Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe

You’ve probably heard of the Manhattan, but the Brooklyn deserves some attention too. It’s one of those classics that quietly existed in the background, even though it’s been around since before Prohibition. It mixes rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a bit of bittersweet amaro like Amer Picon. The flavor brings spice, herbs, and a soft cherry note that feels bold yet smooth.

Bartenders in New York were already pouring this drink in the early 1900s as a nod to Brooklyn’s growing energy. It even appeared in Jack’s Manual back in 1908, which shows how long it’s been part of cocktail history. Now that rye whiskey and craft cocktails are having a moment, the brooklyn cocktail recipe is getting the spotlight again.

If you enjoy drinks that feel balanced but still have some depth, you’ll like this one. You’ll learn how to make it, how to swap ingredients if needed, and how to tweak the flavor to fit your taste. Once you try it, you’ll see why the Brooklyn stands out on its own instead of living in the Manhattan’s shadow.

What’s in a Brooklyn Cocktail?

A Brooklyn cocktail brings together rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a touch of bitter orange. When you mix them, you get a dry, herbal flavor with a soft hint of cherry. It’s balanced, smooth, and a little more complex than you expect (in a good way).

Ingredients and Substitutions

Every ingredient here has a purpose, and each one adds something different to the drink.

• Rye whiskey - Rye gives the cocktail its spice and structure. Brands like Rittenhouse, Bulleit, or Sazerac work really well. If you use bourbon instead, the drink becomes softer and sweeter, and you lose that sharp rye edge.

If that smoother style sounds more your speed, you’ll probably enjoy exploring some best bourbon whiskey cocktails that lean warm, balanced, and easy to sip.

• Dry vermouth - Dry vermouth adds crispness and a light herbal note. Dolin Dry and Noilly Prat are great choices. Just make sure your vermouth is fresh and kept in the fridge. Old vermouth can make the whole drink fall flat.
• Maraschino liqueur - This isn’t cherry syrup. It’s a clear liqueur with a dry, nutty cherry flavor that pulls the bitter and spice together. Luxardo is the classic option, but Maraska also does a good job.
• Amer Picon or substitutes - The original recipe used Amer Picon, but it’s hard to find in the U.S. These days, Ramazzotti or Amaro Ciociaro are solid stand-ins. Bigallet China-China adds a deeper orange note. If you’re in a pinch, a few dashes of bitters can work too.
• Garnish options - A maraschino cherry adds sweetness and color. A lemon twist gives the drink a fresh aroma and a clean finish. Go with whatever matches your taste or the vibe you want.

You might also like: Best Cocktails with Vermouth | What are the Best Mixers for Whiskey?

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this drink, but the right tools make a big difference.

You’ll need:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Hawthorne strainer
• Jigger
• Chilled coupe or martini glass

If you’re building your home bar, a good stainless steel cocktail set keeps everything organized and ready to go. It comes with all the basics you need to stir, strain, and serve like a pro.

How to Make a Brooklyn Cocktail

First, chill your coupe glass. This keeps your drink cold and tasting fresh. Just fill the glass with ice water while you get everything else ready.

Next, grab your mixing glass and fill it about halfway with ice. Add rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon. If you can’t find Amer Picon, try Bigallet China-China or use a couple dashes of Angostura bitters instead.

Use your bar spoon to stir everything together for about 20 seconds. (Stirring chills your drink and mixes the flavors without making it cloudy.) You’ll know it’s ready when the mix looks smooth and just a bit silky.

Dump out the ice water from your coupe, then strain the cocktail in. If you have a fine strainer, use it to catch any tiny ice chips for a cleaner pour.

For garnish, add a Luxardo maraschino cherry on a pick and drop it in. If you want something brighter, peel a thin lemon twist, squeeze it gently over the drink to release the oils, and then drop it in or set it aside (whichever you like).

Keep this quick guide handy while you mix... and feel free to check out the printable recipe card below for easy reference next time.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Flavor Balance and the Best Brooklyn Cocktail

• Start with a bold rye whiskey - Choose one with a spicy edge for the best flavor. Softer ryes can make your drink taste a bit dull. You want the whiskey to lead but not overpower everything else.
• Go for dry vermouth with herbal notes - Skip the sweet stuff so you keep that crisp bite. If your drink tastes a little too sharp, add just a bit more vermouth to smooth things out.
• Use maraschino liqueur sparingly - It adds gentle sweetness, but too much will hide the spice from the rye. Taste as you go and adjust slowly until it feels balanced.
• Pick a good amaro or Amer Picon substitute - If your cocktail is too bitter, stir it with ice a little longer to mellow it out. For a stronger sip, keep the stirring time short.

Brooklyn Cocktail Recipe Variations

If you’re into cocktails, you know the Brooklyn has plenty of close relatives. Each one plays with the ingredients just enough to give you a different vibe.

• Red Hook uses Punt e Mes instead of dry vermouth, which adds a richer, bittersweet kick.
• Greenpoint sticks with rye but brings in yellow Chartreuse for a little extra spice and herbal flavor.
• Bushwick swaps in sweet vermouth instead of dry, so the drink comes out smoother and less sharp.
• Little Italy trades Amer Picon for Cynar, which gives you a hint of earthy bitterness.

You can play around at home, too. Try using bourbon instead of rye if you want something softer and rounder.

Want a more fruity flavor? Use cherry brandy in place of maraschino liqueur.

Even changing up the garnish can give your drink a new twist. Go for a lemon peel if you want something bright or try a brandied cherry for a cozy touch. Once you get the hang of it, every small change turns your Brooklyn cocktail into something totally your own.

More Classic Whiskey Cocktails to Try

If you’re a fan of the Brooklyn, you’ll want to check out a few more classic whiskey cocktails. These favorites all have their own personality and are easy to love:

• Manhattan
• Old Fashioned
• Sazerac
• Boulevardier
• Whiskey Sour
• Gold Rush
• Paper Plane
• Penicillin

Try one of these next time you’re in the mood for something timeless.

Frequently Asked Questions