Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe

The Brooklyn cocktail is a classic whiskey drink made with maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth, and Amer Picon. Now, it must be said that the Brooklyn cocktail hasn’t quite achieved mainstream popularity. In fact, it remains a hidden gem, primarily found on the menus of dedicated craft cocktail bars that take their mixology seriously.

The Pre-Prohibition cocktail first appeared in 1908 in Jacob A. Grohusko’s, Jack’s Manual. Jacob was a bartender serving in Lower Manhattan bars and restaurants at the time. It’s speculated he created the cocktail for a bar/restaurant owner from Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Versus Manhattan Cocktail

As its name suggests, the Brooklyn cocktail pays homage to the vibrant borough of New York City. Sharing similarities with its famous sibling, the Manhattan, it combines whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a harmonious union. The Brooklyn, however, sets itself apart by introducing maraschino liqueur, a semi-sweet cherry-flavored elixir that adds an intriguing twist to the mix. Consider it a lighter-colored Manhattan with a subtle cherry kick.

Amer Picon, Ramazzotti, and Other Amaro

The original Brooklyn cocktail was made with Amer Picon, a French Aperitif with bitter orange characteristics. It’s very difficult to find in the US so many bartenders substitute with an Italian Amaro such as Ramazzotti or Montenegro. Amaro has a very similar profile with deep bitter and citrusy flavors. Both Amer and Amaro translate to bitter in their respective languages.

Fear not, if you struggle to find these specific ingredients. You can still create a fantastic Brooklyn cocktail experience. Simply replace Amer Picon or Amaro with a few dashes each of Angostura and orange bitters. This substitution will infuse your drink with the desired bitter orange notes, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.

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