Remember the Maine Cocktail Recipe
About This Project
To make a Remember the Maine cocktail, first chill a coupe or cocktail glass. Then combine rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry heering, and absinthe in a mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about thirty seconds until the mixture is chilled. Finally, strain the drink into your chilled glass and add a garnish such as a cherry or orange peel if desired.
Best for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
Tools & Materials
Mixing Glass "The Flagship" - BIC Originals
Teardrop Barspoon - 12"/30cm (Standard length)
Fine Mesh Strainers
The Stirred Cocktail Set - Mix 'N Match
Bourbon whiskey
Angostura bitters
Mixing Glass "The Flagship" - BIC Originals
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []" class="">Martinis, Negronis and Old Fashioneds have met their match with our Mixing Glass.</p> <p data-pm-slice="0 0 []" class="">Whether you’re taking on the high volume of a busy restaurant, or entertaining guests on your kitchen counter, our mixing glass can handle the job!</p> <p class="">This glass was built with beauty and functionality in mind. Thanks to the glass we use and how we treat that glass (a long and slow annealing process), it’s one of the most durable glasses on the market. It can handle a physical beating, as well as drastic temperature changes, without missing a beat. This is probably the most DISHWASHER SAFE mixing glass on the market.</p> <p class="">Plus, like any quality mixing vessel, it's seamless, so you can stir your drink without getting caught on the inside. Or even worse, it won't pop in half during your cocktail party or mid-service behind the bar.</p> <p class="">Liquid capacity is 21 oz / 620ml (with some slight variation). Works with a standard julep strainer or a Hawthorne strainer (we personally recommend our <a href="/products/hawthorne-strainer" target="_blank">Bull in China Hawthorne Straine</a>r, but we’re a little biased).</p>
Teardrop Barspoon - 12"/30cm (Standard length)
<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Teardrop barspoon is a favorite among many bartenders. Its twisted center allows for grip, while the signature weighted end offers a nice counter balance while stirring your cocktail. This spoon is a workhorse of the industry and is beautiful on the professional and home bar top.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Standard length” is referring to the 30cm/12in version. If you’re looking for longer spoons, we also have 40cm/16” versions.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Available in 7 colors: Silver, Gold, Copper, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Rainbow Chrome, and are Limited "Death & Company" Release</p> <p style="white-space: pre-wrap;" class=""><strong>While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings.</strong></p>
Fine Mesh Strainers
<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience the pleasure of finely strained cocktails with our Premium Fine Mesh Strainer. Expertly crafted for cocktail enthusiasts and professional bartenders, this strainer ensures a smooth, pulp-free pour every time.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It's an essential tool for “double straining” your drink and the last line of defense between your drink and any renegade stems, seeds, ice or other solids.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(Also known as a conical strainer or tea strainer)</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our version has a nice deep cone and a heavier gauge steel handle. Feel free to pour more than one drink at a time through these without the fear of an overflow.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Available in several different finishes: Silver, Gold, Copper, Gunmetal, Rainbow Chrome and Antique Brass</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3.5 " diameter</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong>While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings.</strong></p>
The Stirred Cocktail Set - Mix 'N Match
