The Salty Dog

About The Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is thought to have originated during or just after the Prohibition Era. Without the salt, a Salty Dog is known as a Greyhound Cocktail. Like many drinks from this era, the Salty Dog is traditionally made with gin, however more modern recipes have replaced gin with vodka. Fruity yet bitter, the Salty Dog is a decent brunch or late afternoon cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• Fill Grapefruit Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:       Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Fruity/Salty

Method:

Shake Gin and Grapefruit Juice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into salt-rimmed highball glass.

The Whiskey Smash

About The Whiskey Smash

The Whiskey Smash is a variation on the classic Whiskey Sour; in a sense, it retains a similar flavor profile to the original, with the slight addition of a few accouterments. This recipe is both visually pleasing and palate-pleasing; and makes an excellent addition to any cocktail menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• ½ Lemon, cut into quarters

• Dash of granulated sugar

• Few fresh mint leaves

• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Muddle the lemon, mint leaves, sugar, and simple syrup in the bottom of the glass. Add fresh ice and bourbon and stir well. Garnish appropriately.

The Incredible Hulk

About The Incredible Hulk

To be fair, there’s a few different versions of the Incredible Hulk depending on which region of the country you’re from. The most widely accepted version is used combining Hennessey© and Hypnotiq© to create a very strong and flavorful cocktail that is green in color. Named after the famous green brutish superhero, this cocktail lives up the strong aspect of the name and is a sipping drink served cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Cognac

• 1 part Hypnotiq ©

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Stir together and pour over ice.

The Vampiro

About The Vampiro

The Mexican National Drink, the Vampiro is a Tequila based variant of the world famous Bloody Mary. The Vampiro is a former IBA Official Cocktail but has since fallen off the list. Although somewhat less preparation than its counterpart, the Vampiro essentially keeps a similar palate for flavor. Experiment with garnishes and slight additives to find the perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Tequila

• 2½ oz. Tomato Juice

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• 1 tsp. Clear Honey

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• Few Drops Worcestershire Sauce

• Half Slice of Onion, finely chopped

• Few Slices of Red Chili Pepper

• Salt for Garnish

• Orange Slice, Chili Pepper for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Ouch

Method:

Pour ingredients into glass rimmed with salt. Stir.

The American Beauty

About The American Beauty

Another Washington D.C. original cocktail, the American Beauty is an eclectic cocktail creation named after the District’s Official Flower; the American Beauty Rose. This cocktail combines Cognac and Port Wine along with Creme de Menthe. The resulting flavor profile is strong willed, yet smooth as well. Certainly, a sipping drink, the American Beauty is best served in good company.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Cognac

• ¼ oz. Creme de Menthe

• ¼ oz. Port Wine

• ¼ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• Mint Sprig for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the port and mint. Shake well; strain into a chilled martini glass. Stir in the port. Garnish with the mint.

The Orange Crush

About The Orange Crush

Hailing from Ocean City, MD; the Orange Crush is a signature Maryland cocktail. Quite similar to a Screwdriver Cocktail, the Orange Crush mixes vodka and orange juice but also adds in triple sec. What makes a crush a “crush” is that it adds lemon-lime soda or sparkling wine to the mix to top off. The Orange Crush is a perfect addition to any brunch menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 3 oz. Orange Juice

• 3-4 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda

• Orange Wedge and Mint for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Orange

Method:

Pour all ingredients directly into highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.

The Godmother

About The Godmother

The spousal cocktail to the former IBA Official Cocktail, the Godfather; the Godmother simply switches out Scotch Whisky for Vodka. The original iteration is reputed to be named after actor Marlon Brando’s favorite cocktail, which was enjoyed on the set of the movie The Godfather. The Godmother by comparison eliminates the strong flavor profile of Scotch Whisky and instead focuses on maintaining the alcohol level using Vodka, but keeping the flavor profile of Amaretto.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Vodka

• 1 part Amaretto

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients directly into old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.

