Remember the Maine
A classic cocktail that harkens back to the pre-Prohibition era, Remember the Maine is a sophisticated drink with a storied past. It's named after the USS Maine, which sank in Havana Harbor in 1898. This cocktail combines the sweetness of cherry liqueur with the warmth of whiskey, balanced with the complexity of absinthe and vermouth.
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
- 2 dashes absinthe
- Brandied cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a cocktail glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
- Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and absinthe to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Discard the ice from the chilled cocktail glass if used.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Notes
The Remember the Maine is a cocktail best enjoyed slowly to appreciate the melding of its complex flavors. The absinthe should be used sparingly to not overpower the drink. If Cherry Heering is unavailable, another high-quality cherry liqueur can be substituted.