Tuxedo - Old Tom Gin & Dry Vermouth Turn-of-the-Century Classic

The Tuxedo combines equal parts Old Tom gin and dry vermouth with tiny measures of maraschino, absinthe, and orange bitters. Those modifiers are small but important, adding cherry, anise, and citrus around a dry botanical core. The Tuxedo cocktail sits close to the Martini family while maintaining a distinctive turn-of-the-century personality.

From Tuxedo Park to the Cocktail Canon

The Tuxedo appears in bartender Harry Johnson's 1900 manual, although its exact creator is not firmly established. Its name is generally connected to Tuxedo Park and the Tuxedo Club in New York. Several numbered variations followed, but the modern IBA specification preserves the Old Tom gin, dry vermouth, maraschino, absinthe, and orange bitters combination.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Old Tom Gin - provides a softer, subtly sweeter botanical base than London Dry gin.
• Dry Vermouth - gives the drink its herbal, wine-based structure and dry finish.
• Maraschino Luxardo - adds a concentrated cherry and almond-like accent.
• Absinthe - contributes a very small but distinctive anise and herbal note.
• Orange Bitters - sharpens the drink with citrus aroma and bitterness.
• Maraschino Cherry - supplies the classic fruit garnish.
• Lemon Peel - adds fresh citrus oils over the finished drink.

If Old Tom gin is unavailable, a softer gin such as Plymouth can produce a good variation, although it will not exactly reproduce the IBA version. Another quality maraschino liqueur can substitute for Luxardo. Keep any absinthe substitute restrained because even a small change is noticeable here.

Equipment

• Mixing glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Cocktail strainer
• Martini Glass
• Ice

Small Measures, Big Consequences

The equal-parts gin and vermouth base is straightforward, but the Tuxedo gets much of its identity from ingredients measured by the bar spoon and dash. Too much maraschino makes the drink noticeably sweeter, while excess absinthe can overwhelm the gin and vermouth. Careful measuring keeps those accents in the background where they belong.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use London Dry gin for a sharper, drier variation.
• Try Plymouth gin for a softer botanical profile if Old Tom is unavailable.
• Experiment with different dry vermouths to shift the herbal and floral character.
• A different quality maraschino liqueur can replace Luxardo, but sweetness and cherry character may change.
• Reduce the absinthe slightly if using a particularly assertive bottling.
• Serve in a Nick & Nora instead of a Martini Glass for a smaller, more compact presentation.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the serving glass before you begin mixing.
• Refrigerate opened dry vermouth to help maintain its flavor.
• Measure the maraschino and absinthe instead of free-pouring them.
• Use plenty of firm ice and stir until the drink is thoroughly cold.
• Express the lemon peel directly over the surface so its oils reach the cocktail.
• Add the cherry after straining rather than stirring it with the drink.
• For batching, combine the liquid ingredients in proportion, refrigerate, then stir individual servings with ice before serving.