The Paralyzer

About The Paralyzer

The Paralyzer is a cocktail that’s meant to make you stop in your tracks and think about the ingredients. A rare category of drinks combine milk and soda, and this is one of those cocktails. The flavor profile is quite diverse, combining coffee, cola, milk, and vodka flavors. The cocktail goes down fairly smooth and is certainly an eye opener at the bar.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 2½ oz. Cola

• Splash of Milk

• Lemon Wedge & Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Coffee

Method:

Stir Cola, Coffee Liqueur, and Vodka together. Add splash of milk and garnish.

The Fuzzy Navel

About The Fuzzy Navel

The Fuzzy Navel is yet another hallmark cocktail of the 1980s and was created by notable mixologist Ray Foley. The cocktail is light in alcohol content and easy on the taste due to its flavor profile of peach and orange. This drink can be made into a “Hairy Navel” by adding a shot of vodka into it.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Peach Schnapps

• 4 parts Orange Juice

• Orange Slice for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Build ingredients in serving glass with ice. Stir until well mixed.

The Painkiller

About The Painkiller

Hailing from the British Virgin Islands circa the 1970s, the Painkiller is the trademarked and signature cocktail of Pusser’s Rum Ltd. Therefore, the recipe calls specifically for Pusser’s Rum, however for those unaware of what classification of rum that is, we just listed “dark rum” in our ingredients. The Painkiller was invented at the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke. It has since become one of the more popular tropical drinks and is heavily pushed in August on National Rum Day. This cocktail is a delicious summer styled drink that is a constant fan favorite.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Dark Rum

• 4 oz. PIneapple Juice

• 2 oz. Orange Juice

• 2 oz. Cream of Coconut

• Pinch of Nutmeg

• Shredded Coconut & Honey (For Rimming)

• Pineapple Wedge, Orange Slice, and/or Cherry (For Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Tropical

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well mixed. Pour into ice filled and coconut rimmed bowl glass and sprinkle nutmeg on top.

The Gin Rickey

About The Gin Rickey

This cocktail hails from Washington D.C. in the late 19th century. It was created by Joe Rickey, a resident of the District who first called for a Bourbon Rickey. The beverage later exploded in popularity and was even featured in the F. Scott Fitzgerald great novel “The Great Gatsby.” The Gin Rickey became the most popular and enduring variation and remains part of his namesake.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• Fill Soda Water

• Lime Wheels for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Lime

Method:

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wheel.

The Seven & Seven

About The Seven & Seven

The Seven & Seven is a simple recipe that can be also called “The Highball.” This simple two-step recipe involves using Seagram’s 7 Whiskey and 7-Up; hence the name Seven & Seven/7&7. This cocktail is easy to make and refreshign with a light and crisp taste.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Rye Whiskey

• Fill Lemon-Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wedge.

The Woo Woo

About The Woo Woo

The Woo Woo is a variant of the grandaddy of Island Cocktails; the Cape Codder. A Woo Woo adds to the traditional recipe by adding in Peach Schnapps to make a fruity and smooth flavor. This recipe is a great spring/summer cocktail that is perfect for a warm sunny day. A variant of the Woo Woo is the Georgia Peach, which substitutes Silver Rum for the Vodka.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Peach Schnapps

• 3 oz. Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

The Pimm's Cup

About The Pimm’s Cup

The English Classic itself, the Pimm’s Cup is a crisp and refreshing cocktail that originated across the Pond in the mid 1800s. This recipe is designed as a sipping summer-style cocktail and is a notable libation served at Wimbledon. In the United States, the Pimm’s Cup found a home in New Orleans and surrounding areas as a way to relax and beat the summer heat.

Empire Tip: Try Ginger Ale instead of Lemon-Lime Soda.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1 Cup

• 3 oz. Lemon Lime Soda

• Cucumber Slice (for garnish)

• Strawberry (for garnish)

• Orange Slices/Wheels (for garnish)

• Mint Sprig (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Light

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Spirit Forward

Method:

Add all ingredients to highball glass with fresh ice. Top with Pimm’s No. 1 Cup for visual effect, stir to serve. Add optional garnishes to increase subtle flavors.

