The Remember the Maine cocktail is not just a well-crafted drink; it’s a piece of history in a glass. This elegant yet bold concoction owes its name to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898—an event that played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Spanish-American War. The U.S. battleship’s destruction became a rallying cry—“Remember the Maine! To Hell with Spain!”—that fueled American intervention in Cuba and helped establish the U.S. as a global power.
The cocktail itself was first recorded in Charles H. Baker Jr.’s 1939 book, The Gentleman’s Companion. Baker was a food and drink writer known for traveling the world and documenting the best cocktails of his time, and Remember the Maine was one he deemed worthy of record. The drink is closely related to the Manhattan and the Sazerac, making it a must-try for those who enjoy spirit-forward whiskey cocktails with a historical twist.
What makes Remember the Maine intriguing is its balance of spice, sweetness, and herbal complexity. Rye whiskey provides the drink’s backbone, delivering a peppery and slightly smoky character that distinguishes it from bourbon-based Manhattans. Sweet vermouth softens the spice, adding a rich, almost vanilla-laced depth. The key deviation from a classic Manhattan is the addition of Cherry Heering—a Danish cherry liqueur with a dark, fruity richness balanced by subtle bitter almond and spice notes. The final prominent component is absinthe, which is traditionally used in a small rinse inside the glass, imparting an ethereal herbal note that lingers as a final flourish. A few dashes of Angostura bitters further enhance the drink with warm spices and complexity.
Remember the Maine is built with precision, stirred gently over ice until well chilled and diluted, then strained into a rinsed coupe or Nick and Nora glass. The absinthe rinse is an important touch—just a small swirl of absinthe in the glass, which is then discarded, allows its anise and herbal notes to subtly introduce the drink without overpowering it. The cocktail is typically garnished with a brandied cherry or an orange twist, both of which enhance the drink’s sensual depth.
Unlike other historical cocktails that may feel outdated or fussy today, Remember the Maine remains modern and accessible, thanks to its well-balanced profile. It’s a fantastic alternative to a Manhattan for those seeking something slightly richer and more complex. The drink has also gained resurgence in the craft cocktail renaissance, ensuring its legacy continues in bars across the world.
A toast with Remember the Maine is not just about appreciating a great drink—it’s about drinking in the past, savoring a time when cocktails carried stories and significance. Whether you’re a history buff or just an enthusiast of well-made whiskey drinks, this cocktail is a timeless classic worth remembering.
Remember the Maine
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Chilled coupe glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey a high-proof rye works best for spice and depth
- 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth a rich, full-bodied vermouth such as Carpano Antica
- 0.5 oz Cherry Heering a deep, slightly smoky cherry liqueur
- 1 dash Absinthe use just enough to coat the glass or a single dash in the mix
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters adds complexity and spice
Instructions
- Chill a coupe or Nick and Nora glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
- In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, and Angostura bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice, then stir with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds until well chilled and diluted.
- Discard the ice water from the coupe glass (if using that method) and lightly rinse it with a dash of absinthe, rolling the liquid around to coat the glass before discarding the excess.
- Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared coupe glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry or a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
Notes
Chef’s Tips:
- For a deeper cherry note, you can swap Cherry Heering for a homemade cherry liqueur.
- Try using a smoked absinthe rinse for an extra layer of complexity.
- Serve immediately once poured to enjoy its optimal chill and aroma.
