Episode 75 The Brooklyn Cocktail

Jun 12

Ep. 75: Lost spirit and forgotten cocktail – The Brooklyn Cocktail

Welcome to Season 5 episode 75 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle

Don’t sleep on the Brooklyn cocktail! This riff on a Manhattan is a classic that deserves some attention. However, there is a small problem to overcome. A primary ingredient cannot be found here in the US and there is no way to make the original, until now.

Uncle Brad gives us a great stand-in recipe, with a Jules riff of course, and teaches us how to make the Amer Picon that made this drink so magical – so stick around for today’s history lesson for that recipe.

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What do we need for today’s episode?

For Brad’s Brooklyn Cocktail

Coupe glass
Mixing glass
Rye whiskey
Dry vermouth
Maraschino liqueur
China China (unless you’ve smuggled Amer Picon from France)
Jigger
Bar Spoon

For Jules’ Summer in Brooklyn

Nick & nora Glass
Mixing glass
Jigger
Cocktail shaker rye
sweet vermouth, chilled
Amaro Amara, or Amaro Nonino
orange bitters
tonic water
Grapefruit twist

Get Brad's Brooklyn Cocktail

Get Jules' Summer in Brooklyn Cocktail

Brooklyn cocktail, a lil backstory

Origins

Early 20th Century: The Brooklyn cocktail is believed to have been created in the early 1900s. The first known publication of the recipe appeared in "Jack's Manual" by J.A. Grohusko in 1908, a bartender's guide that included numerous cocktail recipes from that era.

Popularity and Decline

Early Popularity: The Brooklyn cocktail enjoyed popularity in the early 20th century, particularly among those who appreciated the nuanced flavors brought by the combination of bitters and maraschino liqueur.
Decline: Over time, the Brooklyn cocktail fell out of favor, overshadowed by more popular drinks like the Manhattan and the Martini. The decline in availability of Amer Picon also contributed to its waning popularity, as it was a key ingredient that was difficult to replace.

Revival

Craft Cocktail Movement: The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a resurgence in interest in classic cocktails, thanks in part to the craft cocktail movement. Bartenders and enthusiasts began to rediscover and revive old recipes, including the Brooklyn cocktail.

Get Featured Question: Kimberwee1 – asked for more tips on making drinks for parties