Emerson Cocktail

The Emerson is a classic cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, fresh lime juice, and maraschino liqueur.

The recipe for the Emerson, as we know it today, was adapted from Jacques Straub’s book, “Straub’s Manual of Mixed Drinks,” published in 1913. Straub’s manual served as a comprehensive guide for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts of the time, compiling an extensive collection of recipes that have influenced the cocktail landscape for over a century.

The Emerson cocktail stands out for its unique blend of flavors, each component bringing its own unique character to the drink. The base of gin, particularly the old tom variety, provides a botanical backdrop that is both nuanced and robust. This is complemented by the herbal notes of sweet vermouth, which add depth and complexity to the drink. The addition of fresh lime juice introduces a zesty citrus element that cuts through the sweetness, while maraschino liqueur lends a subtle cherry flavor that rounds out the drink’s profile.

It’s impossible to discuss the Emerson without acknowledging its close kinship with the Martinez, a venerable cocktail that shares several key ingredients with the Emerson. Both drinks feature gin, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur but the Emerson’s use of lime juice distinguishes it. This connection highlights the interconnected nature of cocktail evolution, with each new creation building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors.

In contemporary cocktail discourse, the Emerson is often compared to the Last Word, another classic cocktail known for its use of gin and lime juice. However, the Emerson’s absence of Chartreuse and inclusion of maraschino liqueur and sweet vermouth sets it apart, offering a different flavor profile that is both distinctive and memorable. This comparison serves to illustrate the diversity of cocktail recipes and the endless possibilities for creativity within the realm of mixology.

Emerson Cocktail Recipe

1. 60 ml gin

2. 30 ml sweet vermouth

3. 15 ml fresh lime juice

4. 7.5 ml maraschino liqueur

5. Ice

6. Garnish: maraschino cherry on stick