This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.
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. I used Heaven Hill Distillery Rittenhouse Rye.
Dry Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. I used Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry.
Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with Maraschino cherries, honey, herbs, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Luxardo Maraschino Orginale Liqueur.
Amer Picon: This is a liqueur made in France with orange peel, gentian root, cinchona, caramel, sugar, and alcohol.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I 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. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I 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. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Orange-brown color
• Aroma: Slightly sweet fruit
• Taste: Robust cherry flavor backed by tart orange and fortified wine
• Finish: Spicy rye burn and hint of bitterness
Kendall’s Take: “Although a little strong for my palate, I thought the Brooklyn was quite good, especially coming from the era it does. I’d never had Amer Picon before and enjoyed the light bitterness it brought to the mix. It’s not a fall recipe per se, but this would be especially fitting for those chilly, rainy days when the autumn season’s winding down.”
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.
Brooklyn
Description
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.
Ingredients
Method
Add rye, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon to a mixing glass.
Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Using a julep strainer, strain into a martini or coupe glass.
