Remember the Maine
Remember the Maine combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur in an absinthe-rinsed coupe for a rich, aromatic drink.
Built to the standard modern spec; not yet tested in our kitchen. How we test.
The recipe.
Scaling adjusts quantities only. Prepare shaken drinks in individual portions.
Let’s make a good drink.
Chill a coupe before measuring the ingredients.
Swirl the absinthe inside the coupe to coat it, then discard the excess.
Stir the rye, vermouth and cherry liqueur with ice until cold.
Strain into the rinsed coupe and express the lemon twist over the surface.
A thoughtful finish
- Drain the rinse thoroughly; a puddle of absinthe can overwhelm the cherry.
- Keep vermouth refrigerated after opening and check its aroma before pouring.
- Use a sweet cherry liqueur; clear cherry eau-de-vie will not supply the same sweetness.
Common mistakes
- Adding the rinse to the mixing glass changes the intended balance.
- Confusing maraschino liqueur with cherry brandy produces a different flavor.
- Skipping chilling leaves a drink served without ice warming quickly.
A few good questions.
Is cherry brandy the same as kirsch?
No. This recipe calls for sweet cherry liqueur, while kirsch is an unsweetened cherry spirit.
Can I make it without absinthe?
Yes, but it becomes a serving adaptation without the anise aroma of the published version.
Should I shake Remember the Maine?
Stir it. There is no citrus juice to emulsify, and stirring keeps the texture clear.
Is the absinthe rinse optional?
It defines this version. Most of the measured rinse is discarded, leaving a coating in the glass.
Variations
- Without the rinse — serving adaptation — Omit the rinse if anise is unwelcome; identify this as an adaptation.
- On ice — serving adaptation — Serve the mixed drink over fresh ice in a rocks glass; expect further dilution as you sip.
Where it comes from
Remember the Maine combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur in an absinthe-rinsed coupe for a rich, aromatic drink.
Sources
- International Bartenders Association — Remember the Maine (reference) link
Strength. About 2.18 US standard drinks at an estimated 30.7% ABV, estimated from the ingredients and technique, not measured. What that means.
A little character in every sip.
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