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Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Rye
Alcohol 28%
Calories 210 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 3 minutes
Imagine you’re at a party, and you want to impress your friends with a cool, grown-up drink. That’s where the Red Hook cocktail comes in! It’s a drink with a twist of sweetness and a punch of strong flavor, and we’ll explore all the secrets of making it just right. Let’s dive in and learn more about this awesome cocktail! 
History
The Red Hook is a modern classic that was created in the early 2000s in New York City. It’s a twist on an older drink called the Manhattan, but with a unique taste all its own. This cocktail quickly became popular and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
- The name Red Hook is inspired by the Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.
- It was invented by a bartender named Enzo Errico at the famous bar Milk & Honey.
- The Red Hook was part of a wave of new cocktails that helped to revive interest in classic mixology.
The taste of a Red Hook?
A Red Hook tastes rich and a bit sweet, with a hint of cherry from the maraschino liqueur. It’s a strong drink with whiskey at its heart, balanced out by the vermouth and liqueur.
I personally love drinking Red Hooks because they’re a sophisticated and flavorful choice that’s perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Interesting facts about Red Hook
- The Red Hook cocktail is often considered a “bartender’s handshake,” a sign of respect among mixologists.
- Its popularity helped to put rye whiskey back in the spotlight after years of being overshadowed by bourbon.
- Despite its strong taste, the Red Hook is often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink, known as an aperitif.
Ingredients 
- Rye whiskey: 2 oz (60ml)
- Punt e Mes: 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Maraschino liqueur: 1/2 oz (15ml)
A stemmed cocktail glass is the best when serving a Red Hook. Its elegant shape shows off the drink’s deep color and helps to concentrate the aroma. An alternative could be a lowball glass, which also allows for easy sipping.
Recipe. How to make Red Hook 
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz of rye whiskey, 1/2 oz of Punt e Mes, and 1/2 oz of maraschino liqueur to the glass.
- Stir the ingredients together until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled stemmed cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry or twist of lemon peel.
The Red Hook cocktail is a real treat, but it’s also important to remember moderation. This drink contains sugar from the liqueur and calories from the alcohol. If you want a healthier version, try using a natural sweetener like honey instead of the liqueur, and always enjoy responsibly.
Food Pairings
The Red Hook is a versatile cocktail that can complement many different types of food. Here are a few pairings that really bring out the best in this rich, sweet drink.
Charcuterie
The spiciness of the rye whiskey in a Red Hook pairs beautifully with cured meats and sharp cheeses. The saltiness of the charcuterie brings out the sweetness of the maraschino liqueur.
Dark Chocolate
Sipping a Red Hook alongside a piece of dark chocolate is a decadent experience. The bitterness of the chocolate contrasts with the cocktail’s sweet and herbal notes.
Grilled Steak
The bold flavors of a grilled steak can stand up to the strong taste of the Red Hook. The whiskey complements the smoky, savory flavors of the meat.
I really enjoy the rich, bold flavors of the Red Hook—it’s like a warm hug in a glass!
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh ice when mixing your Red Hook to ensure the best flavor and temperature.
- For a perfectly balanced drink, measure your ingredients carefully.
- Don’t rush the stirring—take your time to chill the cocktail without diluting it too much.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Red Hook, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Red Hook
- Punt e Mes: Can be switched for another sweet vermouth if preferred.
- Maraschino liqueur: Try a different fruit liqueur or a splash of cherry syrup for a twist.
- Rye whiskey: Bourbon can be used for a smoother, sweeter profile.
Red Hook Variations
Green Point
- Ingredients: Adds green Chartreuse in place of maraschino liqueur.
- Recipe: Mix with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, then garnish with a lemon twist.
Black Hook
- Ingredients: Substitute blackstrap rum for the rye whiskey.
- Recipe: Combine with Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur, stirring well over ice.
Brown Hook
- Ingredients: Features an aged rum instead of rye whiskey.
- Recipe: Stir together with sweet vermouth and a bar spoon of maraschino liqueur.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a Virgin Red Hook is simple and tasty. Just mix cherry juice with a splash of non-alcoholic sweet vermouth and garnish with a cherry.
Q&A
What’s the best time to enjoy a Red Hook?
While you can enjoy a Red Hook anytime, it’s particularly great as an evening cocktail to unwind after work or as a sophisticated start to your night out.
Can I make a Red Hook without maraschino liqueur?
Definitely! You can experiment with other fruit syrups or liqueurs, but keep in mind it’ll change the classic flavor profile.
Is the Red Hook a strong cocktail?
Yes, it’s quite potent due to the high proportion of rye whiskey, so savor it slowly and responsibly.
What’s the difference between a Red Hook and a Manhattan?
The Red Hook uses Punt e Mes, which is a bit more bitter than the sweet vermouth typically used in a Manhattan, and it adds maraschino liqueur for a touch of sweetness.
Can I batch prepare Red Hooks for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher or bowl. Serve over ice with garnishes on the side.
What does ‘Punt e Mes’ mean, and why is it used in a Red Hook?
Punt e Mes is Italian for “point and a half,” referring to its flavor profile, which is one point sweet vermouth and half a point bitter. It adds depth and complexity to the Red Hook.
