The Cocktail Cure

An orange blossom meets a tuxedo

Illustration by Claire Louise Milne.

Like many Prohibition-era cocktails, the Orange Blossom is relatively simple to make and requires only a few household ingredients and an ounce of gin. Over the years the recipe has been changed to add vermouth or various liqueurs, but early examples of the recipe maintain a commitment to simplicity, making it a perfect cocktail to whip up at home. The Tuxedo, on the other hand, brings a bit more flair than the Orange Blossom, but since opportunities to step out on the town in formal wear are few and far between, it’s a nice drink to mix for a special night in.

Orange Blossom

3/4 oz. Orange Juice

1/4 tsp. Sugar

1 oz. Gin

Shake

Tuxedo

1 .5 oz. gin

1.5 oz. dry vermouth

1/4 tsp. maraschino liqueur

1/4 tsp. anise

2 dashes orange bitters

1 slice lemon

Shake with ice and serve with a cherry.