Dive into the Sophistication: Unveiling the Tuxedo #2 Cocktail Recipe & History

June 22. 2023

The exact origins of the Tuxedo #2 are somewhat hazy, but it is believed to have emerged around the 1910s. The cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era when the demand for creative libations was at its peak. It was a time when bartenders strived to develop sophisticated cocktails that masked the taste of inferior-quality spirits.

The Tuxedo #2 cocktail features a blend of gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and absinthe. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and aromatic drink with a hint of herbal and floral notes. The cocktail is typically stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, often garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry.

While the Tuxedo #2 has endured through the years, it fell out of the spotlight for some time before experiencing a revival in the modern craft cocktail movement. Its comeback can be attributed to bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts seeking out classic recipes and putting their own unique spins on them.

TUXEDO #2 RECIPE:

2oz Dry Gin

.75oz Dry Vermouth

.25 Maraschino Liqueur

Absinthe Rinse

2 Dashes Orange Bitters

(I prefer a Plymouth Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, & Luxardo Maraschino For This Cocktail)

To prepare a refreshing Tuxedo #2 cocktail, start by chilling a coupe or Nick & Nora glass with ice. Then pour a splash of absinthe over the ice, allowing it to coat the glass.

Next, grab a stirring cylinder or a pint glass and combine gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a couple of dashes of orange bitters. Stir the mixture gently for about 30-40 seconds. Take a moment to do a taste test, adjusting the stirring time if needed. If the gin feels a bit too potent, continue stirring until it reaches the desired balance on your palate.

Now, it's time to prepare the glass. Discard the ice and absinthe that were used for chilling. Strain the stirred concoction into the glass, allowing its alluring blend of flavors to flow in. To add a final touch, garnish your cocktail with a cherry, and enjoy!