Brooklyn

The Brooklyn is a sophisticated, more bone-dry cousin of the Manhattan. By substituting sweet vermouth for dry and adding small amounts of maraschino and bitter orange, it creates a profile that is hauntingly complex: spicy, herbal, and floral with a long, elegant finish.

Key Takeaways

• Advanced Manhattan: A masterclass in multi-liqueur seasoning.
• Bone-Dry Soul: chiaracterized by the interplay of high-proof grain spice and dry botanicals.
• ABV: High (approximately 28-32%).
• Primary Glassware: Chilled cocktail glass or Nick & Nora.

The History of the Brooklyn

Sharing a name with the New York borough, the Brooklyn appeared in early 20th-century bar manuals and was a notable entry in the 1961 IBA list. It is famous for its use of Amer Picon, a French bitter that is notoriously difficult to find internationally, necessitating the modern use of balanced proxies like Cynar.

Ingredient Definition and Selection

Rye Whiskey

A high-proof, spicy rye is essential to stand up to the dry vermouth and bitters.

Dry Vermouth

Acts as the necessary dry stabilizer that defines the drink’s identity against the sweet Manhattan.

Maraschino Liqueur

Essential for providing the drink’s signature earthy, floral aromatic depth.

Amer Picon Proxy (Cynar)

Amer Picon provides a unique orange-herbal bitterness. In its absence, a combination of Cynar and orange bitters or a high-quality Amaro provides a similarly sophisticated profile.

Preparation and Best Practices

1. The Long Stir: To achieve the landmark silky mouthfeel and clarity, stir for a full 30-45 seconds with hard ice.
2. Temperature is Crucial: This is a spiritous “up” drink; pre-chilling the glass is mandatory.
3. The Garnish: A single, high-quality maraschino cherry honors the drink’s namesake borough and provides a final fruit hit.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 185 kcal per serving.
• Carbohydrates: 6g.
• Sugar: 5g.