Tuxedo Cocktail

Pro tips

• Pre-chill your mixing glass and serving glass with ice water for 30 seconds before preparation—cold glassware prevents the cocktail from warming during the stir.
• Measure liqueurs precisely using a jigger; the small quantities of maraschino and anisette are essential to balance—under-pouring dulls complexity.
• Stir for exactly 30 seconds over fresh ice; over-stirring dilutes the spirit-forward drink, while under-stirring leaves it too warm and sharp.
• Use fresh orange bitters and store vermouth upright in a cool place; oxidized vermouth and stale bitters degrade flavor significantly.

Substitutions

• Dry Vermouth → Blanc vermouth (adds subtle sweetness and floral notes)
• Anisette → Pernod or absinthe (use 1/8 tsp; more assertive anise character)
• Orange Bitters → Angostura bitters (warmer spice profile, less citrus)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails must be consumed immediately after preparation. Store opened vermouth, maraschino, and anisette bottles upright in a cool, dark cabinet away from heat; use within 1 year of opening.

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

What's the difference between a Tuxedo and a Martini?

A Tuxedo adds maraschino liqueur and anisette to the gin-vermouth base, creating a sweeter, more herbaceous profile than the drier traditional Martini.

Should I shake or stir a Tuxedo cocktail?

Stir the Tuxedo in a mixing glass with ice for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass—this preserves clarity and silky texture.

Can I make a Tuxedo cocktail in advance?

Mix and chill individual servings up to 2 hours before serving; keep the stirred mixture cold but unmixed at room temperature to avoid over-dilution.

What if I don't have anisette?

Substitute with Pernod or absinthe (use 1/8 tsp instead due to higher alcohol content) to preserve the anise note, or omit entirely for a lighter variation.

What type of gin works best?

Use a London Dry gin with clear juniper and botanical character; avoid heavily flavored gins that will overpower the delicate vermouth and liqueur balance.