Tuxedo No. 2 Cocktail
The Tuxedo No. 2 is a sophisticated, pre-Prohibition cocktail that offers a refined twist on the classic Dry Martini. It combines the botanical notes of gin with the herbaceous quality of dry vermouth, sweetened slightly by maraschino liqueur. The addition of absinthe and orange bitters adds layers of complexity, resulting in a crisp, aromatic, and deeply flavorful drink. It is a connoisseur's choice for a spirit-forward sipper.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Tuxedo No. 2 is classified as a classic cocktail, belonging to the "stirred and up" family of drinks. It is considered an aperitif, meant to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its place in cocktail history firmly establishes it within the classic canon.
Serving
The Tuxedo No. 2 is a strong, cold drink served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is significant, making it a classic spirit-forward cocktail.
Serving size
Approx. 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The cocktail is named after the Tuxedo Club, a Gilded Age social club in Tuxedo Park, New York. It first appeared in print in the 1900 edition of Harry Johnson's "Bartenders' Manual". The "No. 2" version, which is the one we know today, was codified in later books like "The Savoy Cocktail Book," solidifying its place in the classic cocktail canon.
Origin
United States, circa 1890s-1900. Originated at the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, New York.
Tuxedo No. 2 Cocktail
The drink is commonly known as the Tuxedo No. 2 Cocktail, or simply Tuxedo #2. It is an evolution of the original Tuxedo cocktail, which had different proportions and ingredients. The "No. 2" distinguishes it as the more popular and enduring version that has been codified in classic cocktail literature.
Original name
Tuxedo No. 2 Cocktail
Alternative names
- Tuxedo Cocktail
- Tuxedo #2
Characteristics overview
The cocktail presents a complex, aromatic profile with herbal and botanical notes from the gin and absinthe, balanced by a subtle sweetness. It has a silky-smooth texture and a clean, crisp finish.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, Herbal, Botanical, Complex, Hint of licorice, Subtle sweetness
Aroma
Aromatic, Juniper, Anise, Orange zest
Taste balance
Dry, Balanced, Bitter, Hint of sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering herbal notes
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Clear, Pale straw
Texture
Silky, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intense and spirit-forward, with low sweetness and sourness but a notable herbal bitterness and botanical complexity. It's a strong, non-carbonated drink for discerning palates.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires five key liquid ingredients: a quality London Dry Gin, dry vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, a dash of absinthe, and orange bitters. All ingredients are essential for achieving the drink's signature complex flavor profile.
- London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 ozA classic Plymouth Gin or other quality London Dry Gin is recommended.
- Dry Vermouth30 ml / 1 ozUse a fresh, quality dry vermouth like Dolin or Noilly Prat.
- Maraschino Liqueur5 ml / 1 bar spoonLuxardo Maraschino is the standard.
- Absinthe1 dash (approx. 1 ml)A small dash is all that is needed; it should not overpower the drink. Alternatively, rinse the glass with absinthe.
- Orange Bitters3 dashesUse a quality brand like Regan's No. 6 or Angostura Orange Bitters.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
To prepare a Tuxedo No. 2, you will need standard bar stirring equipment: a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass for stirring
- Bar spoon for stirring
- Jigger for measuring
- Strainer for pouring
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, stirring all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until perfectly diluted and cold, and then straining into the chilled glass. The final touch is garnishing with an expressed lemon twist.
1. Chill a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice and water.
2. Combine the gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and orange bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for approximately 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is frosty and the drink is well-chilled.
5. If you used ice to chill your serving glass, discard it.
6. Using a strainer, pour the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a lemon peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express its oils, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
8. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The standard garnish is a lemon twist, with its oils expressed over the drink to add a bright citrus aroma. A maraschino cherry can be used as an alternative for a slightly different presentation and flavor note.
- Lemon twist expressed over the drink and dropped in
- Maraschino cherry (alternative garnish)
Dietary Information
This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A single serving contains approximately 170 calories and about 4 grams of carbohydrates, most of which comes from the sugars in the liqueurs and vermouth.
Calories
Averagely 170 kcal / 711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 4 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 3 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an ideal aperitif, perfect for sophisticated cocktail parties or formal gatherings. Its elegant profile makes it a great choice for pre-dinner drinks or any occasion calling for a classic, spirit-forward cocktail.
- Cocktail Party
- Formal Event
- Aperitif
- Pre-dinner Drink
Pairing suggestions
The dry, herbal, and aromatic nature of the Tuxedo No. 2 pairs exceptionally well with briny and savory appetizers. Oysters on the half shell are a classic pairing, as are high-quality olives, salted almonds, or a simple charcuterie board. These pairings complement the cocktail's complexity without overwhelming it.
- Oysters
- Olives
- Salted nuts
- Charcuterie board
The Tuxedo No. 2: A Class Act in a Glass
A sophisticated pre-Prohibition classic, the Tuxedo No. 2 is a crisp, aromatic twist on the Martini. It balances gin and dry vermouth with the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the complex herbal notes of absinthe and orange bitters. Served straight up in a chilled coupe, it's an elegant, spirit-forward cocktail perfect for connoisseurs seeking a drink with history and depth. This drink is a true testament to the elegance of early 20th-century cocktail culture.
Similar Cocktails
Martini
The most famous relative, typically made with only gin and dry vermouth, omitting the maraschino and absinthe.
Vesper Martini
A James Bond creation using gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet (now Lillet Blanc) instead of vermouth.
Alaska Cocktail
Shares a similar profile but uses Yellow Chartreuse instead of maraschino and absinthe for its herbal complexity.
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