This classic cocktail originated in the early 20th century and is a combination of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur for a unique blend of varied flavors. Rich yet smooth, this timeless beverage is perfect for any occasion!
Brooklyn, a Cocktail
The Brooklyn cocktail is a classic and sophisticated drink, known for its well-balanced combination of flavors and its origins in the early 20th century. It is often regarded as a close cousin to the Manhattan cocktail but stands out with its own distinct character.
The Brooklyn cocktail features rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon, a French bitter orange liqueur that can be challenging to find. In modern variations, it is common to use a different bitter orange liqueur or a combination of bitters and orange liqueur as a substitute.
The history of the Brooklyn cocktail dates back to the early 1900s, when it first appeared in J.A. Grohusko’s “Jack’s Manual” in 1908. The cocktail’s name is a tribute to the New York City borough of Brooklyn, and it is part of a family of cocktails named after the various boroughs, including the Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens cocktails.
Throughout the years, the Brooklyn cocktail has experienced periods of obscurity and resurgence, but it has remained a classic in the cocktail world.
The elegant and refined flavor profile of the Brooklyn cocktail, with its base of rye whiskey and its intriguing mix of dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitter orange notes, makes it a sophisticated and enjoyable choice for discerning drinkers seeking a timeless and historic beverage.
Brooklyn Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
- 3 dashes of angostura bitters
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Angostura Bitters to the glass.
- Stir until chilled and well blended (about 20 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist or cherry, if desired
Notes
Glassware
The typical glassware used for cocktails in Brooklyn is likely to include martini glasses, rocks glasses, highball glasses and coupes. Martini glasses are typically used for martinis and other stirred drinks; rocks glasses are generally best suited for drinks served on the rocks (with ice); highballs can be used for all sorts of mixed drinks that combine spirits with soda or juice; and coupes provide an elegant vessel for champagne-based cocktails.
Flavors
The flavor profile of the Brooklyn cocktail is a delightful balance of bold, sweet, dry, and bitter elements that come together harmoniously. The rye whiskey serves as the foundation of the drink, providing a strong and robust backbone with its characteristic spiciness and warmth. The dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal and wine-like quality, while also enhancing the drink’s overall dryness.
The maraschino liqueur contributes a delicate touch of sweetness and a unique, fruity cherry note, which adds depth and complexity to the cocktail. Lastly, the Amer Picon or its modern substitutes bring a bitter orange dimension to the drink, balancing the sweetness and adding a slightly bitter and citrusy finish.
Overall, the Brooklyn cocktail offers a refined and intricate flavor experience, with each component complementing the others and creating a sophisticated, well-rounded, and memorable taste sensation.
3 tips for Making Your Brooklyn
- When using rye whiskey, try to find one that has a high proof and is aged for at least two years for the best flavor.
- For dry vermouth, go for one that is light-bodied with notes of herbs and spices so it will not overpower the other flavors in the cocktail.
- Maraschino liqueur can be sweet or dry depending on your preference; look for one made from marasca cherries as this will provide a unique flavor profile in the drink.
