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.
35%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Tuxedo cocktail likely originated at the exclusive Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, New York, founded in 1886 as an enclave for the wealthy elite. The first printed recipe appeared in Harry Johnson's 1900 "New and Improved Bartender's Manual," calling for Old Tom gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and orange bitters. The "No. 2" designation was popularized by Harry Craddock in his 1930 "Savoy Cocktail Book," cementing its place in cocktail history as a sophisticated symbol of Gilded Age refinement.”
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
Pour a small amount of absinthe into the chilled glass and swirl to coat the entire inner surface
Discard the excess absinthe
In a mixing glass filled with high-quality ice, combine gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters
Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until perfectly chilled and the exterior is well-frosted
Strain the cocktail into the absinthe-rinsed glass
Express oils from a lemon peel over the surface, then place in glass
Drop a single high-quality brandied cherry into the bottom of the glass
Glassware
Served up in a chilled, absinthe-rinsed coupe
Garnish
Express oils and place in glass
Drop into 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 just enough absinthe to coat the glass - too much will overpower the delicate balance
High-quality brandied cherries are essential for the complete flavor experience
Express lemon oils directly over the drink's surface to maximize aromatic impact
Store vermouth refrigerated and use within a few weeks of opening for best flavor
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Tuxedo No. 2.
The 50/50
Equal parts gin and vermouth for a more wine-forward profile
Changes
Increased Maraschino
More cherry-forward with ½ oz maraschino liqueur
Changes
Absinthe Dash
Adds absinthe directly to mixing glass instead of rinse
Changes
Historical Original
Uses Old Tom gin as in Harry Johnson's 1900 recipe
Changes
London Dry Style
Uses London Dry gin for a crisper, more juniper-forward character
Changes
Blanc Vermouth Version
Uses blanc vermouth for a slightly sweeter, more floral profile
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Turf Club
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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.