Remember the Maine

Whiskey · Coupe

Charles H. Baker's Havana recipe from the 1930s, in memory of the USS Maine — rye, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and an absinthe rinse. 'Stir briskly in clockwise fashion — this one's not to be slighted.'

GlassCoupe
GarnishNone
ABV28%
Categoryclassic
Flavorfruity, herbal, historic, spirit-forward

Ingredients

  • Rye Whiskey2 oz
  • Sweet Vermouth0.75 oz
  • Cherry Heering0.5 oz
  • Absinthe1 rinse
  • Maraschino Cherry1 piece

Method

  1. Rinse coupe with absinthe and discard
  2. Add rye, sweet vermouth, and Cherry Heering to mixing glass with ice
  3. Stir clockwise until well chilled
  4. Strain into absinthe-rinsed coupe
  5. Garnish with cherry

Pro Tips

  • Named after the 1898 USS Maine — rye, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, absinthe.
  • Stir until it's frosty cold — 30 seconds minimum.
  • Absinthe rinse only; don't leave it in — the flavor should hint, not dominate.