📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 22%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 4g
Prep time 5 minutes
Imagine finding the perfect suit—timeless, elegant, and with just the right fit. That’s the Tuxedo cocktail for your taste buds. It’s a classy mix that comes with a hint of citrus and a dash of sophistication, carrying with it stories, flavors, and a certain flair that we’ll explore together. Dive in with us on this flavorful journey. ⬇️
History
The Tuxedo is a vintage cocktail that has been around since the 1880s. It’s named after the Tuxedo Park Club in New York, where it was first mixed, and it quickly became a symbol of refinement and high society.
- The Tuxedo Park Club was a swanky gathering place for the elite, setting the perfect stage for this cocktail’s debut.
- Its association with formal wear likely influenced the naming of the Tuxedo cocktail.
- Not just a drink, the Tuxedo is a nod to a bygone era of American cocktail culture.
The taste of a Tuxedo?
Sipping on a Tuxedo is like a refreshing stroll through a citrus grove with a sophisticated twist. It’s a balanced blend of dry, with a whisper of sweetness and a herbal touch from the gin and vermouth.
I find the Tuxedo utterly delightful because it strikes a perfect balance between strong and zesty, making it just right for any classy occasion.
Interesting facts about Tuxedo
- The Tuxedo is sometimes referred to as a variation of the Martini due to its similar ingredient profile.
- A key ingredient, maraschino liqueur, adds a subtle cherry note that distinguishes the Tuxedo from other classic cocktails.
- There’s an intriguing debate among mixologists about whether the Tuxedo should include a dash of absinthe or not.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
- Dry Vermouth: 1 oz (30ml)
- Maraschino Liqueur: ¼ oz (7.5ml)
- Absinthe: 1 dash
- Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
- Lemon Twist: For garnish
A chilled martini glass is the quintessential vessel for a Tuxedo, enhancing the sophistication and ensuring the drink stays cool. Alternatively, a coupe glass could also cradle this elegant concoction beautifully, adding a vintage charm to the presentation.
Recipe. How to make Tuxedo
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the gin, 2 oz.
- Pour in the dry vermouth, 1 oz, and the maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz.
- Add a dash of absinthe and orange bitters, 2 dashes.
- Stir the concoction until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
When considering the Tuxedo, it’s worth noting that while it’s not overly sweet, it does contain alcohol and liqueur, which have calories. For a lighter twist, you could swap in a dash of natural maraschino cherry juice and skip the liqueur altogether.
Food Pairings
The right food can turn a Tuxedo from a mere drink into a symphony of flavors. Here are some pairing suggestions that will elevate your cocktail experience to new heights.
Oysters
The briny freshness of oysters complements the Tuxedo’s dry profile, making each sip and bite a celebration of the sea and sophistication.
Almonds
Salted almonds bring out the nutty notes in the Tuxedo, while their crunch offers a delightful contrast to the smooth sip.
Dark Chocolate
Indulge in the bitter-sweet dance of dark chocolate with a Tuxedo for a luxurious end to a meal or a posh nightcap.
I enjoy the Tuxedo’s classic charm—the crisp gin and aromatic vermouth create a timeless cocktail that always feels like a special occasion.
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Bartender Advice
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the Tuxedo impeccably cold.
- Use a premium dry gin to ensure the smoothness of the drink is uncompromised.
- A precise stir, rather than shaking, will maintain the cocktail’s clarity and texture.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Tuxedo, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Tuxedo
- Maraschino Liqueur: Try a cherry brandy for a deeper, fruitier flavor.
- Orange Bitters: Experiment with different bitters to find your preferred level of complexity.
- Garnish: A green olive can offer an interesting savory twist to the Tuxedo.
Tuxedo Variations
Midnight Blue Tuxedo
- Ingredients: Blue curaçao replaces maraschino liqueur.
- Recipe: Follow the classic recipe, substituting with blue curaçao for a vibrant twist.
Smoky Tuxedo
- Ingredients: Add a splash of Scotch for a hint of smoke.
- Recipe: Stir in Scotch with the other ingredients and garnish with an orange twist.
Green Tuxedo
- Ingredients: Green Chartreuse instead of absinthe.
- Recipe: Use Green Chartreuse for a herbaceous kick, following the standard Tuxedo recipe.
For those who prefer to skip the alcohol, a Virgin Tuxedo is a refreshing alternative. Mix chilled tonic water with a few dashes of orange bitters and garnish with a lemon twist for a non-alcoholic take on the classic.
Q&A
Can I make a Tuxedo without gin?
Absolutely, you can substitute gin with vodka if you prefer a milder taste.
Is the Tuxedo cocktail strong?
Yes, it’s a spirit-forward drink, but the vermouth and liqueur smooth out the edges.
How can I make my Tuxedo less dry?
You can adjust the vermouth ratio or add a touch of simple syrup for sweetness.
What’s the best gin for a Tuxedo?
A high-quality dry gin with a botanical profile complements the Tuxedo best.
Can I serve a Tuxedo on the rocks?
While traditionally served up, you can serve it on the rocks for a more leisurely sipping experience.
What’s the difference between a Tuxedo and a Martini?
The Tuxedo has maraschino liqueur and sometimes absinthe, which add distinctive flavors absent in a classic Martini.
