Brooklyn (cocktail)

Brooklyn (cocktail) is a classic cocktail that is part of the larger family of drinks known as the Manhattan-style cocktails. Named after the Brooklyn borough in New York City, the Brooklyn cocktail is a lesser-known but equally delicious cousin to the more famous Manhattan and Martini.

History

The Brooklyn cocktail first appeared in print in J.A. Grohusko’s 1908 bar guide, "Jack’s Manual". The drink was likely named after the borough to capitalize on the popularity of the Manhattan cocktail, and to establish it as a distinct, but related, drink.

Ingredients

The Brooklyn cocktail is made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon. Amer Picon is a bitter French liqueur that can be difficult to find outside of France, so many modern versions of the Brooklyn use substitutes like Amaro CioCiaro.

Preparation

To make a Brooklyn cocktail, combine 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, 1/4 ounce of Maraschino liqueur, and 1/4 ounce of Amer Picon (or substitute) in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. The drink is typically garnished with a Maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon peel.

Variations

There are several variations of the Brooklyn cocktail, including the Red Hook, the Greenpoint, and the Bensonhurst. These drinks are named after neighborhoods in Brooklyn and feature different base spirits or modifiers, but maintain the same basic structure of the original Brooklyn cocktail.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Cocktail (drink)
• Manhattan (cocktail)
• Martini (cocktail)