The Trinidad Sour

About The Trinidad Sour

The Trinidad Sour is a bold and exotic cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of Trinidadian Angostura bitters as the star ingredient. This vibrant drink combines rye whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and a hefty dose of Angostura bitters, resulting in a cocktail that is both aromatic and complex. Despite the unconventional use of bitters in large quantities, the Trinidad Sour has gained a dedicated following for its daring flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey

• 1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Angostura Bitters

• Lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Straightforward

Method:

In a shaker, combine rye whiskey, orgeat syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to incorporate the bitters. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Spicy Fifty

About The Spicy Fifty

The Spicy Fifty is a modern and bold cocktail that adds a spicy twist to the classic French 75. This refreshing and effervescent drink combines gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a kick of jalapeño for a delightful mix of floral, citrusy, and spicy flavors. The Spicy Fifty offers a contemporary take on the timeless elegance of the French 75, making it a dynamic and flavorful cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Gin

• 3/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur (such as St-Germain)

• 1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

• 1-2 slices Jalapeño (adjust to spice preference)

• Sparkling Wine (to top up)

• Jalapeño slice or lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spicy

Method:

In a shaker, muddle 1-2 slices of jalapeño (adjust based on spice preference). Add gin, elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to infuse the spiciness. Strain the contents into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Top up with sparkling wine. Garnish with a jalapeño slice or a lemon twist.

The Paper Plane

About The Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a modern and well-balanced cocktail that gained popularity in the early 21st century. Created by bartender Sam Ross, this drink is known for its equal parts formula, combining bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The Paper Plane offers a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and citrusy notes, making it an approachable and versatile cocktail for various palates.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz Bourbon

• 3/4 oz Aperol

• 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• Lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

In a shaker, combine bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Illegal

About The Illegal

The Illegal is a bold and smoky cocktail that pays homage to the robust flavors of mezcal, a distilled agave spirit with distinctive smoky undertones. This cocktail combines the earthy and smoky notes of mezcal with the richness of Averna, an amaro with herbal and citrusy characteristics. The Illegal is a complex and intriguing drink that caters to those with an appreciation for adventurous and avant-garde cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Mezcal

• 3/4 oz Averna

• 1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur

• 1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

• 1/4 oz Agave Nectar

• Lime wheel or twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

In a shaker, combine mezcal, Averna, maraschino liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

The Ve.n.to

About The Ve.n.to

The Ve.n.to is a modern and refreshing cocktail that showcases the vibrant flavors of grappa, chamomile liqueur, and citrus, with a touch of sweet from honey. This well-balanced drink offers a delightful interplay of botanicals and citrusy brightness, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a contemporary and aromatic libation.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz White Grappa

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Honey Mix

• 1/2 oz Chamomile Cordial

• Grapes or lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Complex

Method:

Add all ingredients to the shaker Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to infuse the flavors Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with grapes or a lemon twist.

The Ramos Gin Fizz

About The Ramos Gin Fizz

The Ramos Fizz, also known as the Ramos Gin Fizz, is a classic cocktail renowned for its creamy and frothy texture. This cocktail includes gin, citrus juices, simple syrup, egg white, and heavy cream. The key to its signature texture is an extended shaking process that emulsifies the ingredients, creating a velvety and luscious drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 egg white

• 2-3 drops orange flower water

• 2 drops vanilla extract

• Club soda (optional)

• Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Dry shake: In a shaker without ice, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, heavy cream, egg white, vanilla extract, and orange flower water.

Wet shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake the ingredients vigorously for an extended period, typically 1-2 minutes, to create the desired frothy texture.

Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass without ice. The Ramos Fizz is often served without ice, but you can top it with a splash of club soda if desired.

The Americano

About The Americano

Fun Fact: What was the first drink ever ordered by James Bond? It’s the Americano. Originating from Caffe Campari in the 1860s, the Americano is named due to the fact many American citizens in the region at the time seemed to enjoy the cocktail, and the nickname stuck. The Americano is a rather bitter cocktail that is enjoyed casually as an afternoon drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Campari

• 1 oz. Red Vermouth

• Fill Soda Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour Campari and vermouth into old fashioned glass with ice. Add soda water to taste and garnish with orange slice.

The Negroni

About The Negroni

This IBA Official Cocktail is an Italian native, and packs quite a strong and bitter punch. The Negroni is believed to hail from Florence, Italy around the year 1919. The recipe is a take on the fellow IBA Official Cocktail; the Americano. The Negroni is certainly a drink to impress your friends and bartender when ordered.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Gin

• 1 part Sweet Vermouth

• 1 part Campari

• 1 Half Wheel Orange Slice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

Add the ingredients to an old fashioned glass and stir until well mixed. Garnish with half an orange wheel.

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 Penicillin

About The Penicillin

This 2005 cocktail hails from New York City and the Milk & Honey Bar. It’s name is an obvious takeaway from the drug Penicillin due to some of the medicinal qualities of its ingredients. The cocktail has drawn comparisons to the Hot Toddy as a “medicinal” cocktail. The Islay Style Scotch Whisky is supposed to be Lagavulin Scotch. Islay Scotch has a smokier profile and has more of a peat taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Blended Scotch Whisky

• ¼ oz. Islay Style Scotch Whisky

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz. Honey Syrup

• 2-3 Quarter-Sized Ginger Slices

• Candied Ginger for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Herbal

Method:

Muddle fresh ginger in a shaker and add the remaining ingredients, except for the Islay Scotch whiskey. Fill the shaker with ice and shake. Double-strain into a chilled old fashioned glass with ice. Float the Islay whiskey on top.

