Tuxedo Cocktail Recipe

The Tuxedo cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. It is named after the Tuxedo Club in New York, where it was first created. The cocktail is a sophisticated and elegant drink, often enjoyed by those who appreciate the finer things in life.

• The Tuxedo Club was a popular gathering place for high society in the late 1800s and early 1900s
• The cocktail is said to have been a favorite of famous American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Tuxedo has undergone several variations over the years, but the classic recipe remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts

The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.

• The Tuxedo is sometimes referred to as a 'martini with a twist' due to its similarities with the classic martini
• The cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass, often garnished with a lemon twist or cherry
• The Tuxedo has inspired several variations, including the Tuxedo No. 2, which swaps the dry vermouth for sweet vermouth and adds a dash of maraschino liqueur

1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside
2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and absinthe
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well to chill and dilute the cocktail
4. Discard the ice and water from the chilled cocktail glass
5. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass
6. Express the lemon twist over the cocktail and drop it into the glass
7. Garnish with a cherry, either skewered and balanced on the rim of the glass or dropped into the cocktail

• Chill your glassware in advance for a colder, more refreshing cocktail
• Use a high-quality gin for a smoother, more flavorful drink
• Don't skimp on the absinthe; it adds a unique flavor that really makes the cocktail

Seafood

• Specifically shellfish like shrimp or oysters, their briny flavor complements the botanicals in the gin.

Cheese Plates

• Opt for mild creamy cheeses, which will not overwhelm the delicate balance of the Tuxedo.

Savory Canapés

• Think smoked salmon on rye or cucumber sandwiches to align with the botanical notes of the cocktail.

Lighter Fare

• Arugula salads with a citrus dressing could be a refreshing companion to the Tuxedo's profile.

• Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less botanical flavor
• Dry Vermouth: Can be substituted with sweet vermouth for a sweeter cocktail
• Maraschino Liqueur: Can be substituted with cherry brandy or cherry liqueur

Tuxedo with a Sparkling Twist

• Add 1oz of chilled Champagne to the mix after all other ingredients have been stirred and strained. This will give the cocktail a celebratory fizz and a slightly lighter taste.

Green Tuxedo

• Swap out gin for a good quality green Chartreuse. You'll get a Tuxedo that's more herbal, sweet, and with a slightly higher alcohol content.

Smoky Tuxedo

• Add a rinse of peated Scotch to the chilled glass before adding the cocktail. This adds a smoky layer, and a rich depth to your Tuxedo, making it perfect for a winter evening.