The New York Minute cocktail is a surprisingly complex drink that, despite its name, offers more than just a fleeting experience. This sophisticated cocktail is a modern classic, with several variations, each offering a unique twist on the core concept. While the name might suggest a fast-paced, quickly consumed drink, it’s actually a carefully crafted blend of flavors that deserves to be savored.
The Core Ingredients
The most common version of the New York Minute is a tequila-based cocktail that takes inspiration from the classic Manhattan. It forgoes the traditional whiskey and instead uses reposado tequila as its base. This tequila provides a smooth, slightly oaky foundation with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Reposado Tequila: This is the spirit that anchors the drink, offering a depth of flavor that sets it apart from other cocktails.
- Sweet Vermouth: A crucial component, providing a rich, sweet, and slightly herbal counterpoint to the tequila. The preferred choice for many is Antica Formula, known for its complex notes.
- Maraschino Liqueur: This cherry-flavored liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and a subtle almond note. Luxardo is often recommended for its high quality.
- Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters: A dash of these bitters introduces a layer of complexity, adding spice and a hint of oak to the overall flavor profile. Fee Brothers is a common recommendation.
- Simple Syrup (Optional): Depending on the desired sweetness, a teaspoon of simple syrup may be added.
- Coffee Beans: Three coffee beans are traditionally used as a garnish, providing an aromatic lift and a visual cue to the drink’s complex nature.
Preparing the Perfect New York Minute
Crafting a New York Minute is simple and swift. Here are the steps to follow:
- Chill your glass: Begin by placing a coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 1.75 oz (52.5 ml) of reposado tequila, 2/3 oz (20 ml) of sweet vermouth, 1/2 oz (15 ml) of Maraschino liqueur, and one dash of whiskey barrel-aged bitters. Add 1 tsp of simple syrup if desired.
- Stir, don’t shake: Stir the ingredients well until thoroughly chilled. This avoids diluting the cocktail too much and maintains its texture.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
- Garnish: Top with three coffee beans.
This version of the drink is fast to prepare as there is no need to squeeze any fresh citrus. The drink tastes like a tequila version of a Manhattan and its flavor is a mix of maraschino, barrel-aged oak, and a hint of coffee.
Variations on a Theme
While the tequila-based version is popular, the “New York Minute” name has also been applied to other cocktails, each with a unique flavor profile. Here are some notable variations:
The Vodka-Apple Brandy Version
This version uses a combination of vodka, apple brandy, grenadine, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe. It has a fruity, slightly tart, and complex flavor.
- Vodka: 1 1/2 oz
- Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy: 1/2 oz
- Grenadine: 3/4 oz
- Lemon Juice: 3/4 oz
- St. George Absinthe: 1 dash (12 drops)
The Whiskey-Based New York Minute
Another riff incorporates rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and both orange and Angostura bitters. This version leans heavily on the classic Manhattan and Brooklyn cocktail profiles.
- Rye Whiskey: 2 oz
- Sweet Vermouth: 1 oz
- Maraschino Liqueur: 1/3 oz
- Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
- Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes
This rendition is typically garnished with cherries and a lemon twist.
David’s New York Minute
This version uses blanco tequila, instead of reposado, and includes a vanilla infused vermouth.
- Blanco Tequila
- Vermouth alla vaniglia
- Maraschino liqueur
Monin’s New York Minute
This version uses Monin’s French Vanilla Syrup combined with heavy whipping cream, white crème de cacao liqueur, cognac, and root beer. This variation is much sweeter and creamier than other recipes.
- Monin French Vanilla Syrup: 1/2 oz
- Heavy whipping cream: 1 1/2 oz
- White crème de cacao liqueur: 1/2 oz
- Cognac: 1 1/2 oz
- Root beer: 2 oz
The New York Sour
It’s worth noting that the New York Sour, while not technically a New York Minute, is a related cocktail. It features whiskey (either rye or bourbon), lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white, topped with a float of red wine. This drink offers a complex mix of sour, sweet, and fruity flavors with a striking visual presentation.
- Rye Whiskey or Bourbon: 2 ounces
- Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed: 1 ounce
- Simple Syrup: 3/4 ounce
- Egg White (optional)
- Red Wine: 1/2 ounce
Choosing Your Base Spirit
The choice of spirit is crucial to the final character of your New York Minute. For the original tequila version, reposado is the ideal choice. For the whiskey-based version, rye whiskey is often recommended for its spicy notes, which complement the sweet vermouth. Some prefer bourbon, particularly a high-rye bourbon, for a slightly sweeter, less spicy profile. If you use bourbon, be sure to use mid-range and younger bourbons. Some bourbons to consider are Noble Oak, Buffalo Trace, Larceny Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Basil Hayden’s, Old Forester, or Bulleit.
The History and Inspiration
The New York Minute cocktail is believed to have originated in Melbourne, Australia, from a mixologist named Luke Whearty. It was later popularized by a cocktail bar called Duck & Cover in Copenhagen, Denmark, around 2014. Its name is a nod to its swift preparation and the fact that its flavors are reminiscent of a Manhattan cocktail, but with a tequila twist. The whiskey version is often described as a hybrid of Manhattan and Brooklyn cocktails.
A Cocktail for Every Occasion
Whether you prefer the tequila-based version, the vodka variation, or the whiskey-forward style, the New York Minute is a versatile cocktail suitable for various occasions. Its sophisticated flavor profile makes it an excellent after-dinner drink or a standout stand-alone cocktail to impress your guests. The drink, true to its name, is fast to make. So, the next time you’re looking for a swift, yet memorable cocktail experience, consider mixing up a New York Minute.
