Tuxedo
Dry late-Victorian elegance.
A close relative of the Martini: Old Tom gin and dry vermouth in equal parts, lifted by maraschino, a whisper of absinthe and orange bitters. Dry and aromatic, it carries the polish of the great pre-Prohibition classics.
- IBA · The Unforgettables
- Aperitif
- Stirred
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
- Method
- Stirred
- Strength
- Strong
- Time
- 3 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Ice
- No ice
Ingredients
Measures for 1 serving
-
Old Tom gin
30 ml
-
Dry vermouth
30 ml
-
Maraschino liqueur
½ barspoon
-
Absinthe
¼ barspoon
-
Orange bitters
3 dashes
Garnish
- Maraschino cherry
- Lemon twist
Proportions
How to make
- Chill a cocktail glass.
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour the Old Tom gin.
- Add the dry vermouth.
- Add half a barspoon of maraschino.
- Add a quarter barspoon of absinthe.
- Add three dashes of orange bitters.
- Stir well.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cherry and a lemon zest.
The story
Origins
ProbableA plausible account, without definitive proof.
The Tuxedo takes its name from the Tuxedo Club, the exclusive club founded in 1886 in Tuxedo Park, New York, where tradition says it was first served; the evening jacket also takes its name from the same circle. Other accounts link it to New York's Waldorf-Astoria, frequented by club members. The earliest known printed recipe appears in the 1900 edition of Harry Johnson's Bartenders' Manual: Old Tom gin and French vermouth in equal parts with maraschino, absinthe and bitters. Similar recipes follow in Jack's Bar Manual (1910) and the Hoffman House Bartender's Guide (1912), while the Savoy Cocktail Book records several numbered versions.
Taste profile
- Strong
- 4 out of 5
- Dry
- 4 out of 5
- Herbal
- 3 out of 5
- Sweet
- 1 out of 5