The Winter Spice Eggnog

About The Eggnog

The Winter Spiced Eggnog is a classic and indulgent hot cocktail that embodies the festive spirit of the holiday season. Combining the creamy richness of eggnog with warm winter spices and a touch of brandy, this comforting elixir is perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at holiday gatherings for a nostalgic taste of winter warmth.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz brandy

• 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream for garnish

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Hot

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       CHRISTMAS!

Method:

If not using store-bought eggnog, prepare homemade eggnog or warm the store-bought version gently in a saucepan. In a heat-resistant glass or mug, combine brandy, eggnog, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate the spices. Place the glass or mug on low heat or warm it gently in a microwave until the Winter Spiced Eggnog reaches your desired temperature. Be cautious not to bring it to a boil. Top the Winter Spiced Eggnog with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Dust the whipped cream with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

The Black Diamond

About The Black Diamond

The Black Diamond Margarita is the epitome of elegance and sophistication in cocktail form, offering a unique and luxurious twist on the classic margarita. Crafted with the finest ingredients, this exquisite libation combines top-shelf tequila, blackberry simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice, but what truly sets it apart is the addition of Hawaiian volcanic salt, which gives it its striking black hue garnish. Garnish with a lime wheel for contrast, and you have a cocktail that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect choice for a chic soirée or a memorable evening of cocktail indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1½ oz. Blackberry Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Hawaiian Black Salt (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Spirit/Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into glass rimmed with black salt.

The Texas Margarita

About The Texas Margarita

The Texas Margarita is a bold and zesty twist on the classic cocktail, infusing the spirit of the Lone Star State into every sip. To create this Lone Star gem, rim your glass with chili salt for an extra kick, then mix the tequila, orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur over ice. The result is a harmonious blend of citrusy and slightly spicy notes that perfectly capture the spirit of Texas in a glass. Sip it slowly and savor the Texan charm with each refreshing sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gold Tequila

• 1½ oz. Orange Liqueur

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• Dash Agave Syrup

• Salt (for rim of glass)

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Spirit

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into glass rimmed with salt.

The Dreamsicle

About The Dreamsicle

The dreamy cousin of the Ocean City favorite; the Crush. The Dreamsicle is very similar but has a flavor reminiscent of that old-time ice cream treat. The Dreamsicle is incredibly smooth and is one of the easiest cocktails to consume in terms of bite. This heavenly recipe is perfect as a desert or a simple go-to when out on the town.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Whipped Cream Vodka

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• 2 oz. Orange Juice

• Fill Lemon-Lime Soda

• Orange Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Creamsicle

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice except for soda. Strain into glass with fresh ice. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with an orange slice.

The Brain Buster

About The Brain Buster

Meet the Empire Signature, the Brain Buster cocktail. This cocktail creates a powerful combination of flavors and blends them into a palatable cocktail that is sure to please. This cocktail will leave your head spinning and brain busted. Drinker beware, this cocktail packs a serious punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Absinthe

• 1 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• Dash of Angostura Bitters

• Dash of Lemon Juice

• Lemon Twist for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Up

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Combine all ingredients with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

The Storm's Warning

About The Storm’s Warning

Meet the Storm’s Warning! This offshoot of typical island Hurricane style drinks is the brainchild of our Lead Mixologist. Switching up our usual ingredients for more regional favorites such as Guava Juice lends a more authentic flavor palette to this beverage. Make sure to serve cold and garnish accordingly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gold Rum

• ¾ oz. Apple Brandy

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• 3 oz. Guava Juice

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

• Lime Wheel, Cherry, Mint for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and shake until chilled. Pour into Hurricane glass and garnish accordingly.

The King

About The King

A custom creation from our Lead Mixologist, the King cocktail is a throwback recipe with a modern flavor twist. The grenadine brings out the inherent fruitiness of the rye spirit, while the rum and brandy keep the flavor bold. Try these flavors out and feel like you’re sipping on the throne with the King cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Rye Whiskey

• ½ oz. Brandy

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

The Bloody Mary

About The Bloody Mary

The world famous brunch/hangover cocktail in all its glory; the Bloody Mary. The origins of this famous cocktail are shrouded in various claims. The first version which was just vodka and tomato juice originated in the New York Bar in Paris, France in the 1920s; but it wasn’t until the 1930s in New York City when the more modernized version became popular at the St. Regis Hotel. There are 1,001 versions of this cocktail so be a true mixologist and experiment until you find your perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 3 Cups Tomato Juice

• ⅓ Cup Pickle Juice

• 3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

• 3 Tbsp. Lime Juice

• 1½ Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Tbsp. Horseradish

• ¾ tsp. Tabasco Sauce

• ¾ tsp. Celery Salt

• ½ tsp. Coarse Black Pepper

• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder

• Celery Stalk, Pickle Spear, Olive, Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       A Garden

Method:

In a blender combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pickle juice, and hot sauce and blend until smooth. Add pepper and salt and then chill, preferably for two hours.

