The Bronx cocktail is a classic drink from the early 20th century, known for its balanced blend of gin, vermouth, and fresh orange juice. Its origins are often traced to New York City, particularly at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where bartender Johnnie Solon is credited with inventing it around 1906. The Bronx was one of the first cocktails to incorporate fresh citrus juice, which made it both refreshing and innovative for its time. It quickly gained popularity across the United States and became one of the most well-known cocktails of the era, even earning a spot in the 1934 film *The Thin Man*, which further solidified its place in cocktail history.
While the Bronx cocktail doesn’t have the same level of fame today as other classic cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan, it was once regarded as one of the Big Five cocktails alongside those iconic drinks. The cocktail's name is said to have been inspired by a trip to the Bronx Zoo, with Solon choosing the name to reflect the wild, vibrant nature of the cocktail. It became a favorite in the jazz bars and speakeasies of the 1920s, where its fruity and slightly bitter flavor was a welcome contrast to the heavier, spirit-forward drinks of the time.
The Bronx cocktail has been enjoyed by various famous figures, especially during the Prohibition era, when the demand for cocktails that masked the harsh flavors of bootlegged spirits was high. It is also said that the drink was a personal favorite of early 20th-century celebrities like Enrico Caruso, the famous Italian tenor. Though its popularity waned over the decades, the Bronx has seen a resurgence in recent years as bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts have rediscovered its light and citrus-forward appeal.
To mix a great Bronx cocktail, start with a quality gin and both sweet and dry vermouths to create the right balance of flavors. Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential to achieve the vibrant, zesty flavor that defines the drink. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnishing with an orange twist if desired. Some variations include a dash of orange bitters to enhance the complexity, but the original recipe is straightforward and relies on the freshness of the juice and the quality of the gin to shine.
1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Orange Juice
This particular cocktail, and more fantastic top cocktail recipes can be found under the Alcoholic cocktails category.
Explore the history of the Bronx cocktail, its origins in New York, and how to mix this balanced gin, vermouth, and orange juice drink. A refreshing classic that has stood the test of time. Add gin for the perfect alcohol level!
Disclaimer: TopCocktailRecipes.com is only intended for responsible adults of legal drinking age around the world. This website and the cocktail recipes are only intended as a guide. Do NOT drink and drive. If you need transportation, use a designated driver or a taxi service. Remember to drink responsibly and have fun!
