3-Ingredient Happy HourThe weekly drink column featuring super simple yet delicious libations.I consider myself fairly “up” on the martini and its variations, which is why I’m always pleasantly surprised when someone is able to introduce me to a new one. This week, I was interviewing food writer Alicia Kennedy for a forthcoming installment of How I Eat, and she mentioned that her partner had been making a lot of Tuxedo No. 4s, a martini riff that’s made with fino sherry instead of vermouth.
I just happened to have some fino sherry in my fridge, so this cocktail was an easy, welcome addition to my martini repertoire. It is, I am happy to report, quite delicious. It’s a little nuttier than your classic martini (because of the sherry), and it pairs well with all the usual garnishes, as well as the less common strip of orange zest.
Ratio-wise, you can make it like you would your favorite martini. I went with two and a half ounces of gin and a half ounce of sherry, but you could use any of these four iconic martini ratios. I think a 50/50 Tuxedo No. 4 would be especially fun.
Most Tuxedo No. 4 recipes call for a few dashes of orange bitters, which I think is pretty delicious, though don’t fret if you don’t have any. Gin and sherry is plenty good without any extras. To make a Tuxedo No. 4, you will need:
- 2 1/2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce fino sherry
- 3 dashes orange bitters
Combine all ingredients in a stirring glass filled with ice and stir until the drink is very, very cold. Strain into a coupe, garnish with an a strip of orange zest if so inclined, and enjoy.
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