermouth. The version most widely served today is generally known as the Tuxedo No. 2.
FAQ
What is in a Tuxedo cocktail?
Equal parts Old Tom gin and dry vermouth, 45 ml each, with a dash each of maraschino liqueur and absinthe and 2 dashes each of orange and Angostura bitters.
Is a Tuxedo cocktail shaken or stirred?
Stirred. It has no citrus juice, so stir it over ice for about 30 seconds: that chills and dilutes it and keeps it silky and clear. Shaking would cloud it with air bubbles.
What glass is a Tuxedo served in?
A chilled coupe, served up without ice. Holding the stem keeps your hand off the bowl, so the drink stays cold.
What is a Tuxedo No. 2?
The Tuxedo No. 2 is the version of the Tuxedo most widely served today. It is one of the many variations that followed the first Tuxedo, which cocktail historian David Wondrich believes was a gin-and-sherry drink.
