Tuxedo
A pre-Prohibition Martini offshoot that adds maraschino and an absinthe accent to dry gin and vermouth. Crisp, aromatic, and faintly nutty-sweet, it’s a poised apertitif with a dapper finish.
History of Tuxedo
The Tuxedo emerged in the late 19th century, when hotel bars and private clubs were codifying Martini styles. References to both Tuxedo No. 1 and No. 2 appear in early guides, with recipes shifting in ratios and accents from bar to bar. Its exact birthplace is hazy, though New York hotel bars are frequently cited. Two principal versions survive. The No. 1 leans on gin and dry sherry with orange bitters, while the No. 2, the version here, uses dry vermouth with a touch of maraschino and an absinthe perfume. Both are clear, bracing, and built for aperitif service. The drink’s persistence owes to its elegant tweaks rather than reinvention. By gently layering perfume and faint sweetness over a dry frame, the Tuxedo shows how small modifications can give the Martini template new dimension without losing its backbone.
Why the Tuxedo Works
Dry gin and vermouth form a crisp, herbal frame, while a barspoon of maraschino adds almond-cherry nuance without making the drink sugary. An absinthe rinse lifts the nose with anise and herbs, sharpening the perception of dryness. The balance hinges on restraint. Too much maraschino flattens the gin, while too little leaves the drink austere. A measured dash or two of orange bitters rounds the edges and ties citrus oils to the finish. Gentle stirring on abundant ice produces a clear, polished texture and the right chill. The absinthe is best used as a rinse or tiny measure, so it scents the glass rather than dominates the palate.
Should You Mix Ahead?
The Tuxedo pre-batches well for parties. Combine gin, vermouth, maraschino, and orange bitters in a bottle, omitting the absinthe, water, and garnish. Store chilled and add the absinthe rinse per glass just before serving. For a ready-to-pour version, add 15–20% filtered water to the batch to account for dilution. Keep the bottle in the freezer for ideal service temperature. Shake the bottle gently before pouring to redistribute any separated oils. Use the batch within a week for best freshness, as vermouth’s aromatics fade. Keep vermouth-based batches in the fridge at all times. Garnish each drink to order with a fresh lemon twist and optional cherry.
Food & Snack Pairings
Serve with briny olives, almonds, or anchovy toasts to amplify its aperitif character. The slight cherry-almond note from maraschino plays nicely with roasted nuts and cured meats. Crisp salted crackers or Parmesan shards work well too. Light seafood such as oysters, prawns, or smoked trout flatbreads complement the drink’s clean texture. Avoid heavy sauces that could smother its delicate aromatics. A simple citrus-dressed salad is an elegant pairing. For a snacky spread, add pickled vegetables and thinly sliced radishes with butter and salt. The anise perfume from the absinthe stands up to herbal tapenades. Keep flavours bright and saline rather than rich and sweet.
How to Make Tuxedo
Chill a coupe thoroughly and prepare an absinthe rinse by adding a small measure to the glass, swirling, and discarding the excess. Cold glassware preserves the drink’s edge and clarity. Express a lemon peel and set aside. In a mixing glass, add gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters over plenty of fresh ice. Stir smoothly until the outside of the tin is very cold and the mix tastes balanced and silky. Aim for controlled dilution rather than speed. Strain into the rinsed, chilled coupe. Express the lemon twist over the surface and either discard or garnish; add an optional cocktail cherry for a subtle echo of the maraschino. Serve immediately while the drink is at peak chill.
When to Serve
Best as an early evening aperitif when palates are fresh. It primes appetite without heaviness. The perfume reads beautifully before dinner. Spring and autumn suit its balance of crispness and subtle sweetness. It is also a refined choice for a smart cocktail hour or pre-theatre drink. Small glasses keep it poised and cold. Serve when you might otherwise pour a Dry Martini but want a touch more aroma. It’s excellent for intimate gatherings where guests appreciate classic, precise cocktails. Offer light, salty snacks alongside.
Common Mistakes
Over-pouring maraschino makes the drink sticky and hides the gin. Stick to a scant barspoon and taste a chilled test pour if unsure. You can always add a drop more.
