Red Hook Cocktail

The Red Hook is made with three ingredients: rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, and Punt e Mes (or alternatively, sweet vermouth). Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the cocktail’s overall profile, contributing depth, balance, and complexity of flavors.

Rye whiskey is the backbone of the Red Hook, providing a robust and spicy base that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. Its bold character is essential to the cocktail’s structure, offering warmth and a rich, grainy flavor that anchors the drink.

Maraschino liqueur introduces a subtle sweetness and a hint of cherry flavor, adding a layer of complexity and a slight fruity undertone. This liqueur, derived from the distillation of Marasca cherries, is known for its distinctive taste and aroma, which enhances the cocktail’s depth without overpowering the other components.

Punt e Mes, a vermouth with a bittersweet profile, is a critical ingredient that bridges the rye whiskey and maraschino liqueur. Its name, meaning “point and a half” in Piedmontese, reflects its flavor profile, with the sweetness of the vermouth balanced by a half point of bitterness. This ingredient adds a nuanced complexity, enriching the cocktail with a layered taste experience. Alternatively, sweet vermouth can be used, offering a smoother, less bitter substitute that still complements the rye and maraschino liqueur beautifully.

Before delving further into the Red Hook cocktail, it is essential to understand Punt e Mes, a key ingredient that sets this drink apart. Punt e Mes is an Italian vermouth, characterized by its unique balance of sweetness and bitterness. Created in 1870 by the Carpano family in Turin, Italy, Punt e Mes has a rich history and a distinctive flavor profile that has made it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif but has found its place in various cocktails, where its complex flavor can be both a complement and a focal point.

Red Hook Cocktail Recipe

1. 60 ml rye whiskey

2. 15 ml maraschino liqueur

3. 15 ml Punt e Mes, or sweet vermouth

4. Ice

5. Garnish: maraschino cherry