Eric Alperin’s Tuxedo No. 2

Eric Alperin, The Varnish | Los Angeles

photo: Dylan + Jeni
tuxedo no. 2 varnish la

This variation on the Tuxedo cocktail—a sherry-spiked Martini variation—dates to the turn of the 20th century and swaps sherry for dry vermouth, with the addition of maraschino liqueur and absinthe. Eric Alperin, co-owner of a hospitality group that includes The Varnish in Los Angeles, and Penny Pound Ice, describes the Martini variation as having a “gentle kiss of fruit and an herbaceous bow-tie finish.”

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 ounces gin, preferably Beefeater
  • 2 ounces gin, preferably Beefeater
  • 3/4 ounce dry vermouth, preferably Dolin
  • 3/4 ounce dry vermouth, preferably Dolin
  • 1/4 ounce cherry liqueur, preferably Maraska Maraschino
  • 1/4 ounce cherry liqueur, preferably Maraska Maraschino
  • 2 dashes orange bitters (1:1, Fee Brothers West Indian Orange:Regans Orange Bitters No. 6)
  • 2 dashes orange bitters (1:1, Fee Brothers West Indian Orange:Regans Orange Bitters No. 6)
  • absinthe, to rinse
  • absinthe, to rinse

Garnish: lemon twist and brandied cherry

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients, except absinthe, in a mixing glass over cracked ice and stir until chilled.
  2. Strain into a chilled coupe rinsed or atomized with absinthe.
  3. Express lemon twist, then use as garnish. Finish off with a brandied cherry.

Tagged: absinthe, cherry liqueur, tuxedo

Drink with us.

Get our freshest features and recipes weekly.