Tuxedo No. 2

5 from 1 vote
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

The Tuxedo No. 2 cocktail is a sneaky riff on the classic gin Martini that dates back to the early 1900s. It’s similar to a typical dry gin Martini but introduces orange bitters, absinthe, and maraschino liqueur, creating a far more complex and balanced cocktail.

A gin martini garnished with a orange peel and a cherry in a small coupe glass on a marble table.

Brief History

The Tuxedo No. 2 is a classic cocktail that originated in the late 19th to early 20th century, inspired by the famous Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, New York. This cocktail is a variation of the Tuxedo No. 1, which is also a twist on the Martini. The Tuxedo No. 2 features gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, absinthe (or anise-flavored spirit), and orange bitters, often garnished with a lemon twist or cherry.

The Tuxedo No. 2 offers more complex herbal and citrus notes and a slightly sweeter profile thanks to the addition of maraschino liqueur. The ingredients complement the botanicals in gin better than other variations. If you’re a gin lover, it’s something you need to try!

Looking for more delicious gin classics? Some of my favorites include the Last Word cocktail, Corpse Reviver 2, Aviation cocktail, and the beloved by all Bee’s Knees.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Gin: look for a classic dry gin. I like Plymouth Gin or Aviation Gin.
  • Maraschino liqueur: a clear, sweet liqueur with a distinctive cherry flavor. It is made from Marasca cherries. Luxardo is my favorite brand. Here are more cocktails you can make with maraschino liqueur.
  • Dry vermouth: I prefer Dolin or Noilly Prat. Martini & Rossi is another easy-to-find option.
  • Orange bitters: orange bitters add essential citrus. Look for Scrappy’s or Fee Brothers. Don’t skip this ingredient!
  • Absinthe: Absinthe is not mandatory but it does enhance the cocktail flavor, adding additional anise flavor. Any Absinthe you can find should do the trick. A bottle will last years.
  • Lemon peel: Expressed lemon peel adds a burst of citrus flavor and aroma. I highly recommend not skipping this.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

Expert Tips

  • The lemon peel is not only a garnish, but a critical element of the drink. The oils add an important aroma that adds complexity and freshness.
  • Freeze your coupe glasses. This helps keep your drink cooler for longer. You can alternatively chill your glass down with ice water before filling.
  • While this cocktail is traditionally stirred, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you do shake it, be sure to double strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove tiny ice chips.
  • For an easy absinthe rinse, I use a mini food-grade spray bottle and spray the inside of the glass. This reduces waste and saves time.

More Classic Gin Cocktails

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
5 from 1 vote

Tuxedo No. 2 Cocktail

Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
The Tuxedo No. 2 is a riff on the Martini made with dry gin, dry vermouth, absinthe, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and a lemon twist.

Ingredients 

  • 2 ounces dry gin, Plymouth Gin, Aviation Gin, Beefeater
  • 3/4 ounce dry vermouth, I prefer Dolin
  • 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur, Luxardo
  • 2 dashes orange bitters, Scrappy's, Fee Brothers
  • Absinthe rinse
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • Brandied cherry, for garnish
Save this recipe!
We’ll send it to your inbox, plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Instructions 

  • Pour a splash of absinthe into a chilled coupe glass. Twirl to coat the inside of the glass and discard the excess.
  • Combine gin, vermouth, maraschino, and orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into the coupe glass.
  • Express the orange peel over the drink. Garnish with the orange peel and a brandied cherry.

Notes

The lemon peel is not only a garnish, but a critical element of the drink. The oils add an important aroma that adds complexity and freshness.
Freeze your coupe glasses. This helps keep your drink cooler for longer. You can alternatively chill your glass down with ice water before filling.
Shake your stir your martini. It’s a matter of preference. if you shake it, be sure to double strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove tiny ice chips.
For an easy absinthe rinse, I use a mini food-grade spray bottle and spray the inside of the glass. This reduces waste and saves time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 3.4gProtein: 0.1gSodium: 1mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




1 Comment