Brooklyn

About the Brooklyn

If the Manhattan is the most famous cocktail to come out of New York, the Brooklyn is its lesser known sibling across the river, built on Timber Creek Florida Black Rye Whiskey, dry vermouth, Amer Picon, and Luxardo maraschino liqueur for a drier, more bitter edged spin on the formula. Amer Picon is the key here, a bittersweet orange liqueur that most bars have to substitute for, and it demands a rye whiskey with enough character to stand up to its assertive bitterness. Timber Creek Florida Black Rye Whiskey delivers that thanks to the distillery’s PureBlend process, which distills grains separately and ages them in individual barrels before blending by component, giving the whiskey a spicier, more concentrated profile than a standard rye. The small pour of maraschino liqueur adds just enough sweetness to keep the Amer Picon and dry vermouth from tipping the drink too far into bitterness.

To build it, stir the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, Amer Picon, and maraschino liqueur with ice until well chilled and properly diluted, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. No garnish is traditionally required, though a lemon twist can be added for extra aromatics. The Brooklyn’s dry, bitter edged profile is a natural match for the suggested pastrami sandwich, rye bread, and pickles, leaning fully into its New York delicatessen inspired pairing. Smoked brisket and mustard pretzels round out a heartier spread if you want something more substantial, making this an easy fit for a casual, food forward gathering.

As with most stirred, all spirit cocktails, this one is stronger than its dry, balanced flavor lets on, so it’s worth pacing your rounds, eating something alongside it, and planning ahead for a safe way home at the end of the night. A well made Brooklyn is meant to be sipped slowly and savored, not rushed through between bites.

If the Manhattan is the most famous cocktail to come out of New York, the Brooklyn is its lesser known sibling across the river, built on Timber Creek Florida Black Rye Whiskey, dry vermouth, Amer Picon, and Luxardo maraschino liqueur for a drier, more bitter edged spin on the formula. Amer Picon is the key here, a bittersweet orange liqueur that most bars have to substitute for, and it demands a rye whiskey with enough character to stand up to its assertive bitterness. Timber Creek Florida Black Rye Whiskey delivers that thanks to the distillery’s PureBlend process, which distills grains separately and ages them in individual barrels before blending by component, giving the whiskey a spicier, more concentrated profile than a standard rye. The small pour of maraschino liqueur adds just enough sweetness to keep the Amer Picon and dry vermouth from tipping the drink too far into bitterness.

To build it, stir the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, Amer Picon, and maraschino liqueur with ice until well chilled and properly diluted, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. No garnish is traditionally required, though a lemon twist can be added for extra aromatics. The Brooklyn’s dry, bitter edged profile is a natural match for the suggested pastrami sandwich, rye bread, and pickles, leaning fully into its New York delicatessen inspired pairing. Smoked brisket and mustard pretzels round out a heartier spread if you want something more substantial, making this an easy fit for a casual, food forward gathering.

As with most stirred, all spirit cocktails, this one is stronger than its dry, balanced flavor lets on, so it’s worth pacing your rounds, eating something alongside it, and planning ahead for a safe way home at the end of the night. A well made Brooklyn is meant to be sipped slowly and savored, not rushed through between bites.