Remember the Maine is a classic cocktail with strength and character, made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur. With its slightly smoky touch and aromatics, it's a drink similar to the Manhattan family, but with a depth all its own.
The Remember the Maine cocktail takes its name from an important event in American history. In 1898, the explosion of the USS Maine, a warship docked in Havana, Cuba, caused a huge national outcry. After this event, the slogan "Remember the Maine!" spread in America and became one of the symbols of the Spanish-American War.
The emergence of the cocktail dates back to the early 20th century. The famous bartender and cocktail writer Charles H. Baker Jr. introduced this drink in his book The Gentleman's Companion, published in 1939. Baker was particularly impressed by the strong and aromatic character of this cocktail, which he drank in bars in Havana and shared the recipe in his book.
“Remembering the past is the most powerful way to walk more consciously into the future.”
Remember the Maine is seen as a more aromatic and slightly more mysterious version of a Manhattan-like cocktail. The spicy structure of rye whiskey, the fruity flavors of cherry liqueur and the light herbal touch of absinthe combine to create a layered drink. For this reason, it is one of those special recipes that is revered among classic cocktail aficionados but not often encountered.
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Ingredients
Unit System
60 mlRye Whiskey
22 mlSweet Vermouth
2 teaspoonsCherry Liqueur (Cherry Heering or similar)
1-2drops of Absinthe
·Ice
Cherry(garnish)
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Method
1
Fill the mixing glass with ice.
2
Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur.
3
Add a few drops of absinthe for a slightly aromatic touch.
4
Stir with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds to chill the drink well.
5
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and serve with a cherry.
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Bartender Tips
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Using a rye whiskey with a pronounced spicy character enhances the balance of the cocktail.
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Don't overdo the absinthe - just a few drops are enough.
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Using good quality cocktail cherries gives the drink a pleasant aroma and visual appeal.
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