First Word
The First Word cocktail offers a harmonious blend of botanical, herbal, and citrus notes. It's a complex yet refreshing drink with a sweet undertone from the beer simple syrup, balanced by the tartness of lime juice.
Red Hook Cocktail Recipe
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Red Hook Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol:28%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Red Hook cocktail was created in 2003 by Vincenzo Errico at Milk & Honey in New York City. It is named after the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn and is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail. The Red Hook gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders alike, and is now a staple in many craft cocktail bars around the world.
- Inspired by the Manhattan
- Created in New York City
- Popular among craft cocktail enthusiasts
How Red Hook Tastes?
The Red Hook cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture with a hint of spice from the rye whiskey, and a pleasant bitterness from the Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur.
Interesting facts about Red Hook
- The Red Hook is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail
- It was created in 2003 by Vincenzo Errico
- The cocktail is named after the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
- Punt e mes: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Maraschino liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Brandied cherry: 1 (for garnish)
Rye Whiskey
At 2 ounces, rye whiskey is the backbone of a Red Hook cocktail, offering a spicy kick that harmonizes with the sweeter and herbal components. Less whiskey would fail to give the necessary punch, whereas more might overpower the subtle nuances.
Mary Mitkina
Punt e Mes
Half an ounce of this sweet yet bitter vermouth balances the spice of the rye. It acts as a bridge between the punchy whiskey and the sweet liqueur. Without Punt e Mes, you'd have a less complex cocktail.
Emma Rose
Maraschino Liqueur
Provides half an ounce of sweet cherry flavor to soften and add depth. Maraschino also imparts a slight nutty note. No maraschino would make for a drier and sharper drink that might be unbalanced.
Alex Green
Angostura Bitters
Two dashes might seem tiny, but these bitters are potent. They bring a depth of spice and aromatic botanicals. Bitters are like the salt and pepper of cocktails, accentuating flavors.
Mary Mitkina
Brandied Cherry
One cherry doesn't just make for an eye-catching garnish. It also offers a sweet, boozy bite that caps off the drink's experience. A cocktail without garnish might seem naked—presentation matters!
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Red Hook Drink
- Fill a mixing glass with ice
- Add 2 oz rye whiskey
- Add 0.5 oz Punt e Mes
- Add 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Stir the mixture until well chilled
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a brandied cherry
Pro Tips
Use *high-quality rye whiskey for the best flavor Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail *cold longer Stir the cocktail *gently to avoid diluting it too much
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Charcuterie boards: The savory flavors of cured meats pair exquisitely with Red Hook's robust whiskey base.
- Dark Chocolate: The sweet and bitter elements highlight the maraschino liqueur's cherry notes.
Main Courses
- Grilled Steak: The smokey flavor of the steak complements the spiciness of rye whiskey.
- Roasted Duck: An ideal match for the cocktail's balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Desserts
- Cheesecake: A classic New York cheesecake will harmonize with the Red Hook's rich and velvety finish.
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What you could change in Red Hook
*You can substitute Punt e Mes with any other sweet vermouth *If you don't have maraschino liqueur, you can use Luxardo cherry syrup instead *You can use bourbon instead of rye whiskey if you prefer a sweeter cocktail
Explore all drinks starting with R here
And of course - twists🍹
Honey Hook
- Replace Maraschino liqueur with honey syrup for a smoother, sweeter twist.
- The taste becomes more comforting, with a warm, velvety feel.
- Perfect for those who find the original a tad too sharp.
Maple Hook
- Swap out the rye whiskey for bourbon and add a splash of maple syrup.
- Creates a richer, more caramel-like profile that's perfect for autumn evenings.
- A touch of maple can make the drink feel more indulgent and cozy.
Smoky Hook
- Add a bar spoon of peated Scotch to introduce a smoky dimension.
- This twist is for those who love a little edge and complexity in their cocktails.
- The smokiness can add a mysterious, almost enigmatic quality to each sip.
In case you forgot basics how to make Red Hook
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Red Hook
What is the best type of glass to serve the Red Hook cocktail in?
The Red Hook cocktail is best served in a coupe glass. It's a stemmed glass with a wide bowl that's designed to showcase the cocktail's color and garnish.
What is the origin of the name 'Red Hook'?
The cocktail is named after the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. However, it was actually created in a bar in Manhattan.
Who originally created the Red Hook cocktail?
The Red Hook cocktail was created by Vincenzo Errico, a bartender at the famed Milk & Honey in New York City.
What makes the Red Hook cocktail stand out from other whiskey-based cocktails?
Its distinctive taste profile featuring a balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors sets it apart. The choice of high-quality rye whiskey, Punt e Mes, and maraschino liqueur helps to create this unique flavor profile.
Is the Red Hook cocktail suitable for all seasons?
Yes, the Red Hook cocktail can be enjoyed year-round. However, with its rich and velvety texture, some might find it particularly comforting during the colder months.
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