Red Hook Cocktail Recipe

Some cocktails never go out of style and the Red Hook is one of them. If you love a Manhattan or a Brooklyn you are going to want to try this one. It has the warmth of rye whiskey the cherry sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the bittersweet kick of Punt e Mes. It is bold smooth and easy to make but it still feels like something special.

This drink was created in 2003 by Enzo Errico at the famous Milk and Honey bar in New York. He named it after Red Hook a historic Brooklyn neighborhood. With just three ingredients it has become a favorite on craft cocktail menus everywhere. If you are a whiskey lover looking for something new the Red Hook delivers a rich complex flavor that is hard to resist.

We are going to walk you through the Red Hook cocktail recipe step by step. We will cover the classic way to make it along with some easy swaps expert tips and fun variations to try. Whether you are just getting into home bartending or you have been mixing drinks for a while this one is worth adding to your lineup. Grab your shaker and let’s get started.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Red Hook cocktail is one of those drinks where every ingredient plays a big role. It is bold, a little sweet, and has just the right amount of bitterness to keep things interesting. The key is using the right ingredients, so let’s talk about what you will need.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey brings warmth, spice, and just the right amount of punch. A high-proof rye like Rittenhouse 100 works great because it holds its own against the other ingredients.

If you want something budget-friendly, Old Overholt is a solid option and still gets the job done. If you are in the mood to treat yourself, WhistlePig’s 10-year rye adds a smooth vanilla and caramel richness that makes the drink feel extra special.

Sweet Vermouth

Punt e Mes is what gives the Red Hook that perfect mix of sweetness and bitterness. It adds depth and keeps the drink from leaning too sweet.

If you cannot find Punt e Mes, Carpano Antica Formula is a good backup. It is a little sweeter and less bitter but still works well. Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is another great option if you want something balanced and smooth.

You might also like:  18 Best Vermouth Cocktails You Should Definitely Try

Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle cherry flavor with a hint of almond that makes the drink more complex without making it too sweet.

Luxardo Maraschino is the classic choice because it has a dry finish that keeps everything in check. If you want something lighter and a little more floral, Maraska is a nice alternative. Just be sure to use a clear maraschino liqueur, not the bright red cherry syrup often used for garnishing.

How to Make a Red Hook Cocktail

The Red Hook cocktail is smooth, bold, and packed with flavor. It has just the right mix of spice, sweetness, and bitterness, making it a favorite for whiskey lovers. The best part? It is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Start by chilling a coupe glass with some ice. While that chills, grab your rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur.

Fill a mixing glass with ice, then pour in the ingredients. Give it a good stir for about 30 seconds until it is nice and cold. Stirring instead of shaking keeps the drink clear and silky smooth.

Dump the ice from your coupe glass, then strain the cocktail into it. You will notice the deep reddish hue that makes this drink as beautiful as it is delicious.

For a finishing touch, drop in a maraschino cherry. It adds a hint of sweetness that works perfectly with the rich flavors in the glass.

We love how the spice from the rye whiskey blends with the subtle cherry and almond notes from the maraschino liqueur. Serve it right away and enjoy every sip while it is perfectly chilled.

Red Hook Recipe Variations

The Red Hook cocktail may have started as a twist on the Manhattan, but that does not mean we cannot have some fun with it. There are plenty of ways to mix things up while keeping that bold, well-balanced flavor we love.

• Swap the maraschino liqueur for Yellow Chartreuse. This adds bright herbal notes and a more complex flavor while still keeping the drink strong and smooth.
• Try adding a little Cynar. Just a quarter ounce brings a rich bitterness that makes things even more interesting.
• For a floral touch, mix in a splash of St-Germain. It adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Switch out the rye for rum. The molasses notes make the drink richer and slightly sweeter. It is a fun twist that might surprise you.

If you like Brooklyn-inspired cocktails, the Greenpoint uses Yellow Chartreuse for a brighter finish, while the Bensonhurst adds Cynar and dry vermouth for a more bitter take.

The best part of making cocktails at home is getting to experiment. Try a few variations and see what you like best. If you come up with a great twist, let us know. We would love to hear what you are mixing.

Cocktails You Might Also Love

If you enjoy the Red Hook, there are plenty of other cocktails that bring a similar balance of bold, smooth, and complex flavors. Here are a few worth trying.

• Manhattan
• Old Pal
• Greenpoint
• Black Manhattan
• Bobby Burns
• Mezcal Old Fashioned
• Bourbon Peach Smash
• Clover Club

Each of these cocktails offers a unique twist on classic flavors. Whether you want to explore different vermouth styles, swap rye for mezcal, or experiment with herbal liqueurs, these drinks give you plenty of options to keep things interesting. Give one a try and see which one becomes your new favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in a Red Hook cocktail?

The classic Red Hook recipe calls for rye whiskey, Punt e Mes vermouth, and maraschino liqueur. We mix these in a 2:1:1/4 ratio for perfect balance.

How did the Red Hook cocktail get its name?

This drink pays tribute to the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn. It joins other NYC neighborhood-inspired cocktails like the Manhattan and Brooklyn.

What does a Red Hook cocktail taste like?

The flavor combines sweet and bitter notes with rye’s spice leading the way. The maraschino adds cherry sweetness while Punt e Mes brings gentle bitterness.

How strong is a Red Hook cocktail?

We classify this as a full-strength cocktail. It contains only spirits with no mixers or juice to dilute the alcohol.

What’s the alcohol content of a Red Hook cocktail?

A standard Red Hook contains about 25-30% alcohol by volume. The exact strength depends on your choice of rye whiskey.

Can I use bourbon instead of rye in a Red Hook cocktail?

You can swap in bourbon, but it makes a sweeter drink. We recommend sticking with rye for the traditional spicy kick.

Red Hook Cocktail Recipe

The Red Hook cocktail is a smooth, well-balanced drink that brings together rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, and sweet vermouth. It is bold yet refined with just the right mix of spice, sweetness, and bitterness. It is a modern classic with deep roots in New York’s cocktail scene, and it is one of our favorite drinks to make at home.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Cocktail glass or coupe

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 oz Punt e Mes
• 1 maraschino cherry or lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill a mixing glass with ice to chill it. Let it sit for about thirty seconds, then dump the ice.
• Add fresh ice to the mixing glass. Pour in the rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, and Punt e Mes.
• Stir gently for twenty to twenty-five seconds until the drink is well-chilled.
• Strain into your chilled cocktail glass.
• Add your chosen garnish, whether it is a maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon peel.

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