WHITE NEGRONI I was a bit skeptical when I first ordered a White Negroni. A standard Negroni is so good, I thought it was a bit novel for this to appear on the menu. I was intrigued and am very glad I tried it! I like this as an apertif and have played around with […]
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DESCANSO BEACH SMASH I was looking for some drink recipes for Aperol when I came across the Descanso Beach Smash, from John Coltharp of Seven Grand in L.A. This is basically a whiskey smash with Aperol and quickly became a favorite at home. Recipe 2 oz Rye 3/4 oz Aperol 1/4 oz simple syrup 1/4
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WHISKEY SMASH The Whiskey Smash is a great drink for warm days and for those who claim they don’t like whiskey! It’s smooth with a nice tart/sweet balance and enough whiskey that it doesn’t get lost with the other ingredients. Recipe 2 oz Bourbon or Rye 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 1/4 Lemon, cut into wedges
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LUMBERJACK This is an especially good drink for autumn but is nice and refreshing any time. The maple syrup is a nod to cozy seasons and works well with the brandy and lemon juice. Grated cinnamon on top and a stick for garnish and you might enjoy this one so much you’ll be thinking about
SIDECAR The Sidecar is one of the first classic cocktails I started making at home. I’ve also found that what you receive when ordering this at bars across the country can vary. I’ve had this served with whiskey instead of brandy and sometimes with lime instead of lemon juice. This is a good drink to
VIEUX CARRE The Vieux Carre is a New Orleans classic, with the name meaning “Old Quarter”. It’s a boozy but smooth concoction that you can enjoy while imagining you’re sitting at the slowly spinning Carousel Bar… Recipe 3/4 oz Rye 3/4 oz Brandy 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth 1/4 oz Benedictine 1 dash Angostura Bitters 1
BOOKERS NOTION I found this recipe several years ago when looking for cocktails using Amaro. This has been a regular in my rotation since. It’s a well-balanced combination that is a particularly nice after dinner drink. Recipe 1 1/2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz Amaro 1/4 lemon, juiced 1/2 tangerine or orange, juiced 1 tsp Maraschino
MANHATTAN I tend to not order cocktails at “normal” bars. There are just too many variables if the bar doesn’t specialize in cocktails, in my experience. When I do, I consider the Manhattan to be one of the most reliable drinks you can order at a bar. Whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters. Not complicated. And always
HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER I couldn’t resist trying out this cocktail the first time I saw the name. How can you go wrong with a Clint Western-inspired name?! The Campari rinse adds just a hint of bitterness to this drink, which works well. Recipe 2 oz Tequila 3/4 oz Honey syrup 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
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AROMATIC BITTERS I’ll admit it took me a while to appreciate the place that bitters occupies among bottles in my home bar. Recipes called for them and I’d use them but it was out of some sort of detached necessity. Only when I started to explore more classic cocktails and cocktails with a short list
