The Remember the Maine cocktail is a rich, brooding classic that evokes the mood of a wood-paneled bar, jazz playing softly, and an evening that calls for reflection and intensity. With rye whiskey as its foundation, joined by sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and just a whisper of absinthe, this drink is bold yet nuanced. Its name alone carries intrigue, recalling a moment of history and lending gravitas to the glass.
✨ What Makes the Cocktail Unique?
Remember the Maine stands apart because of its balance of warmth and mystique. Rye whiskey brings spice and depth, vermouth offers smooth sweetness, and cherry liqueur adds a rich fruit note. The absinthe is used sparingly to add aroma and a touch of herbal intrigue. It is a cocktail that rewards slow sipping and storytelling, linking history with flavor.
📖 Recipe
Servings: 1
Time: Under 5 minutes
Difficulty: Classic yet approachable
🍹 Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.25 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
- 1 tsp absinthe (for rinsing the glass or adding a dash)
- Brandied cherry or twist of lemon peel for garnish
🥂 Preparation Steps
- Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe (or add a small dash and swirl to coat). Discard excess.
- In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cherry liqueur with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and silky.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry or a thin lemon peel twist.
🍸 Variations & Tips
- Substitute bourbon for rye if you prefer a softer sweetness rather than spice.
- Try maraschino liqueur in place of cherry liqueur for a drier profile.
- Keep the absinthe light. It should be a trace of aroma, not the main act.
🌆 Perfect Setting
This cocktail fits best into an evening that calls for conversation and an atmosphere of depth. Imagine sipping it in a library with lamplight glowing or in a sophisticated cocktail lounge where every drink feels like a ritual. It is not a daytime refresher but a nightcap for thinkers and storytellers. Salute!
📜 A Cocktail Born from a War Cry
The name Remember the Maine comes from a rallying cry from 1898 after the American battleship USS Maine mysteriously sank in Havana Harbor. The event spurred the Spanish-American War and the phrase became a patriotic slogan. By the early 20th century, bartenders immortalized the cry with a cocktail that carried both weight and flair.
The version most often cited today was published by Charles H. Baker Jr. in The Gentleman’s Companion (1939). He claimed to have enjoyed the drink in Havana during the Cuban revolution of 1933, linking the cocktail not only to its naval namesake but also to Cuba’s turbulent history.
Like the Manhattan to which it is closely related, Remember the Maine combines whiskey, vermouth, and a touch of liqueur. Yet the addition of absinthe gives it distinct character and a whisper of exotic danger. The cocktail remains a link between history, memory, and mixology, carrying its fiery slogan into the world of refined sipping.
Image: Adrian Scottow.