Tuxedo Junction

Day 247, Cocktails 244 & 245

New Year’s Eve is rapidly approaching and I’ve been getting ready for first ever New Year’s Eve party at the Twilight Lounge.  Not that it’s the first New Year’s Eve party we’ve ever hosted, just the first at the Lounge mind you.  Although we haven’t decided yet what to wear on Friday night, I think Josephine Baker has the right idea.  If there is ever a night to wear a tuxedo, it’s New Year’s Eve!

So, on Tuesday, I was idly perusing The Martini Book when I stumbled upon a cocktail called the Tuxedo.  Perfect for my needs, heh?  When I saw maraschino liqueur and orange bitters I just knew I’d have to try it.

  Tuxedo

• 2 oz vodka
• 1-1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1/8 oz maraschino liqueur
• 4 dashes orange bitters

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass and stir.  Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with an orange twist.

Mmmmm, this is pretty good.  It combines two of my favorite flavors, the maraschino liqueur and orange bitters.  However, as I sipped it I had a tough time really getting the maraschino flavors to come forward.  They were hidden by the vermouth, at least to my taste buds.  So, for round two I headed back to the bar and tinkered and came up with an improved (at least in my humble opinion) Tuxedo.

  Tuxedo Deluxe

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
• 4 dashes orange bitters

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass and stir.  Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with an orange twist.

Now we’re cooking!  This was the just right blend of vermouth, maraschino and bitters, swimming in a pool of vodka.  I loved this drink and will probably have one on New Year’s Eve! 

Do you have a favorite that you’ve made your own by tinkering with it?  If so, let me know, I’d love to try it out!

Cheers!