When serving add an ounce of vodka and garnish appropriately.

The Gorilla Milk

About The Gorilla Milk

Haha this sounds gross lol. No but really, this cocktail is absolutely fantastic and is sure to be a major after dinner delight. This drink is quite strong in terms of alcohol content and it is able to sneak up on you so drinker beware. We have tried this cocktail frozen as well and it was also fantastic.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Coffee Liqueur

• ½ oz. Irish Cream Liqueur

• ½ oz. Creme de Banana

• 1 oz. Light Cream

• Banana Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and pour over ice into hurricane glass. Garnish with a banana slice.

The Ace of Spades

About The Ace of Spades

So there’s about 30 cocktails that go by this name that are all completely different. Empire Mixology acknowledges the 1930s version that originated at the NYC club called the Ace of Spades. I mean it sounds like the most original version right? This cocktail packs a wallop and is very spirit forward, however the creme de cacao adds a chocolatey hint of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Golden Rum

• ½ oz. White Creme de Cacao

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• ½ tsp. Simple Syrup

• 4 Drops, I said Drops not Dashes of Angostura Bitters (optional)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit, but Chocolatey

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, add all of the ingredients and shake until chilled. Strain into martini glass and serve. Optionally you can add four drops, not dashes, of Angostura Bitters. I said drops.

The Hot Buttered Rum

About The Hot Buttered Rum

The Hot Buttered Rum is a hot rum cocktail that really hits the spot when there’s that cold chill in the air. Although it may seem odd to add butter to a cocktail recipe; it’s definitely a big part of the composition and profile of this cocktail. This recipe dates back to the colonial era, however it experienced a large revival in the 1930s. There are MANY variants to this recipe so do your best to experiment and find that perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Spiced Rum

• 2 oz. Hot Water

• 1 Stick of Butter (unsalted & room temperature)

• ⅔ cup of Dark Brown Sugar

• ½ tsp. of Ground Cinnamon

• ¼ cup of Honey

• ¼ tsp. of Ground Nutmeg

• ⅛ Ground Cloves

• Pinch of Salt

• Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Complex

• Flavor: Spiced

Method:

Using a kitchen mixer, beat the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a 4-cup (or larger) measuring cup. Add the rum and then 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the butter mixture dissolves. Divide the buttered rum among 4 mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and serve.

The Hot Cinnamon Roll

About The Hot Cinnamon Roll

Meet your new favorite after dinner drink; the Hot Cinnamon Roll. This delicious drink is created by mixing flavored rums and schnapps into coffee. We recommend using a flavored coffee such as cinnamon or even something as basic as pumpkin spice. Make sure to add the whipped cream and cinnamon stick!

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Dark Rum

• 1½ oz. Vanilla Rum

• 1½ oz. Caramel Liqueur

• 1½ oz. Cinnamon Schnapps

• 6 oz. Coffee (try to use something cinnamon or spice flavored).'

• Whipped Cream & Cinnamon Stick for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor: Cinnamon

Method:

Build ingredients in mug and stir thoroughly until well mixed. Garnish with cinnamon, sugar, whipped cream, and/or cinnamon stick.

The Amaretto Sangria

About The Amaretto Sangria

For those that like a less wine-like flavor in their Sangria, we bring you the Amaretto Sangria. This recipe adds the namesake Italian sweet liqueur to add a different dimension of flavor and a bit of a different punch as well. The addition of citrus fruits like orange and lemon also help to dull the sharp wine taste. The following recipe is designed for a pitcher but can also easily be scaled down to a single cocktail serving.

Ingredients: (makes a pitcher)

• 10 oz. Amaretto Liqueur

• 10 oz. Pinot Noir

• 5 oz. Triple Sec

• 5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

• 5 oz. Simple Syrup

• 15 oz. Sparkling Water

• Orange Wheels, Lemon Wheels, and Cherries

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Stir all ingredients in a pitcher with ice and cut up fruits. Serve chilled and refrigerate after serving.

The Black Flag

About The Black Flag

The Black Flag is technically a Grog; meaning it consists of Rum and Water mixed together. The tradtional variant of this recipe is made with hot water, then chilled with ice and strained into a cocktail glass over crushed ice; however, I think the mixture works far better as a hot cocktail. In my opinion, the molasses and honey hold the drink together far better when remaining hot. Similar to our American Grog recipe, this cocktail uses Dark Rum and adds in Honey and Molasses instead of straight sugar to add a whole new level of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Dark Rum

• ½ oz. Molasses

• 1 tsp. Honey

• Fill Hot Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Pour ingredients into glass and mix until dissovled. Add a Lemon Wedge with Cloves for garnish if desired.

