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Remember the Maine
A rye Manhattan variation with cherry liqueur and an absinthe rinse.
Base spirit
Rye
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Coupe
Technique
Stir
Remember the Maine follows Manhattan architecture with rye, sweet vermouth, and cherry liqueur, then adds an absinthe rinse for aroma. Rye and vermouth provide the backbone, cherry liqueur deepens fruit sweetness, and absinthe lifts the top note. Stirred and served up, it is richer than a standard Manhattan and clearly pre-tiki American in tone. Charles H. Baker recorded the drink in 1939.
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Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz rye whiskey
- • 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
- • 0.25 oz cherry liqueur
- • absinthe rinse
- • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Did you know?
“Charles H. Baker published Remember the Maine in The Gentleman’s Companion (1939), tying the drink’s name to the 1898 USS Maine slogan.”
Source:Charles H. Baker, The Gentleman’s Companion (1939)
Bartender's Note
Rinse the glass with absinthe and discard the excess. Cherry Heering is the usual cherry liqueur; keep it below the vermouth measure.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Remember the Maine
- 1 a chilled coupe with absinthe and discard the excess
- 2Stir rye, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and Angostura with ice
- 3Strain into the prepared glass
- 4Garnish with a brandied cherry
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