The Lynchburg Lemonade

About The Lynchburg Lemonade

This cocktail hails from 1980 and the great state of Alabama. One of the few recipes out there with a ton of litigation over who created it and who deserves credit; this recipe has survived into the modern day as a favorite summertime drink. The refreshing lemon flavor mixed with the All American Classic that is Jack Daniel’s creates a refreshing southern specialty to keep you cool in the coming warm months.

Empire Note: Our resident Empire Master Mixologist features this cocktail as one of his signature cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 2 oz. Sour Mix

• Fill Lemon Lime Soda (or lemonade)

• Lemons and Cherries for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Lemon

Method:

Shake Whiskey, Triple Sec, and Sour Mix with ice and strain into ice-filled glass. Top with the lemonade or lemon-lime soda. Garnish with lemon slices and cherries.

The Toasted Almond

About The Toasted Almond

Introducing your new favorite dessert cocktail. The Toasted Almond is an offshoot of the White Russian designed to deliver an easy flavor and smooth finish. Implementing Coffee Liqueur and Amaretto, along with milk or cream; the Toasted Almond is a constant hit for coffee hour or just leisurely drinking.

Empire Tip: Add a shot of vodka to this recipe to make the Roasted Toasted Almond.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Amaretto Liqueur

• 1 1/2 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 2 oz. Milk

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into old fashioned glass with fresh ice.

The Rooftop Lemonade

The Rooftop Lemonade

The Rooftop Lemonade is an old classic of Empire Mixology, modernized and revisited. This is an absolutely refreshing creation, that is simple and quick to make and is best enjoyed in the warm weather and sunshine. Just in time to herald the arriving summer, we strongly suggest giving this lemonade a chance to make your summer essentials list.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 2 oz. Lemonade

• Cucumber Slices

• Lemon Wheels

• Soda Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      on the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shaker add ice, vodka, lemonade, and cucumber slices. Shake until well chilled and pour into highball glass and top with soda water. garnish with cucumber slices and lemon wheels.

The Floradora

The Floradora

Meet your new favorite springtime cocktail. This highball is sure to make your list of delectable delights and was previously featured here at Empire Mixology for the 2019 Oscar’s as a nominee cocktail. This light and crisp cocktail also has a delightful sweetness to it. The combination of raspberrys and ginger ale helps to mask the bite of the vodka, creating a finish that will be sure to please your palate and those of your guests as well. Trust us, try this one.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 4 oz. Ginger Ale

• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

• 3-5 Fresh Raspberries

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      on the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shaker add raspberrys and vodka and muddle thoroughly. Add vodka and ice and shake until chilled. Strain into highball glass with fresh ice and raspberries. Top with ginger ale.

The Brave Bull

About The Brave Bull

If you’re in need of a real pick-me-up, look no further than the Brave Bull. This cocktail is for those with a strong palette as the dominating tastes of tequila and Kahlúa are in full force. The Kahlúa coffee taste does lessen the overall “sting” of the tequila but does nothing to mask the flavor. This is a morning cocktail that must be enjoyed slowly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Kahlúa

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Strong/Coffee

Method:

Pour tequila and Kahlúa into old fashioned glass with ice. Stir gently.

The Red Headed Slut

About The Red Headed Slut

The Red Headed Slut is a fan favorite hailing from the 1980s era of X-Rated Name Drinks. The taste of the Jägermeister is easily hidden by the sweet and fruity flavors of the Schnapps and cranberry juice. The drink is an easy crowed pleaser but too much Jäger mixed with the fruity additions will cause you to get sick fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Jägermeister

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• 1 part Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks (cocktail)/Neat (shot)

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shot Version: Combine all ingredients in shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into shot glass.

Cocktail Version: Combine Jägermeister and schnapps in glass full of ice. Add cranberry juice to fill to top. Stir as necessary.