Turf Club
A sophisticated gin cocktail that bridges the gap between the sweeter Martinez and the drier Martini, featuring complex aromatics from maraschino liqueur and absinthe.
35%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Turf Club first appeared in George Winter's 1884 "How to Mix Drinks—Bar-Keeper's Handbook," though this early version more closely resembled a Martinez. The definitive recipe came from Harry Johnson's 1900 "New and Improved Bartenders' Manual," featuring Plymouth gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and orange bitters. Named likely after New York's exclusive Turf Club, it represented the sophisticated drinking culture of the Gilded Age and served as a crucial evolutionary step between the sweeter gin cocktails of the 19th century and the streamlined Martini of the 20th.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling with ice and water, or place in freezer for 15+ minutes
In a mixing glass, add dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and orange bitters
Add Plymouth gin and fill three-quarters full with large, cold ice cubes
Stir briskly with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until exterior is frosty
Strain through a julep or Hawthorne strainer into the pre-chilled coupe
Express oils from a lemon peel over the drink by twisting sharply, then drop into glass
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe
Garnish
Express oils and drop in glass
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-quality, large ice cubes for proper chilling and minimal dilution
Express the lemon twist oils directly over the drink's surface for maximum aroma
Store vermouth in the refrigerator after opening and use within a month
A light hand with maraschino and absinthe is crucial - they are powerful modifiers
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Turf Club.
The Wet Turf Club
Equal parts gin and vermouth for a more wine-forward drink
Changes
The Dry Turf Club
Higher gin to vermouth ratio (3:1) for a drier profile
Changes
Historical (1884)
Original recipe using Old Tom gin and sweet vermouth
Changes
London Dry Version
Uses London Dry gin for a crisper, more juniper-forward profile
Changes
Absinthe Rinse
Rinses glass with absinthe instead of adding directly to mixing glass
Changes
More to Explore
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Tuxedo No. 2
A sophisticated Martini variation featuring subtle complexity from maraschino liqueur and an absinthe rinse, representing the elegant cocktail culture of the Gilded Age.
Marguerite
A pivotal moment in cocktail history, representing the crucial evolutionary link between the sweeter gin cocktails of the 19th century and the iconically dry Martini of the 20th.
Tuxedo
A late-19th-century martini offshoot with dry vermouth, a touch of maraschino, and aromatic absinthe and bitters.