Tuxedo Cocktail

Name: Tuxedo Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 oz Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin; 1 1/4 oz Dry Vermouth; 1/4 tsp Maraschino; 1/4 tsp Absinthe Substitute; 2 dash Orange Bitters

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The Tuxedo Cocktail is a gin-forward martini variation combining dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe substitute, and orange bitters. Its layered botanicals and balanced dryness make it a sophisticated aperitif choice.

🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Stir well with cracked ice and strain into 3 oz.
2
cocktail glass.
3
Serve with a cherry.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill your glass in the freezer or with ice water for at least 2 minutes before serving to keep the cocktail cold without excess dilution.
Stir the drink for a full 30 seconds over ice to achieve proper dilution and temperature; strain immediately into the glass.
Measure the maraschino and absinthe substitute precisely—their small volumes have outsized flavor impact and can easily unbalance the drink if poured free-pour.
Use quality dry gin and vermouth; their botanicals form the base, so cheaper spirits will noticeably flatten the final result.

Substitutions

Dry Vermouth → Blanc or dry white vermouth (slightly sweeter but still dry)
Absinthe Substitute → Pastis or Pernod (anise-forward, milder than absinthe)
Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Any London Dry gin (Tanqueray, Beefeater, or comparable)
Orange Bitters → Angostura bitters (more herbal, slightly less citrus brightness)

Storage & make-ahead

Prepare a batch without ice and refrigerate up to 2 days in a sealed bottle; stir with fresh ice and strain individual servings when ready.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger (1.25 oz and 0.25 tsp measures) · fine mesh strainer · coupe or martini glass

Common Questions

What is the difference between a Tuxedo Cocktail and a Martini?

A Tuxedo uses maraschino liqueur and absinthe substitute in addition to gin and vermouth, adding sweetness and herbal complexity that a dry martini lacks.

Can I use regular absinthe instead of an absinthe substitute?

Yes, but use the same 1/4 tsp measure. Absinthe is stronger, so the substitute keeps the drink balanced; adjust to taste if using full-strength absinthe.