Tuxedo Perfect
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 24.8% ABV ∙
The Tuxedo Perfect is a spirit-forward Martini-family classic built on Old Tom gin with dry and bianco vermouth, maraschino, and an absinthe accent, stirred up. Dry and layered, juniper and nutty sherry over a touch of cherry sweetness and a faint anise lift on a crisp finish — a poised pre-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 20 mlBianco vermouth 15 mlFino sherry 10 mlMaraschino liqueur 5 mlAbsinthe 1 dashAngostura aromatic bitters 1 dashOrange bitters 1 dash
- Strain into the chilled glass
- Express an orange twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Stir over ice for about 30 seconds; this is a spirit-forward build that needs chilling and dilution, not aeration.
- Absinthe and the two bitters are dashes only — measure sparingly so the anise accents rather than dominates the gin.
History
The Tuxedo dates to the 1880s and is a close relative of the Martini. It is named after the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, a planned community in Orange County, New York, where it was first mixed; the club also gave its name to the style of menswear that emerged there around the same period. The place name itself derives from the Lenape word tucseto.
Numerous versions have appeared since, and the drink most commonly served today is the Tuxedo No. 2. Cocktail historian David Wondrich has written about the drink, and it now sits among the International Bartenders Association's official recipes. Early formulas centered on gin, dry vermouth, maraschino, absinthe, and orange bitters.
FAQ
How do you make a Tuxedo cocktail?
Stir Old Tom gin, dry vermouth, bianco vermouth, and fino sherry with maraschino liqueur, plus a dash each of absinthe and Angostura bitters, over ice, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with an orange twist. An optional dash of orange bitters rounds it out.
What is a Tuxedo No. 2?
The Tuxedo No. 2 is the most common modern version of the Tuxedo, built on gin with dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and orange bitters, stirred and served up. It is the form recognized among the International Bartenders Association's official cocktails.
Is a Tuxedo cocktail shaken or stirred?
Stirred. It is a spirit-forward, Martini-style drink with no juice or egg, so stirring over ice keeps it clear and silky. Shaking would cloud and over-aerate it, dulling the crisp texture the drink relies on.
What glass is a Tuxedo served in?
A chilled coupe glass, served up without ice. Straining the drink into a pre-chilled coupe keeps it cold in the absence of ice and shows off its clarity, with an orange twist as garnish.
