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I recently came across the internet’s best-kept secret, the Tuxedo No. 2 cocktail. It’s a sneaky riff on the classic gin martini that dates back to the early 1900s. The tuxedo no. 2 is very similar to a typical dry gin martini—usually gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and lemon peel.

The cocktail offers more complex herbal notes and a slightly sweeter profile thanks to the addition of maraschino liqueur and an absinth rinse. If you’re a gin martini lover, it’s absolutely something you need to try. I’ve typically steered clear of dry martinis because I find them a little bland. The tuxedo no. 2 is a very interesting exception I thoroughly enjoy.

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How to Make a Tuxedo No. 2 Cocktail

Combine a nice dry gin (I like Plymouth), orange bitters, dry vermouth, and plenty of ice in a shaker. Shake for a good 15 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Here comes the really important part. The lemon peel is not only a garnish but a very critical element of the drink.

Point the outer part of a lemon peel (non-pith side) towards the top of the drink and gently squeeze the edges so the oils spray out over the top of the cocktail. If done properly, you can actually see an oily film floating on the surface of your cocktail. The lemony aroma should hit your nose as you sip. It’s amazing.

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