By Sometimes a taste or smell can evoke a pleasurable memory from the past, instantly transporting you back to a time or place. However, in the case of this cocktail, it’s the name that sends me cascading down memory lane.
The drink is called “Brooklyn” and was apparently originated in 1930. Coincidentally, that was around the same time my mother was born in the aforementioned borough of New York City.
Whenever I hear the name Brooklyn, I immediately flash back to childhood visits to the Big Apple. And no trip to Brooklyn would be complete without a visit to the legendary Coney Island boardwalk and amusement park. Even as far back as the late 60’s, I remember the place being a bit weathered and worn, but still undeniably New York in its unique personality and scruffy charm.
Honestly, I haven’t been back in more than 40 years, yet the fond memories remain fresh in my mind. So, make yourself a Brooklyn cocktail. It’s a little boozy and slightly sweet, with a subtle bitter note that invites sip after sip. See if it stirs up some sights and sounds of your own childhood wonderlands. You certainly can’t beat the price of admission.
Brooklyn
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz dry white vermouth
- ¼ oz Amer Picon (Cointreau can be a substitute)
- ¼ oz maraschino cherry liqueur (juice)
- 1 dash bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
Prep
- Mix rye, vermouth, Amer Picon, cherry liqueur and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with orange twist.
- Down the hatch! (Makes one drink)
David Pitlik is a corporate writer by day, a comedy writer from a previous life, and a lover of great food, wonderful drink and sparkling banter with good friends.
Thank you, Kenny.