The Brooklyn cocktail is a distinctive, drier cousin of the classic Manhattan. It has less sweetness, more bite, and a far more assertive flavor profile. Its rye whiskey base meets dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a touch of bitter liqueur. Amer Picon is the classic choice, but a suitable substitute also works well. As a result, the drink is tart, restrained, and at the same time remarkably refined. The Brooklyn doesn’t beg you to love it—it simply stands there, and if you’re open to it, it slowly wins you over.
Story
The Brooklyn cocktail is one of the classic drinks named after New York City boroughs. It belongs to the same family as the Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens. It first appeared in the 1908 bar guide Jack’s Manual. Later, after Prohibition, it almost disappeared from bar menus. However, the modern craft cocktail movement brought it back into the spotlight. Although it has always stood in the shadow of its more famous siblings, the Brooklyn still has a loyal following. Today, it remains a quiet favorite among true cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey
1 oz (30 ml) dry vermouth
¼ oz (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur
¼ oz (7.5 ml) bitter liqueur, such as Amer Picon or a substitute—for example, Amaro CioCiaro, Ramazzotti, or a lighter mix of Angostura and orange bitters
How to Make a Brooklyn Cocktail
Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice, then stir thoroughly to chill the drink and give it a smoother, silkier texture. Next, strain it gently into a chilled glass. The result is layered, dry, and subtly marked by notes of cherry and herbs—a true big-city cocktail.
Serving and Garnish
The Brooklyn cocktail is typically served in a coupe glass, either without a garnish or with a thin lemon peel twist. If you use maraschino liqueur, a high-quality cocktail cherry at the bottom of the glass can be a worthy, though not essential, addition. Still, the cocktail’s elegance lies above all in its simplicity.
Calorie Content
A single serving of a Brooklyn cocktail contains approximately 210–220 calories. The maraschino liqueur contributes most of the sugar; by comparison, the other ingredients seem almost diet-friendly.