The Fernandito

About The Fernandito

The Fernandito, also known as the Fernet con Coca became an IBA Official Cocktail in 2020 after being Argentina’s favorite cocktail since the 1980s. Fernet-Branca© is a brand of Italian Bitters where 75% of its global output is sent to Argentina. Popular in college towns, this easygoing cocktail is simple to make and very flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Fernet-Branca©

• Fill Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spiced

Method:

Fill a double old-fashioned glass with ice. Pour in the Fernet-Branca©, fill the glass with cola. Stir gently.

The Caipirinha

About The Caipirinha

Although the origin of the drink is unknown, one account says it came about around 1918 in the region of Alentejo in Portugal, with a popular recipe made with lemon, garlic, and honey, indicated for patients with the Spanish flu. The modern cocktail is still used as a remedy for the common cold. The Caipirinha is known as the national cocktail of Brazil.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Cachaça

• 2 tsp. Sugar

• Half of a Lime cut into 4 Wedges

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Lime

Method:

Place lime and sugar into old fashioned glass and muddle (mash the two ingredients together using a muddler or a wooden spoon). Fill the glass with ice and add the Cachaça.

The Vieux Carré

About The Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is named for the French Quarter of New Orleans. The cocktail traces its origins to the 1930s but officially appeared in print in 1937. It is a rich in flavor cocktail that employs the use of decadent ingredients. Raise a toast to New Orleans!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• 1 Barspoon Bénédictine©

• 2 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters

• Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange zest and a maraschino cherry.

The French Martini

About The French Martini

This cocktail debuted in the 1980s but was not properly introduced on drink menus until 1996 in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. The key ingredient in this cocktail is Chambord©, which is a French liqueur created in France since the late 1600s.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord©)

• ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

• Lemon Peel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Squeeze oil from lemon peel onto the drink.

The Paradise

About The Paradise

The Paradise cocktail is the O.G. Gin and Juice cocktail made famous again by rapper Snoop Dogg. The cocktail originated in 1930 and was invented by famous mixologist Harry Craddock. The recipe has remained largely unchanged with the exception of variations on the amount of “juice” and brandy.

Ingredients:

• 1¼ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Apricot Brandy

• ½ oz. Orange Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Shake together over ice. Strain into cocktail glass and serve chilled.

The Spritz Veneziano

About The Spritz Veneziano

Also known as the Aperol Spritz, also called just Spritz, is an Italian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif in Northeast Italy. It consists of prosecco, Aperol and soda water. The original recipe has supposedly remained unchanged over time but it wasn't until the 1950s that Aperol Spritz became a popular alternative to the usual Venetian mix of white wine and soda.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Prosecco

• 2 oz. Aperol

• Splash of Soda Water

• Orange Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Build all ingredients into a wine glass filled with ice. Stir gently.

The Naked and Famous

About The Naked and Famous

The Naked and Famous is a new era cocktail that has been added to the list of IBA Official Cocktails. Although I typically discourage intensely specific cocktails due to their inability to replicate accurately, the Naked and Famous is a throwback to a bygone era of cocktails and has the flavor profile to back it up.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz. Mezcal

• ¾ oz. Aperol

• ¾ oz. Yellow Chartreuse

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

The Hanky Panky

About The Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky originates from the Savoy Hotel in London, England and first appeared in the year 1903. Credited to Savoy’s head bartender Ada Coleman. The Hanky-Panky is a variation on the sweet martini, as it calls for gin and sweet vermouth, but Coleman's secret ingredient was Fernet-Branca, a bitter Italian digestivo.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• 1½ oz. Sweet Vermouth

• 2 Dashes of Fernet-Branca

• Orange Zest for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Stirred over ice, strained into a chilled glass, garnished, and served up.

The New York Sour

About The New York Sour

The New York Sour is an IBA Official Cocktail that mirrors the traditional method of creating a sour; using egg whites. The drink itself is thought to be of New York City origin, but various “New York Sours” have been on menus across the country with different ingredients. Make sure to pair with a wine you enjoy to custom craft the recipe to your liking. (Shiraz is just our suggestion).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)

• ½ oz. Shiraz Red Wine

• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Few Drops of Egg White

• Lemon Wedge/Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour the whiskey, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white into shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Float the wine on top. Garnish with lemon or orange zest and cherry.

The Pisco Sour

About The Pisco Sour

The Pisco Sour is a Peruvian cocktail that is largely agreed to have originated in the 1930s in Lima, Peru. The drink's name comes from Pisco, which is its base liquor (colorless brandy), and the cocktail term sour, in reference to sour citrus juice and sweetener components. Chile and Peru both claim the Pisco Sour as their national drink, and each asserts ownership of the cocktail's base liquor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Pisco

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• ⅔ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 Egg White

• Few Dashes of Angostura Bitters

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Vigorously shake contents in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then strain into a glass and garnish with bitters.