Newark

The Newark is a complex, stirred cocktail that offers a bold and intricate flavor experience. It substitutes the traditional rye whiskey of a Manhattan or Brooklyn with apple brandy, providing a distinct fruity backbone. The addition of the intensely herbal Fernet-Branca and the sweet, funky notes of maraschino liqueur creates a beautifully balanced and memorable drink. It's a perfect choice for those who appreciate spirit-forward cocktails with a bittersweet edge.
Newark

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Newark is considered a Modern Classic cocktail, belonging to the spirit-forward category. It is often enjoyed as a digestif due to its complex, bittersweet, and herbal flavor profile, which includes ingredients like Fernet-Branca. It is part of the family of cocktails inspired by the Manhattan and its Brooklyn variations.

Serving

The Newark is a spirit-forward drink served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its high alcohol content provides a warming, robust character perfect for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 4.5 oz / 135 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Newark cocktail was created in 2007 by Jim Meehan and John Deragon at the legendary New York City speakeasy, PDT (Please Don't Tell). It follows the naming convention of other Brooklyn cocktail variations, which are named after boroughs or neighborhoods (like the Red Hook and Greenpoint). The Newark is named after the largest city in New Jersey, the state where its base spirit, Laird's Applejack, is historically produced.
Origin
New York City, USA, circa 2007.

Newark

The drink is most commonly known simply as the Newark, or sometimes the Newark Cocktail. It doesn't have widely recognized alternative names, as it is a specific, modern creation.
Original name
Newark Cocktail
Alternative name
Newark Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex aroma of herbs and fruit, leading to a bittersweet flavor profile where apple brandy mingles with medicinal notes from Fernet-Branca. It has a silky, full-bodied texture and a long, warming finish, making it feel particularly suited for cooler seasons.
Flavor
Complex, Bittersweet, Herbal, Fruity, Apple, Cherry, Menthol
Aroma
Aromatic, Herbal, Spicy, Fruity
Taste balance
Bitter, Sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Complex, Herbal, Medicinal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep amber, Mahogany, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Full-bodied
Seasonality
Warming, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Newark is a flavor-intense cocktail, dominated by a strong bitterness from Fernet-Branca and a robust alcohol presence. This is balanced by a moderate fruitiness from the apple brandy and a subtle sweetness from the vermouth and maraschino.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need four key spirits for this cocktail: a high-proof apple brandy as the base, a quality sweet vermouth, the distinct Fernet-Branca amaro, and a classic maraschino liqueur.
  • Apple Brandy2 oz / 60 ml
    Laird's 100 Proof (Bonded) Apple Brandy is traditional.
  • Sweet Vermouth1 oz / 30 ml
    A rich, Italian-style vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula works best.
  • Fernet-Branca1/4 oz / 7.5 ml
    This intensely bitter and minty amaro is key to the drink's profile.
  • Maraschino Liqueur1/4 oz / 7.5 ml
    Brands like Luxardo or Maraska are standard.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a stirred drink, requiring a mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the intended balance of this complex cocktail.
  • Mixing glass for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring the cocktail.
  • Julep or Hawthorne strainer for straining into the glass.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.

Instructions

To make the Newark, simply combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until perfectly chilled and diluted, and then strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine all ingredients—apple brandy, sweet vermouth, Fernet-Branca, and maraschino liqueur—in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cold ice cubes.
4. Stir briskly with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is well-chilled and frosted.
5. Empty the ice and water from your chilled serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. If using, express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink for aroma, then serve immediately.

Garnishing

The original PDT recipe specifies no garnish to maintain its aromatic purity. However, a lemon twist is a common and complementary addition that brightens the drink's herbal notes.
  • Lemon Twist (Optional): Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in or discard.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. However, it's always wise to check the specific labels of the vermouth and liqueurs used for any potential additives.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail due to its high spirit content. It contains a noticeable amount of sugar, primarily from the sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 250-280 kcal / 1045-1170 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal cocktail for a sophisticated evening setting or as an after-dinner digestif. Its complexity and strength make it well-suited for cocktail enthusiasts at a party or a quiet nightcap.
  • Evening Drink
  • After-dinner Drink
  • Cocktail Party
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Newark's bold, bittersweet profile pairs wonderfully with strong flavors. Consider serving it with a platter of aged cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar, cured meats, or a rich dark chocolate dessert. Its complexity stands up well to savory and fatty foods.
  • Aged Cheeses
  • Charcuterie Board
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Rich, savory appetizers

The Newark: A Bold and Complex Cocktail Journey

The Newark is a compelling and delicious modern classic for the adventurous palate. As a riff on the Brooklyn cocktail, it showcases the versatility of apple brandy and the powerful character of Fernet-Branca. It is spirit-forward, complex, and deeply aromatic, with a perfect balance between fruity sweetness and herbal bitterness. Best enjoyed sipped slowly, this cocktail is a testament to the creativity of the modern cocktail revival.

Similar Cocktails

Brooklyn

A sophisticated, rye-based classic cocktail that is drier and more complex than its famous Manhattan cousin.

Manhattan

A classic and sophisticated cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters.

Greenpoint

A sophisticated rye whiskey cocktail with herbal notes from Chartreuse and the richness of sweet vermouth.