The cocktail notebook · Gin
Tuxedo
Gin and dry vermouth with small cherry and anise accents. A advanced comparison study made by stir and strain.
- Base
- Old Tom gin
- Method
- Stir & Strain
- Glass
- Martini glass
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. House uses a 5 ml bar spoon convention: half=2.5 ml, quarter=1.25 ml.
Tuxedo recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | Old Tom gin |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | dry vermouth |
| 2.5 ml≈ 0 US fl oz | Luxardo maraschino liqueur, calibrated half bar spoon |
| 1.25 ml≈ 0 US fl oz | absinthe, calibrated quarter bar spoon |
| 3 dashes | orange bitters |
Ice: Preparation ice only; no serving ice. Garnish: 1 cherry and 1 lemon zest.
Learning bar service? Find the Tuxedo in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Chill the serving glass and prepare clean mixing equipment.
- Measure all recipe ingredients into a mixing glass with fresh ice.
- Stir smoothly to combine, chill and control dilution; check the venue’s observed target.
- Strain into the chilled serving glass and apply the specified garnish.
Why it works: Small spoon fractions require calibration. Absinthe is retained in this recipe, so it belongs in the measured-liquid denominator unlike a discarded Sazerac rinse.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Unrecorded substitution
Use a calibrated small measure; do not pretend an estimated drop count is 1.25 ml.
Inconsistent finish
check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.
Unclear guest expectation
explain this specification before preparing.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Gin and dry vermouth with small cherry and anise accents. Use a calibrated small measure; do not pretend an estimated drop count is 1.25 ml.
Dietary and product checks
Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.
Variations
- Any variant must be named and recorded. Use a calibrated small measure; do not pretend an estimated drop count is 1.25 ml.
Where does the Tuxedo come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: Small spoon fractions require calibration. Absinthe is retained in this recipe, so it belongs in the measured-liquid denominator unlike a discarded Sazerac rinse.
Tuxedo questions
What is the key decision in this study?
Small spoon fractions require calibration. Absinthe is retained in this recipe, so it belongs in the measured-liquid denominator unlike a discarded Sazerac rinse.
Only a 25/50 ml jigger is available.
Use a calibrated small measure; do not pretend an estimated drop count is 1.25 ml.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Tuxedo is an optional reference recipe in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service. Useful retained-absinthe comparison against Sazerac’s discarded rinse; optional specialist reference.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.