Head uptown tonight with the orange-flavored and gin-based Bronx cocktail.
When a New York City-inspired cocktail is mentioned in mixed—or mixing—company, we might first think of the classic drink known as the Manhattan. Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, a few dashes of bitters and a cherry garnish is a legendary look, on top of being a dram that has inspired a bevy of other boozy fusions. Even The Simpsons had an episode where Bart discovered a talent for making Manhattans, which local mafioso Fat Tony couldn’t get enough of. When I was old enough and had an opportunity to have my first Manhattan, I thought of The Simpsons.
Tonight’s cocktail takes its name from another borough of the Big Apple, the Bronx. When I lived in Queens, my abiding memories of the Boogie Down Bronx were how long my subway trips always were, going there and coming back. Now I can just sit back and reminisce about how long—very long—those train rides used to be while sipping on the orange-flavored and gin-based mélange named for the uptown neighborhood.
There are a few origin stories associated with today’s cocktail. One tale attributes the drink’s invention to bartender Johnny Solon in around 1906, when he was bartending at the Waldorf-Astoria. He was said to have named his creation after the newly opened Bronx Zoo. Another version says that an unknown bartender created it in Philadelphia, where Bronx restaurateur Joseph Sormani is said to have discovered it, bringing it back to New York with him.
By 1934, the Bronx was ranked as the third most famous cocktail in the world. It was even featured in the classic film The Thin Man that same year. If Nick & Nora loved this tipple, you probably will too.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Bronx Cocktail?
This being an orange-tinged sip, the gin that I chose was a California-produced spirit called New Amsterdam. I find this particular product to have a very orange-forward profile, and it works nicely in a number of other cocktails, too. Paired with both a dry and sweet vermouth from Dolin, and a dash or two of orange bitters, your Bronx will be a balanced, citrusy sipper.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
- 1 dash orange bitters
Instructions
- Add the gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and orange bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass, and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a coupe, martini or Nick & Nora glass in your freezer for around 15 to 30 minutes before serving, or fill one up with ice as you’re prepping your drink. Dump the ice and pour your beverage in, and garnish with an orange twist if you like.
What other types of bitters can be used?
If you’re searching for a slightly less citrusy libation, you can use a dash or two of Angostura bitters instead of the orange-style the recipe calls for.
Similar recipes to the Bronx Cocktail
New York City, that’s the place! I remember Al Pacino intoning something like that in the movie City Hall, and it always stuck with me. Because of course it’s THE place. It has inspired art, music, film… and many a mixed drink as well. Below are a few of the recipes that the metropolitan muse, the Big Apple, has birthed.
- Greenpoint – A drink inspired by my father’s old stomping grounds.
- Waldorf – This whiskey dram starts with an absinthe rinse for a taste of old New York.
- Brooklyn – Dry vermouth conspires with some spicy rye to craft this crisp elixir.
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