Easy
3 Minutes
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
The 42nd Street is a bright, citrusy, herbal cocktail with bold character. Its taste stands out with a blend of Bourbon, Dry Vermouth and Triple Sec, lifted by a Peel Lemon garnish. You’ll use a Cocktail Shaker, Jigger, Mixing Glass, Bar Spoon, Strainer and Cocktail glass to get there. This one’s all about flavor, balance and aroma.
How To Make a 42nd street Cocktail
Bar tools you’ll need
Fine Strainer
Jigger
Twist Knife
Mixing Glass
How to Mix
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Add Ice Cubes to a Mixing Glass.
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Pour Bourbon, Dry Vermouth and Triple Sec over the ice.
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Stir the mixture.
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Strain into a chilled Cocktail glass.
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Garnish with a Peel Lemon.
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Garnish with a Maraschino Cherry.
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All about the 42nd street cocktail
The 42nd Street is a spirit-forward cocktail that brings together Bourbon, Dry Vermouth and Triple Sec. It’s built by stirring and is typically served in a chilled Coupe Glass, finished with a Lemon Peel garnish. What makes it notable is its combination of bold whiskey backbone with bright citrus and herbal notes. The mix is simple but elegant, perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at a classic yet unique cocktail.
The 42nd Street brings bold whiskey warmth lifted with citrus brightness and subtle herbal complexity. Citrus, bourbon depth, and herbal vermouth balance in every sip, making it a layered and vibrant classic.
Sayings hold that the cocktail known as the 42nd Street first appeared in early 20th-century American cocktail lore, emerging from urban barrooms as a spirit-forward mixed drink associated with lively theater-district nightlife. Legends claim the recipe evolved from bitter-and-fortified-wine combinations popular at the time, adapted by bartenders to suit crowds seeking a bracing evening aperitif.
Stories vary on the precise origin-some place its creation near major midtown entertainment corridors, others point to regional twists-yet most agree its name captures the energy and movement of a famed city avenue.
- Measure and Taste
Use a Jigger for precision and taste as you go-it’s easy to adjust the Triple Sec so the citrus stays subtle, not overpowering. - Choose a Bold Bourbon
A high-proof Bourbon gives the cocktail a strong backbone and brings both Dry Vermouth and Triple Sec notes forward. - Quality Vermouth Matters
Pick an aromatic, savory Dry Vermouth for the best herbal complexity the recipe promises. - Play with Citrus Aroma
Express the Lemon Peel oils over the drink, swipe the rim, and flame the peel if you want a touch of smoky aroma. - Chill Your Glass
Pre-chill the Cocktail glass for better aromatics and temperature. A cold glass helps keep citrus notes alive in every sip.
Double Citrus Garnish
Add a thin Orange Peel alongside the Lemon Peel for layered citrus aroma and visual pop.
Herbal Touch
Drop a Sprig Rosemary or Thyme in the glass to echo the herbal notes of Dry Vermouth.
Bitters Rinse
Rinse your Cocktail glass with a couple drops Orange Bitters for a different aromatic lift without added sweetness.
42nd Street Cocktail FAQ
A high-proof bourbon is ideal for the 42nd Street as it stands up to dilution and gives a rich, full flavor that pairs well with the herbal and citrus notes.
