Tuxedo Cocktail Recipe

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Tuxedo Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:4g

Alcohol:22%

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

History

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

How Tuxedo Tastes?

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.

Interesting facts about Tuxedo

  • 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

Ingredients

A few good options for Tuxedo are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

  • Gin (2oz): The backbone of the cocktail, it brings the botanical flavors that are crucial to the Tuxedo's profile. Too little, and you lose complexity; too much, and it overpowers the other ingredients. Without it, well, you're not really making a Tuxedo.

Mary Mitkina

Dry Vermouth

  • Dry Vermouth (1oz): Adds herbal notes and a touch of bitterness that complements the gin. A different ratio would change the dryness of the cocktail, tilting it more towards the gin or the vermouth.

Alex Green

Maraschino Liqueur

  • Maraschino Liqueur (0.25oz): A subtle hint of sweetness to balance the dryness, without it, you might find the cocktail a bit too sharp. More and it could be cloying; less and you might not taste it at all.

Emma Rose

Orange Bitters

  • Orange Bitters (2 dashes): A dash of complexity, it brings a citrusy depth. Leave it out, and the drink flattens; too much can introduce an unwanted bitter edge.

Mary Mitkina

Absinthe

  • Absinthe (1 dash): The wildcard—intense and anise-flavored, it needs to be used sparingly. It gives the Tuxedo its signature whisper of intrigue. Too much can overpower the drink; too little, and you miss out on its unique character.

Alex Green

Lemon Twist

  • Lemon Twist (1): The aromatic oils add a fresh, zesty nose to the drink. Without this, you lose a layer of sensory delight.

Emma Rose

Garnish

  • Cherry (1): The garnish is the finishing touch, adding a touch of color and a hint of sweetness if you choose to indulge in the end.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Tuxedo Drink

  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

Pro Tips

  • 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

Perfect Pairings

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.

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What you could change in Tuxedo

  • 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

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

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.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tuxedo

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 strain

Insert 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 stir

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Tuxedo

What does 'express the lemon twist' mean in the recipe?

Expressing the lemon twist refers to the process of squeezing or twisting a slice or peel of lemon over the cocktail to release its oils. This can enhance the aroma and flavor of the drink.

Is the Tuxedo cocktail related to the tuxedo suit?

No, there is no direct connection between the Tuxedo cocktail and the tuxedo suit. The cocktail was named after the Tuxedo Club in New York where it was first created.

Why is there a difference between a stirred and a shaken cocktail?

Stirring is a more gentle technique that retains the clarity and smoothness of the drink. Shaking, on the other hand, helps to mix ingredients more thoroughly and can introduce small ice chips, which can add texture. However, shaking can sometimes make the drink cloudy.

Is Absinthe legal to use and sell?

Yes, Absinthe is legal in most countries nowadays, including the USA and most of Europe, despite a widely-held belief to the contrary.

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