Bronx Cocktail: A Zesty Blast from the Past

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.