The Bronx enjoyed enormous popularity until the 1930s, to the point where it was ranked among the most consumed cocktails in the United States (it was even said to be almost as popular as the Martini or the Manhattan). It subsequently faded somewhat from the mainstream, but remains an important piece of cocktail history.
It was one of the official cocktails of the IBA (International Bartenders Association) until 1993.
 |
Classic recipePour 4 cl of gin, 2 cl of red vermouth, 2 cl of white vermouth and 4 cl of orange juice into a mixing glass with ice. Mix, then strain and serve in a martini glass. |
The Bronx is a classic cocktail that belongs to the large family of gin-based cocktails and originated in the early 20th century, during the period often referred to as the Golden Age of the Cocktail (1880–1920). The Bronx was invented in New York City around 1905. It is generally credited to Johnnie Solon, a bartender at the renowned Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan.
According to legend, Solon was challenged by a customer or colleague to create a "new and original" drink. Inspired by the Martini and the Perfect Martini (already popular at the time), he added fresh orange juice—an innovation, as cocktails with fruit juice were still rare at the time.
The name supposedly comes from the Bronx Zoo, which had just opened (1899) and was very popular. Solon would have found that his colorful and somewhat exotic mix evoked the same impression of novelty and originality as the zoo.
