Tuxedo Cocktail

Dry All Year Round Elegant Pre-Dinner

🥃 Glass type Cocktail glass

⚗️ Method Stirred

⏱ Difficulty Intermediate

🌡 Strength Strong (18-25%)

⚡ Intensity Medium

🍬 Sweetness Dry

Ingredients for a Tuxedo Cocktail

Dry Vermouth 1 1/2 oz
Gin 1 1/2 oz
Maraschino Liqueur 0.25 tsp (1 ml)
Anis 0.25 tsp (1 ml)
Orange Bitters 2.0 dashes (60 ml)
Cherry 1

How to make a Tuxedo Cocktail

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest.

What to eat with a Tuxedo Cocktail

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The Tuxedo Cocktail, with its dry vermouth and anise notes, pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes that complement its crispness and complexity. For a sophisticated evening meal, consider pairing it with seared scallops or grilled shrimp, where the cocktail's herbal undertones enhance the natural sweetness of shellfish without overpowering delicate flavors. A classic beef tartare also works well, as the rich meatiness balances the drink’s dry finish while allowing its subtle spices to shine through. For a vegetarian option, roasted mushrooms with garlic and thyme offer earthy notes that resonate with the cocktail's botanical profile, creating an elegant yet hearty pairing.

◈ Tasting notes Tuxedo Cocktail

Appearance:

The Tuxedo Cocktail presents itself in an elegant, smoky indigo hue that shimmers under light, betraying its complex composition through subtle swirls of maroon from the cherry garnish and hints of amber from the gin and vermouth. The liquid is perfectly clear with a slight viscosity, suggesting a robust yet smooth texture.

Aroma:

Upon first nosing, an alluring bouquet of juniper and citrus emerges, swiftly followed by a delicate whisper of anise that adds intrigue without overpowering the initial impression. As the cocktail breathes, deeper layers reveal themselves: a rich complexity of dried cherries from the cherry garnish, herbal notes from the bitters, and a sweet, boozy undertone from the maraschino liqueur that rounds out the profile.

Palate:

The entry is crisp and cool with a pronounced juniper kick followed by an almost imperceptible sweetness provided by the vermouth and maraschino. Mid-palate introduces a nuanced interplay of bitter orange, herbal accents, and a subtle warmth from the gin spirit that lingers elegantly on the tongue. Anise flavors add depth and complexity, providing a pleasant spiciness that dances alongside the cocktail’s sweet undertones without ever dominating its profile.

Finish:

The finish is long and satisfying, with the anise flavor lingering prominently but delicately. The initial juniper notes reappear subtly, creating a harmonious balance with hints of cherry and bitters that continue to develop in the mouth for several seconds after swallowing. This cocktail leaves one with a sense of sophistication and refinement, perfectly encapsulating the essence of classic cocktail craftsmanship.