Classic Bronx Cocktail: A Taste of New York in a Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces of gin
  • 1 ounce of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1/4 ounce of sweet vermouth
  • 1/4 ounce of dry vermouth
  • 1 slice of orange for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Steps and instructions

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  3. Add the gin, orange juice, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth to the shaker.
  4. Shake well to mix the ingredients together.
  5. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish the drink with a slice of orange.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

  • Cocktail shaker - Used to mix and shake the ingredients together.
  • Ice cubes - Needed to chill the cocktail and create a refreshing drink.
  • Cocktail glass - The serving vessel for the Bronx cocktail.
  • Knife - To slice the orange for garnish.

Recipe variations

  • Replace gin with vodka for a different flavor profile.
  • Use blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice for a more unique taste.
  • Add a splash of grenadine for a touch of sweetness.
  • Increase or decrease the amount of vermouth to adjust the level of herbal notes.
  • Experiment with different garnishes such as a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry.
  • Add a dash of bitters to enhance the cocktail's complexity.
  • Try using a flavored gin or vodka for an extra twist.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or use herbal tea for a different flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this classic cocktail recipe from the Bronx - a delightful blend of gin, vermouth, and orange juice. This cocktail was very popular during the Prohibition era and is known for its refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy flavor. It's a simple recipe that requires just a few ingredients and a little shaking. Within minutes, you'll have a delicious, sophisticated drink that's perfect for any occasion. So, let's get started and transport you to the old-school charm of New York City's Bronx borough with this classic cocktail recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of gin? Yes, you can experiment with different types of alcohol such as vodka or rum, but keep in mind that it will alter the taste of the cocktail.
  2. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice? While using freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled orange juice if that's what you have available.
  3. What is the difference between sweet vermouth and dry vermouth? Sweet vermouth is slightly sweeter and has a more pronounced herbal flavor, while dry vermouth is lighter and has a more subtle flavor. Using both vermouths in this recipe provides a balanced taste.
  4. Can I skip the garnish? The garnish is optional, but it adds a nice touch to the presentation and enhances the aroma of the cocktail. Feel free to skip it if you prefer.
  5. Can I make a larger batch of Bronx cocktail? Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe by multiplying the ingredient amounts accordingly. Just make sure to adjust the shaking time and strain the mixture into a larger serving container.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cocktail shaker - Used to mix the ingredients together.
  • Cocktail strainer - Used to strain the mixture into the glass, separating the liquid from the ice.
  • Chilled cocktail glass - The preferred glassware for serving the Bronx cocktail.
  • Ice cubes - Used to chill the cocktail and provide a refreshing element.
  • Knife - Used to slice the orange garnish.
  • Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for slicing the orange.

Origin stories

The Bronx Cocktail, unlike its fellow New York borough namesakes the Manhattan and the Brooklyn, is a bit of a mystery, its origins shrouded in myth and disputed tales. One such story lays the invention at the hands of Johnnie Solon, a pre-Prohibition bartender at the famed Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan. As the story goes, Solon was challenged to create a new cocktail on the spot. He named his creation after the Bronx Zoo, reasoning that his concoction was wild enough to rouse the zoo's exotic, caged denizens. Though the tale's truth is up for debate, there's no arguing that the Bronx Cocktail's delightful blend of gin, vermouth and fresh orange juice has proved a roaring success for over a century.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.