The Red Hook is a bold, brash, cherry-scented love child of the Brooklyn and the Manhattan, from über-talented bartender Enzo Errico.
Errico’s recipe calls for anywhere from a quarter-ounce (7.5 mL) of maraschino to a half-ounce (15mL), depending on taste. With super-funky Luxardo, we preferred the lower amount; with the milder Maraska brand we doubled it.
The recipe calls for Punt e Mes by name, a slightly-bitter, peppery sweet vermouth. It’s a good call here – this drink needs a vibrant vermouth to stand up to the maraschino, especially if you use the greater measure. We stick with rye when we make this, as directed; bourbon just makes it too sweet, even with a smaller measure of maraschino.