Skipping the absinthe rinse removes the drink’s signature nose. If you dislike absinthe, use the lightest possible rinse rather than omitting it. The goal is perfume, not anise dominance.
Warm glassware and tired ice result in a flat, watery cocktail. Pre-chill the glass and use dense, fresh ice to control dilution. Stir until very cold, not just until combined.
Recommended
Best absinthe for Tuxedo
Absinthe is best used as a rinse to perfume the glass with anise and herbs. A small measure swirled and discarded is enough to sharpen the nose and accentuate dryness.
Best gin for Tuxedo
Choose a dry, juniper-forward style to keep the drink’s backbone firm. Botanical profiles with citrus and subtle spice complement maraschino without becoming perfumy. Avoid gins that are heavily floral, which can clash with the absinthe aroma.
Best vermouth for Tuxedo
Use a fresh, dry vermouth with herbal snap and light salinity. Tired vermouth dulls the drink and can taste papery. Store opened bottles in the fridge and finish within a month.
Best liqueur for Tuxedo
Maraschino liqueur is potent; a barspoon is plenty. Look for a dry, nutty cherry profile rather than confected sweetness. The liqueur should add aroma and length, not turn the drink dessert-like.
Taste Profile
Ingredients
Instructions
Chill and rinse
Chill a coupe. Add the absinthe to the glass, swirl to coat, and discard the excess.
Build in mixing glass
Add dry gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with fresh ice.
Stir to chill
Stir steadily until very cold and slightly viscous, about 20–30 seconds, tasting for balance.
Strain
Strain the cocktail into the absinthe-rinsed, chilled coupe.
Garnish and serve
Express a lemon peel over the surface and garnish with it. Optionally add a cocktail cherry.
Bartender Tips
Keep vermouth fresh
Store opened dry vermouth in the fridge and use within a month for bright, clean aromatics.
Measure the maraschino lightly
A scant 0.25 oz is enough. Over-pouring makes the drink sweet and masks the gin.
Rinse, don’t flood
Use absinthe as a rinse or 1/8 oz at most so it perfumes rather than dominates.
Swap the gin for a juniper-led non-alcoholic spirit and the vermouth for a quality zero-alcohol aperitif wine. Replace maraschino liqueur with a scant barspoon of cherry syrup cut with a drop of almond extract. Rinse the glass with an alcohol-free absinthe alternative or a touch of anise tea, then proceed as usual. Stir over plenty of ice to achieve the chill and texture that define the drink. You will need a firmer hand with bitters; use an extra dash of alcohol-free orange bitters to keep the nose lively. Express a lemon twist generously to restore aromatic lift. Expect a lighter body and shorter finish. Serve in a well-chilled small coupe to maintain temperature. It remains an elegant aperitif that pairs easily with salty nibbles, even without the alcohol.
Similar Drinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gin and vermouth styles work best in a Tuxedo?
Choose a dry, juniper-forward gin so the structure stands up to maraschino and absinthe aromatics. Pair it with a crisp, fresh dry vermouth; keep the bottle refrigerated after opening to preserve brightness. Avoid overly floral gins that can clash with the anise note.
Should I rinse with absinthe or add a measured splash?
A rinse keeps the anise as a top note without pushing the palate. If measuring, 1/8 oz is plenty and should be balanced with a full, cold stir. The goal is lift and complexity, not dominance.
How strong does a Tuxedo feel compared to a Dry Martini?
It drinks slightly softer due to the touch of liqueur and the aromatic distraction of absinthe, but it is still a spirit-forward cocktail. Expect a firm, dry finish with a little almond-cherry length. Serve in a small, chilled glass to keep it precise.
Can I batch Tuxedos for a party, and what should I serve with them?
Yes. Combine the base ingredients in advance, keep chilled, and add an absinthe rinse per glass at service. Offer briny, salty snacks such as olives, almonds, anchovy toasts, and hard cheese to echo the drink’s aperitif character.
Hangover Risk
Risk Level
Hangover risk based on alcohol type, content, and serving size: 3/5. Always drink responsibly.
Recipe Rating
Based on 2 reviews