Named for the Brooklyn neighborhood, the Red Hook cocktail is sweet, spiced and strong.
The history of a cocktail’s lineage can almost appear biblical, depending on the drink. Take tonight’s recipe, for example, the Red Hook. In the beginning, there was the Manhattan, a mélange of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. The Manhattan was prosperous and soon begat the Brooklyn, a tipple comprised of rye whiskey, dry vermouth and maraschino liqueur. Moving from one borough and staying in another, the Brooklyn elixir soon inspired the Greenpoint, which features yellow Chartreuse, and tonight’s concoction… the Red Hook.
With the spicy-sweet bitterness from sweet vermouth melding with the cherry flavor of a maraschino liqueur, the rye whiskey base in the Red Hook dram is in good company. Spiced, silky smooth and with a warm, candied finish, this serious-looking beverage hides a heart of boozy gold.
Invented by famed bartender Vincenzo Errico in 2003 at New York City hotspot Milk & Honey, the Red Hook has transcended the Manhattan/Brooklyn family it was born from, becoming a very popular cocktail in bars all over. The next time you’re out with friends and you get the drinks menu, check out the specialty section… Don’t be surprised to find the Red Hook there. Or if you can’t wait for a night on the town, just follow the recipe below.
What is the best whiskey to use in a Red Hook Cocktail?
A spicy and smooth rye whiskey is the spirit you’ll need to make a strong and satisfying Red Hook. With more of an edge than bourbon, which is sweeter, the rye you choose and use in this drink will meld with the bittersweetness of the maraschino and vermouth, resulting in a balanced and relaxing experience.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir well for about 20 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice as you prep and stir your cocktail. Dump the ice from the glass, pour your drink in and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Why do you hold your glass by the stem?
This is so you don’t warm your beverage up with your hands or fingers, keeping it chilled longer.
Similar cocktails to the Red Hook
- Final Ward – A sweet, spiced and citrusy riff on a historic tipple.
- Left Hand – Campari, sweet vermouth and bourbon craft this smoky and bitter beverage.
- Paper Plane – An orange-flavored contemporary classic, featuring Aperol, bourbon and amaro.
- Naked and Famous – An elegant sipper that gives mezcal the spotlight.
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