There’s something effortlessly elegant about the Tuxedo cocktail. It’s crisp, refined, and just the right amount of complex-like a well-cut suit, but for your taste buds. This cocktail has been my go-to for quiet evenings or when I want to impress guests without going over the top. With a smooth mix of gin, dry vermouth, and a hint of maraschino liqueur, the Tuxedo is the kind of drink that makes any night feel a bit more special.
Tuxedo
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Chilled martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) dry gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) dry vermouth
– ¼ oz (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur
– 1 dash absinthe (optional but adds depth)
– 2 dashes orange bitters
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Equipment
– Mixing glass
– Bar spoon
– Strainer
– Jigger or measuring tool
– Chilled martini or coupe glass
Method
- Start by chilling your glass-just pop it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep.
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour in the gin, dry vermouth, and maraschino liqueur.
- Add a dash of absinthe (if using) and 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds, or until the drink is nicely chilled and smooth. You want to stir, not shake, to keep the drink crystal clear.
- Dump the ice from your glass if you were chilling it that way, then strain the cocktail in.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, squeezing it over the glass to release the oils before dropping it in.
Tips & Tricks
– I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip: use a gin with a clean, botanical flavor. London dry styles work beautifully here.
– Don’t over-stir. You want it cold but not watered down.
– If you don’t have maraschino liqueur, you can try a splash of cherry brandy for a richer cherry flavor.
– No absinthe? Skip it or use a tiny bit of pastis or a rinse of anise-flavored liqueur.
– The lemon twist isn’t just for looks-it adds a bright aroma that ties everything together.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the gin, vermouth, and maraschino liqueur in a sealed bottle and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Just add the bitters and absinthe (if using) when you’re ready to stir and serve.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh, but if you batch it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Stir with fresh ice before serving.
What It Tastes Like
The Tuxedo lands somewhere between a dry Martini and something a little more playful. It’s herbal, crisp, and just slightly sweet with a whisper of cherry and citrus. The absinthe adds a faint licorice note that deepens the flavor without overpowering it.
Food Pairings
Pairing the Tuxedo with the right bite can really make the whole experience shine.
Oysters
Their briny freshness pairs perfectly with the dry, botanical notes of the drink.
Salted Almonds
Simple, crunchy, and salty-these bring out the subtle nutty and cherry notes.
Dark Chocolate
A small square of dark chocolate makes for a luxurious, slightly bitter contrast to the cocktail’s smoothness.
Recipe Variations
Sometimes I like to play around with the ingredients, depending on what’s in my bar cart.
Midnight Blue Tuxedo
– Swap maraschino liqueur with blue curaçao for a colorful twist.
– Garnish with a lemon twist or an orange peel for contrast.
Smoky Tuxedo
– Add a splash (about ¼ oz / 7 ml) of smoky Scotch whisky.
– Stir it in with the rest and garnish with an orange twist.
Green Tuxedo
– Replace absinthe with Green Chartreuse for a bold, herbal kick.
– Great if you like a more intense, layered flavor.
Virgin Tuxedo (Non-Alcoholic)
– Use chilled tonic water with a few dashes of orange bitters.
– Serve in a coupe with a lemon twist for a grown-up, booze-free option.
Common Questions
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Yes, if you want something smoother and less botanical. It’s a bit more neutral but still tasty.
Is the Tuxedo a strong cocktail?
It’s definitely spirit-forward, but the vermouth and maraschino soften the edges. It’s strong, but balanced.
How do I make it a little sweeter?
Add a touch (¼ tsp) of simple syrup or increase the maraschino slightly.
What’s the best gin for this?
Go with a high-quality dry gin-something with a clean, crisp profile. Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Plymouth all work well.
Can I serve it over ice?
Traditionally it’s served “up” (no ice), but if you prefer it chilled longer, go ahead and serve it on the rocks.
What’s the difference between this and a Martini?
The Tuxedo uses maraschino liqueur and sometimes absinthe, which give it a unique flavor that sets it apart from the cleaner, more straightforward Martini.
Final Thoughts
The Tuxedo is a cocktail with history, elegance, and just enough personality to keep things interesting. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or sipping solo, it never fails to make the moment feel a bit more polished. Try pairing it with oysters or dark chocolate, and don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to suit your style. Cheers to classic cocktails done right.
