The Cuba Libre

About The Cuba Libre

 Is it technically just a rum and coke? Well sort of. The cocktail is very simple and inexpensive, but it does remain as one the world’s most popular cocktails. The cocktail comes from post Spanish-American War Cuba and its name is from the motto of the Cuban Independence movement of the time. Typically at Empire Mixology we don’t like to push specific brands in our cocktails, but this classic recipe technically calls for Bacardi Superior Silver Rum and Coca Cola. Note a Cuba Libre is not made with Spiced Rum, more commonly known as a Captain and Coke.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum (Bacardi Superior)

• Fill Coca Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 5.0 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Light

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Build ingredients with ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

The Long Island Iced Tea

About The Long Island Iced Tea

 Disclaimer: The following recipe is not the IBA Official Long Island Iced Tea. The following recipe is a custom Empire Mixology Long Island Iced Tea that has been a family hand-down recipe from our multi-generational team of bartenders and mixologists. In contrast to the “official” recipe, the Empire recipe tones down the tequila and gin, while adding more rum. Also, a splash of rye is introduced to cut the harsh flavor of the tequila and gin and create a much smoother finish. This recipe is an Empire Mixology recipe that has never left an upset customer.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1¼ oz. Rum

• ¾ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• Splash of Rye Whiskey

• 4½ oz. Sour Mix

• Splash of Coca Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 5 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor: Sweet

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 color should be pale brown, similar to iced tea. If the drink is too dark then too much coke has been added.

The Mojito

About The Mojito

The Mojito is yet another IBA Classic Cocktail originating from Havana, Cuba and is a distinct mixology icon. A long favored summer drink in Europe and all season favorite in the Caribbean and lower US states, the Mojito reached mainstream popularity in the 1930s thanks to celebrities such as Errol Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, and Brigitte Bardot.

The minty-lime flavor of the Mojito is easily substituted or added to in modern mixology; making the Mojito one of the most versatile cocktails in mixology today.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Light Rum

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 2 tsp. Fine Sugar (to taste)

• 2 Sprigs of Mint

• Soda Water

• Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish)

• 4 Lime Wedges (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Mint

Method:

Add a few mint leaves, lime juice, one lime wedge, and sugar to a highball or desired glass. Muddle ingredients until most of the sugar has dissolved and the juices and oils from the mint and lime have been released. Fill the glass with ice, mint spring, and lime wedges, then pour rum over the ice and fill with soda water. Garnish with additional mint spring and lime wedge.

The Margarita

About The Margarita

This 1930s cocktail hails from the land of tequila itself, Mexico. A common staple of the summer season, the Margarita like the Martini, has evolved over the years and many variants have been invented since its inception. At Empire Mixology we typically do not use sour mix in our Classic Margarita recipe, although some do find the taste more enjoyable. Arguments can go all day regarding when and where it was founded exactly; whether or not salt is necessary, or if you have to use Cointreau© or not; but the important part is that we all enjoy a cool and refreshing Margarita once the warm weather days arrive.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tequila

• 1.5 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Salt (for rim of glass)

• Lime 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 cocktail glass rimmed with salt.

Empire Tip: The Margarita has become a base cocktail recipe in similar vein to the Martini or Daiquiri, try experimenting with our recipe and see what you can figure out!