Built like a Manhattan but with dry vermouth, a touch of maraschino and the bitter orange of Amer Picon, the Brooklyn is drier, more aromatic and a little more mysterious. Every sip moves from rye spice to cherry-stone and bitter orange peel. A drink for people who already love the Manhattan.
4.3Editors’ rating
Taste4.4
Balance4.3
Easy to make2.5
Popularity30
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Garnish: Maraschino cherry · Ice: Served up, no ice
Method
Chill a coupe.
Add rye, dry vermouth, maraschino and Amer Picon to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir for 25 to 30 seconds.
Strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with a good maraschino cherry.
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Watch it made
Brooklyn
Taste
Dry and complex, with spicy rye, herbal vermouth, a floral cherry note from maraschino and a bitter orange finish. Strong and elegant.
History and origin
The Brooklyn first appears in print in Jacques Straub's 1908 book Drinks. It was one of several cocktails named after New York's boroughs, alongside the Manhattan and the Bronx, but it never reached their popularity.
One reason is Amer Picon, a bitter French orange aperitif that has long been difficult to find outside France, and whose recipe and strength were changed over the years. Many bartenders therefore use substitutes such as other French amers or an Italian amaro with orange notes. The Brooklyn's revival in the 2000s also inspired a whole series of modern drinks named after Brooklyn neighbourhoods, such as the Red Hook and the Greenpoint.
Bartender tips
If you cannot find Amer Picon, Bigallet China-China or a bittersweet Italian amaro such as Ramazzotti are the most common substitutes.
Choose a rye of at least 45 % ABV so the dry vermouth does not thin the drink out.
Measure maraschino and Picon precisely: small amounts, big effect.
Variations
Red Hook
Rye, Punt e Mes and maraschino, a modern Brooklyn-inspired classic.
Greenpoint
Rye, sweet vermouth, yellow Chartreuse and bitters, another neighbourhood drink.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amer Picon?
A French bitter aperitif flavoured with orange peel and gentian. It is hard to find outside France.
What can I use instead of Amer Picon?
Bigallet China-China, Ramazzotti or another orange-forward amaro; two dashes of Angostura work in a pinch.
What is the difference between a Brooklyn and a Manhattan?
The Brooklyn uses dry instead of sweet vermouth and adds maraschino and Amer Picon, making it drier and more bitter.
The perfect sound
Brooklyn jazz and hip hop
Brownstone cool from the borough across the bridge.