What better way to start building the ultimate home bar than with our Stirred Cocktail Set. We only use premium tools for the best experience. This makes a perfect gift for any home bartender (including yourself!) <p class="">The set includes:</p> <p class=""><strong>- <a href="https://bullinchinapdx.com/products/hammered-glass-mixing-vessel" target="_blank">"Flagship" Mixing Glass</a> (20oz/600ml) - durable, seamless, AND it's got looks<br></strong></p> <p class=""><strong>- <a href="https://bullinchinapdx.com/products/teardrop-barspoons-30cm" target="_blank">Teardrop Barspoon</a> (12"/30cm) - versatile, weighted, and balanced<br></strong></p> <p class=""><strong>- <a href="https://bullinchinapdx.com/products/bell-jigger" title="Bell Jigger" target="_blank">2:1 Bell Jigger</a> (w/internal measures) - premium, ergonomic, and accurate<br></strong></p> <p class=""><strong>- Made in PDX <a href="https://bull-in-china-pdx.myshopify.com/products/new-hawthorne-strainer" target="_blank">Hawthorne Strainer</a> - BIC Originals</strong></p> <p class=""><strong>- Premium Bull In China Gift Box</strong></p> <p>Some people believe Julep Strainers are the only ones meant to use for Stirred Cocktails, but we respectfully disagree. The Hawthorne Strainer is a versatile tool that works just as well for stirred cocktails as it does for shaken ones—which is why we’ve included it here. And ours is the only one on the market that is made right here, in the United States. It fits perfectly atop our signature Bull in China Mixing Glass, our shaker tins, or even most pint glasses.</p> <p class="">Customize your set with a choice of finishes for most items. <em>Price changes accordingly.<br></em></p> <p class=""><i>Want to step up a Level? </i>Check out the <a href="https://bull-in-china-pdx.myshopify.com/products/bundle-products-stirred-cocktail">Artisan Stirred Cocktail Set</a>.</p>
Bourbon whiskey
bourbon whiskey
Angostura bitters
angostura bitters
Steps
Mix and Chill
3 minsChill a coupe or cocktail glass. Combine rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry heering, and absinthe in a mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry or an orange peel, if desired.
Common Problems
Cloudy or gritty cocktails result from insufficient straining.
Solution: Use a double strainer for extra filtration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need specific bar tools like a "Mixing Glass 'The Flagship'" and a "Teardrop Barspoon" to make this cocktail?
While high-quality bar tools enhance the experience and efficiency, you can start with alternatives. A large glass or even a pint glass can substitute for a mixing glass, and a long spoon can replace a barspoon. For straining, a small sieve will work instead of a fine mesh strainer.
The project is listed as "beginner" and "15 minutes." Is this realistic for someone new to making cocktails?
Yes, 15 minutes is a realistic active preparation time once you have your ingredients and tools ready. As a beginner, your first few attempts might take slightly longer as you get comfortable with measuring and stirring, but the process itself is straightforward. Practice will make it quicker and smoother.
How can I tell if I've stirred the "Remember the Maine" enough to chill it without over-diluting it?
Stirring for 30 seconds with plenty of ice is a good starting point. You're looking for the outside of your mixing glass to become frosted and very cold to the touch. Taste a small amount; if it tastes too strong, continue stirring for another 10-15 seconds. The goal is cold and smooth, not watery.
What if I don't have Cherry Heering or Absinthe? Can I substitute these unique ingredients?
Cherry Heering is key for its unique sweet cherry and almond notes; a good quality cherry liqueur could be a substitute but will alter the flavor profile significantly. Absinthe is used in a small rinse or dash; if you don't have it, you could try a dash of an anise-flavored liqueur like pastis, though the distinct herbal notes will differ. For the best flavor, try to use the specified ingredients.
My "Remember the Maine" cocktail tastes too strong or too sweet; how can I adjust it to my preference?
If it's too strong, try stirring with ice for an additional 10-15 seconds to increase dilution slightly, or use a bit less rye whiskey in your next batch. If it's too sweet, reduce the amount of Sweet Vermouth and Cherry Heering slightly. Always adjust incrementally and taste as you go.
Why is it important to chill the coupe or cocktail glass before pouring the drink?
Chilling your serving glass is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it keeps your cocktail colder for longer, enhancing the drinking experience by preventing rapid dilution from a warm glass. Secondly, for delicate glassware like a coupe, chilling it slowly with ice water before pouring a cold drink can help prevent thermal shock and potential breakage.
The recipe mentions a cherry or orange peel for garnish. Are there other good garnish options for this cocktail?
A classic Maraschino cherry (the good quality kind, like Luxardo) or a flamed orange peel are excellent choices. You could also try a lemon twist for a brighter citrus aroma, or even a brandied cherry for a more sophisticated touch. Choose a garnish that complements the rich, herbal notes of the drink.