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Cocktail History
The Brooklyn is a classic cocktail that was created before American Prohibition. It was named for the borough in New York City, and though it shares some similarities to its cousin the Manhattan in that it’s made with whiskey and vermouth, this recipe is unique because it calls for Amer Picon, a bitter French liqueur.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Rye: This is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% rye grain, malted barley, corn, and water. We used Heaven Hill Distillery Rittenhouse Rye because it has a rich and clean taste with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, and citrus. For a mocktail version of this drink, try The Gospel Responsible Rye Non-Alcoholic Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Dry Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. We used Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry because it has a light and airy flavor profile with notes of Alpine herbs. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Dry in place of the dry vermouth.
Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with Maraschino cherries, honey, herbs, spices, sugar, and alcohol. We used Luxardo Maraschino Orginale Liqueur because it has a distinct earthy aroma and sweet cherry flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Trader Vic’s Premium Maraschino Cherry Syrup in place of the cherry liqueur.
Amer Picon: This is a liqueur made in France with orange peel, gentian root, cinchona, caramel, sugar, and alcohol. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Giffard Aperitif Syrup in place of the Amer Picon.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. We used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. We used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Tasting Notes
The Brooklyn features slight sweet fruit aromas, a very robust taste with cherry on the front of the palate and orange on the back, and the spicy burn of rye on the finish.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: We thought this drink was very fit for the cold, rainy days and that it would definitely keep you warm while sitting by an open window watching a storm.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.
Add rye, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, Amer Picon, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Ingredients
Directions
Add rye, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, Amer Picon, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Make It a Mocktail: Use The Gospel Responsible Rye Non-Alcoholic Whiskey in place of the whiskey, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Dry in place of the dry vermouth, Trader Vic’s Premium Maraschino Cherry Syrup in place of the cherry liqueur, and Giffard Aperitif Syrup in place of the Amer Picon to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Rye Cocktails
If you like this rye-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Falling Leaves: A rye cocktail made with Amaro Montenegro, toasted fig syrup, chocolate bitters, and an orange slice
Remember The Maine: A rye cocktail made with sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, absinthe, and a cherry
Mott & Mulberry: A rye cocktail made with Amaro Abano, apple cider, lemon juice, Demerara syrup, and apple slices
Midnight Stinger: A rye cocktail made with Fernet-Branca, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint
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