Variant: Shake with ice and strain into Cocktail Glass with crushed ice for traditional version.

The Royal Flush

About The Royal Flush

The sweet and tart Royal Flush is a splendid whiskey cocktail that even non-whiskey drinkers should at least try. The combination of flavors combined with the smooth finish of Crown Royal© creates a delightful libation experience. If you prefer a more sweet finish we suggest upping the raspberry liqueur and reducing the cranberry slightly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Crown Royal© Canadian Whiskey

• 2 oz. Peach Schnapps

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• 2 oz. Cranberry Juice

• Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet & Tart

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into ice filled lowball glass and garnish with a cherry.

The Texas Tea

About The Texas Tea

Would you look at that, yet another variant of the Long Island Iced Tea! Meet it’s Southern cousin the Texas Tea! Adding a shot of Bourbon changes the flavor profile of this cocktail to be a bit bolder. The color also darkens slightly versus the OG Tea. Truth be told, the Empire Mixology Official Long Island Iced Tea is quite similar to this recipe due to the secret ingredient we use. (Check it out if you haven’t already!)

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1¼ oz. Rum

• ¾ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 4½ oz. Sour Mix

• Splash of Coca Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice, except for the coca cola. Gently shake a few times to chill ingredients. Pour with ice into highball or pint glass. Add splash of coke and stir gently. Add lemon wedge and cherry as garnish.

The Long Beach Iced Tea

About The Long Beach Iced Tea

Meet the floral and visually pleasant cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea (quite a big family isn’t it?). Taking away the sour mix and cola and bringing in cranberry juice with fresher lemon juice and simple syrup, the palette on this cocktail is a bit more bitter and hides the bite of alcohol through this method. Although it may be pretty it does still pack that all-to-familiar Long Island Punch!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1¼ oz. Rum

• ¾ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• Fill Cranberry Juice

• Lime Wheels and Mint for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Cranberry

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice, except for the cranberry juice. Gently shake a few times to chill ingredients. Pour with ice into highball or pint glass. Fill cranberry juice and stir gently. Garnish with mint and lime wheels.

The Finding Nemo

About The Finding Nemo

This is an Empire Signature Cocktail! This cocktail was invented shortly after the release of the eponymous movie and is credited to originating in San Diego, CA. Multiple versions of this drink were invented on the fly by simply adding a Swedish Fish to any blue colored cocktail. This version adds a bit of a tropical flavor and the signature spirit Hypnotiq© is required for this recipe, the color is essential to the visual product.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Coconut Rum

• 1 oz. Hypnotiq© Cognac

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• ¼ oz. Blue Curacao

• ¼ oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 Swedish Fish for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, add all of the ingredients except the candy; shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass; add the candy.

The Rocket Fuel

About The Rocket Fuel

The Rocket Fuel is a recipe near and dear to me, due to the fact I got started on Long Island and this cocktail hails directly from my hometown area. Whereas the Long Island Iced Tea is the nationally reknown cocktail of Long Island, New York; the Rocket Fuel is the favorite of the residents of Long Island, specifically Fire Island, New York. Empire Mixology recognizes the birthplace of the Rocket Fuel at CJ’s in Ocean Beach and although many different recipes and unique spins on the recipe can be found on every corner of Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park; we prefer the O.G. recipe.

Keep in mind that this cocktail is a more powerful version of the classic Pina Colada. The Pineapple Juice and Amaretto do well to keep the highly alcoholic 151 burn in check, but this cocktail can and will sneak up on you. Enjoy this cocktail on a hot summer’s day or at the beach, but limit yourself to a max of three.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. 151 Proof Rum

• 1½ oz. Cream of Coconut

• 3 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Amaretto

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Tropical

Method:

Blend Coconut, Pineapple Juice, and 151 Proof Rum in blender with ice. Should be a smooth texture so add ice as needed. Float Amaretto on top using bar spoon. Garnish with cherry.

The Sgroppino

About The Sgroppino

This Italian cocktail that is bizarrely close to my own last name is a popular dessert cocktail that hails from the Venice region of Italy. A picturesque cocktail that is light and crisp, this recipe has grown past the borders of Italy and can be found throughout the world. Prosseco would be the ideal sparkling wine to use as it would be authentic to the region of Italy rather than using the French spirit of Champagne. (Although it’s up to you).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Champagne/Prosecco

• 1 oz. Chilled Vodka

• Scoop of Lemon Sorbet

• Fresh Mint for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour the champagne/prosecco and vodka into two champagne flutes, dividing equally. Spoon a scoop of sorbet into each flute. Sprinkle with mint and serve.