Ever heard of a Bronx? Probably not. It’s not exactly the trendiest drink on the block. But trust me, this old-school cocktail is worth a try. It’s like a Martini, but with a sunny disposition thanks to a splash of fresh Orange Juice.
This is one bright cocktail of sharp and sweet. The Gin gives it that classic kick, while the Sweet Vermouth and Dry Vermouth add a touch of herbal complexity. Then comes the star of the show: fresh Orange Juice. It brightens everything up, making this drink surprisingly refreshing.
It is neither too sweet nor too dry-just a great, balanced mix with a nice zip to it. The balance in sweet and dry vermouth can be changed a lot, having more sweet vermouth gives the drink a more rounded rich taste. Again, the kind of Gin used also plays a very important factor.
That would be a crisp, juniper-forward backbone with a London Dry Gin or softer and more aromatic with a more floral- or citrus-forward Gin. It is usually served chilled in a Martini glass or coupe. Think pale orange liquid, served perhaps with a twist of Orange peel for garnish.
Classy, yet never stuffy, this cocktail is excellent as an aperitif and for light-hearted meetings with friends. Since it's a low-weight knock-out, you can have a couple of them without feeling too woozy. It's also good for those who find a straight Martini too overpowering.
It was most popular during the early years of the 20th century, finding a place in almost every cocktail book from the time, including the 1934 edition of The Savoy Cocktail Book, and representative of its once widespread popularity. Like most classic cocktails, it fell into obscurity by the middle of the 20th century but was rediscovered by a new wave of cocktail enthusiasts.
Picture this: early 1900s, New York City, fancy hotels. That’s where the Bronx was born. Johnny Solon was mixing drinks at the swanky Waldorf Astoria, and he decided to give the classic Martini a fruity makeover.
The addition of Orange Juice was a pretty bold move back then, and it paid off. The Bronx became a hit, especially during the Prohibition era in the 1920s, when finding good quality spirits was difficult, the orange juice could mask the taste of poorer quality gin. It even appeared in Crosby Gaige's 1914 cocktail book.
While it was popular for a while, it eventually faded into the background as other cocktails took centre stage. But just like old fashion trends, the Bronx is starting to make a comeback.
To make the perfect Bronx, try these tips:
- Use fresh Orange Juice. Seriously, it makes a world of difference.
- Chill your glass before pouring. This helps keep your drink cool.
- Don’t overdo it with the Orange Juice. You want it to complement the other flavours, not overpower them.
- Play around with the ratios of Sweet Vermouth and Dry Vermouth to find your perfect balance.
- A twist of Orange peel adds a nice aroma and visual touch.
- Perfect Bronx: Use equal parts Sweet Vermouth and Dry Vermouth.
- Reverse Bronx: Use more Dry Vermouth than Sweet Vermouth.
- Golden Bronx: Add a dash of Angostura Bitters.
This cocktail is a fun and refreshing twist on a classic. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, but definitely worth discovering. If you’re looking for something a little different, give the Bronx a try. You might just find your new favourite drink.
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