Tuxedo
Stir ∙ Coupe glass ∙ 3 min ∙ 24.9% ABV ∙
The Tuxedo is a classic gin martini variation, stirred from Old Tom gin and dry vermouth laced with maraschino, absinthe, and orange and aromatic bitters, served up. Dry and aromatic, with juniper and vermouth framed by a whisper of maraschino sweetness and a cool anise lift from the absinthe — a proper before-dinner sipper.
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 about 30 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe — dilution softens the spirit-forward base and keeps it clear.
- Use just a dash of absinthe and maraschino; both are assertive and will overwhelm the gin and vermouth if overpoured.
- Chill the coupe first, since the drink is served up with no ice to keep it cold in the glass.
- Express the lemon twist over the surface before dropping it in to release the citrus oils.
History
The Tuxedo is a martini relative that emerged in the 1880s and is named for the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, an exclusive country community established in 1886 about 35 miles from Jersey City. 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, and Punch notes his view that the original Tuxedo — one of many gin-and-sherry drinks popular around the turn of the century — appears to be the first to bear the name. Numerous variations followed, and the version widely served today is generally known as the Tuxedo No. 2.
FAQ
What is in a Tuxedo cocktail?
A Tuxedo is built on equal parts Old Tom gin and dry vermouth, with a dash each of maraschino liqueur and absinthe plus orange and aromatic bitters. It is stirred over ice and strained into a coupe, garnished with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.
Is a Tuxedo cocktail shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Because it is all spirits and no citrus juice, stirring over ice chills and dilutes it while keeping the drink silky and crystal clear; shaking would cloud it with air bubbles.
What glass is a Tuxedo served in?
A Tuxedo is served up in a chilled coupe glass, without ice. The stemmed glass keeps hands off the bowl so the drink stays cold, and it suits this martini-style aperitif.
What is a Tuxedo No. 2?
The Tuxedo No. 2 is the most common modern form of the Tuxedo, combining Old Tom gin and dry vermouth with maraschino, a touch of absinthe, and orange bitters. It is the version most bars serve when you order a Tuxedo today.
