Tuxedo
The Tuxedo combines Old Tom gin and dry vermouth with small measures of maraschino, absinthe and orange bitters for an aromatic stirred 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 and prepare the cherry and lemon twist.
Add the gin, vermouth, maraschino, absinthe and bitters to a mixing glass.
Fill with ice and stir until the mixture is cold.
Strain into the coupe, express the lemon twist and add the garnishes.
A thoughtful finish
- Use the same barspoon for both small measures to keep their proportions consistent.
- Drain the cherry so its packing syrup does not sweeten the cocktail.
- Dry vermouth is a major ingredient here; a fresh bottle matters.
Common mistakes
- Treating a quarter barspoon of absinthe as a full spoon can overpower the drink.
- Using sweet vermouth changes the intended style.
- Pouring cherry syrup into the coupe adds sweetness outside the measured recipe.
A few good questions.
What gin does a Tuxedo use?
This IBA version calls for Old Tom gin.
Is this the same as every Tuxedo No. 2 recipe?
No. Tuxedo names and formulas vary across references; follow the cited ingredient list rather than assuming they are interchangeable.
Can I replace maraschino with cherry brandy?
That makes a different adaptation. Maraschino has its own flavor and is used sparingly here.
How do I measure a quarter barspoon?
Use a consistently sized barspoon and fill it to roughly one quarter; avoid substituting a tablespoon.
Variations
- London dry gin — ingredient adaptation — Use London dry gin in place of Old Tom for a different gin profile; keep the original record identified separately.
- Without cherry — garnish adaptation — Keep the lemon twist and omit the cherry if preferred; the liquid recipe stays the same.
Where it comes from
The Tuxedo combines Old Tom gin and dry vermouth with small measures of maraschino, absinthe and orange bitters for an aromatic stirred drink.
Sources
- International Bartenders Association — Tuxedo (reference) link
Strength. About 1.15 US standard drinks at an estimated 25.6% ABV, estimated from the ingredients and technique, not measured. What that means.
A little character in every sip.
A keeper?
Save this drink for your next cocktail hour.
Saved in this browser.The next great drink
might already be on your shelf.
Choose your bottles and mixers. Discover what you can make.