The Art of the Tuxedo Cocktail: A Sophisticated Sip for Black-Tie Events
In a city known for its exclusive galas, high-society soirées, and private club gatherings, few cocktails embody timeless elegance like the Tuxedo Cocktail. With its origins tied to NYC’s elite social circles, this refined gin-based drink is a classic alternative to the Martini, offering a sophisticated balance of dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a whisper of absinthe.
Whether you’re attending a black-tie event at The Met, a private club dinner on the Upper East Side, or simply want to elevate your next cocktail hour, the Tuxedo Cocktail is a drink that exudes grace, style, and quiet confidence.
Let’s explore the history, variations, and where to sip a Tuxedo in NYC’s most refined settings.
The History of the Tuxedo Cocktail: A Drink Born from High Society
The Tuxedo Cocktail traces its origins to the Tuxedo Club, a private social club founded in 1886 in Tuxedo Park, New York—a lavish enclave that gave us not only this drink but also the formal black-tie tuxedo itself.
This Hudson Valley retreat was a playground for Manhattan’s wealthiest families, including the Astors, Vanderbilts, and Morgans. It was here that elite gentlemen, dressed in their newly fashionable tuxedos, sipped this elegantly dry cocktail before heading into the club’s grand dining hall.
By the early 1900s, the Tuxedo Cocktail had found its way into NYC’s most elite bars, becoming a staple for those who preferred something slightly more complex than a traditional Martini.
How the Tuxedo Differs from a Martini
While both drinks share a gin and dry vermouth base, the Tuxedo Cocktail takes a more nuanced, layered approach:
🔹 Maraschino liqueur – Adds a subtle cherry-almond sweetness, giving the drink more depth.
🔹 Absinthe rinse – Infuses the cocktail with an aromatic, anise-kissed elegance.
🔹 Orange bitters – Enhances the botanicals of the gin and brings a slight warmth.
The result? A cocktail that is crisper than a Manhattan but more intricate than a standard Martini, making it an ideal black-tie drink.
The Classic Tuxedo Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
2 oz gin (London dry for a sharper edge, Old Tom for a softer touch)
¾ oz dry vermouth
¼ oz maraschino liqueur
2 dashes orange bitters
Absinthe rinse
Garnish: Lemon twist or cherry
Instructions:
Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
Stir the gin, vermouth, maraschino, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass.
Strain into the prepared coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist (for brightness) or a cherry (for added depth).
The result? A perfectly balanced cocktail that mirrors the refined atmosphere of a black-tie affair.
Where to Order a Tuxedo Cocktail in NYC
For those who prefer to sip a Tuxedo in the city’s most distinguished settings, these NYC cocktail institutions offer flawlessly crafted versions:
1. The Campbell (Midtown) – Classic Elegance in Grand Central
A former private office of a 1920s financier, this restored cocktail lounge drips with old-school luxury—mahogany walls, a grand fireplace, and an air of exclusivity.
✔ Order the Tuxedo Cocktail here if: You want a drink in a setting straight out of a Gatsby novel.
2. NoMad Bar (Flatiron) – A Sophisticated Take on Classic Cocktails
Tucked inside the NoMad Hotel, this bar is known for its expertly crafted classics, served in a plush, dimly lit space perfect for intimate gatherings.
✔ Order the Tuxedo Cocktail here if: You appreciate precision in mixology and a five-star ambiance.
3. Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – A Society Staple
Located inside The Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans is where Upper East Side aristocrats, musicians, and Hollywood elite sip classic cocktails beneath golden murals and live jazz performances.
✔ Order the Tuxedo Cocktail here if: You want a Martini alternative in one of NYC’s most iconic bars.
The Tuxedo Cocktail in Modern Black-Tie Culture
While the Tuxedo Cocktail was once reserved for private clubs and exclusive gentlemen’s gatherings, today it has become a symbol of refined cocktail culture at events like:
🎭 The Met Gala – Imagine sipping a Tuxedo Cocktail in a Tom Ford tux, surrounded by NYC’s fashion elite.
🎷 Jazz Age Lawn Party – A Gatsby-inspired summer affair where vintage cocktails like the Tuxedo take center stage.
🎩 Private Club Dinners – From the Union Club to the Yale Club, the Tuxedo remains a signature cocktail of the social elite.
Whether at an art gallery opening, a luxury hotel bar, or an exclusive soirée, the Tuxedo Cocktail elevates any black-tie event with a touch of timeless class.
Host an Elegant Cocktail Experience with Art of the Cocktail
For those looking to bring the sophistication of the Tuxedo Cocktail to a private event, Art of the Cocktail offers:
✔ Custom Black-Tie Cocktail Menus – Featuring vintage classics like the Tuxedo, Vesper, and White Negroni.
✔ Luxury Mixology Experiences – Perfect for society gatherings, gala after-parties, and VIP events.
✔ Expert Bartender-Led Tastings – Learn the history and craft of high-society cocktails in a private, immersive setting.
Because a well-crafted cocktail is just as essential to a black-tie event as a tailored tuxedo.
Final Thoughts: The Return of the Tuxedo Cocktail
The Tuxedo Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a statement of elegance, history, and refinement. Whether you order it in one of NYC’s most exclusive bars or shake one up at home, it’s a cocktail that commands attention without trying too hard.
Consider skipping the usual Martini and opting for a Tuxedo at your next event—because style is all about the details.
