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 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 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 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 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 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.

The Lava Flow

About The Lava Flow

Two of the most popular frozen cocktails in the world are the Pina Colada and the Strawberry Daiquiri; so there was an idea that asked, what if we could combine them? The answer to that question is the Lava Flow. The red of the strawberries used in the recipe represent the “lava” taking over the white of the Pina Colada. This visually pleasing dessert cocktail has many many variations and we suggest using our recipe as a starting point for your own perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Rum

• 2½ oz. Cream of Coconut

• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 2 oz. Strawberries

• 1 Small Banana

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Tropical

Method:

Blend the strawberries and the rum together until well blended. Pour into serving glass. Clean blender and add banana, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and at least 1 cup of ice and blend until smooth. Pour this mix into the serving glass slowly to get visual effect.

The Piña Colada

About The Piña Colada

The official drink of Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada literally translates to “strained pineapple.” The history of this all time freat cocktail is shrouded in debate. It’s disputed founding is back to the early 1800s when El Pirata Cofresí created the drink to boost the morale of his crew. The more modern founding of the cocktail dates to either Cuba or Puerto Rico during the 1950s depending on which historian you choose to follow. Regardless, the Piña Colada was named the National Cocktail of Puerto Rico in the 1970s and July 10 is now known as International Piña Colada Day!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut

• 1 oz. Heavy Cream

• 6 oz. Pineapple Juice

• ½ cup of Crushed Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:    Mild

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Tropical

Method:

Blend all the ingredients with ice and pur into desired glass. Garnish with cherry and/or pineapple wedge.

The American Grog

About The American Grog

Ah Grog, is there anything so ingrained in pirate culture as you (and rum)? A quick history lesson on the Age of Exploration with this recipe; during this time period there was no electricity or seabound filtration techniques so things like beer and wine spoiled quickly on long voyages. Water would turn stale and grow algae and thus become undrinkable. British Admiral Edward Vernon ordered his crew to mix the rum reserves with his water supply to prevent it from spoiling and it worked! This would become the standard practice for sailors in the years to come. His nickname was “Old Grog” due to a Grogside Jacket he wore so the crew named the idea after him.

In this variant, we add a sugar cube and lemon juice because as it turns out; hot watered down rum tastes terrible. I would also recommend adding a few cloves for flavor. The end result is a warming cocktail with a lemon flavor and the sugar helps to soothe and cut the bite of the rum.

“Water, water, every where,/ Nor any drop to drink."

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” c. 1798

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• 4 oz. Hot Water

• 1 Sugar Cube

• Lemon Wedge (for Garnish)

• Cloves (for Garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.0 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Lemon

Method:

Put rum, lemon juice, and sugar cube in glass. Gently muddle sugar cube. Fill with hot water. Stir to dissolve sugar.

The Cloud 9

The Cloud 9

The Cloud 9 is one Empire Mixology’s leading Frozen Cocktails. This refreshing recipe calls for a smooth and creamy frozen drink with hints of coconut and banana. The Empire Mixology Cloud 9 is a variant of the original recipe which is a highball containing Blue Curacao and Milk. We figured we could step our game up a bit to make the Cloud 9 an elite class recipe for you and your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 /2 oz. Coconut Rum

• 1/2 oz. Banana Liqueur

• 3 oz. Blue Curacao

• 3 oz. Milk

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Tropical

Method:

Build ingredients in mixing glass or shaker with ice in blender and blend until smooth. Stir gently and then pour into ice filled highball glass.

The Rum Runner

About The Rum Runner

Ah the Rum Runner. A quintessential tropical cocktail, this concoction hails from Islamorada, Florida circa 1950. Created by a bartender using whatever extra ingredients he had lying around, the Rum Runner became a supremely sweet staple of warm-time weather cocktails. The Rum Runner has dozens of variations and recipes, but always features the combination of two types of rums; in our version we prefer silver and dark rum, however coconut, flavored, or spiced rum can also be used.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Light Rum

• 1 oz. Dark Rum

• 1 oz. Blackberry Liqueur

• 1 oz. Banana Liqueur

• 2 oz. Orange Juice

• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

• Splash Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks/Frozen

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Place all ingredients except grenadine in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a hurricane glass or fishbowl. Add a splash of grenadine. Garnish with cherry and a pineapple wedge.

The Dragonfruit Mojito

About The Dragonfruit Mojito

So it’s been almost two years, so we figured why not update one of our former signature classics. Ladies and gentlemen meet the Dragonfruit Mojito. This beautiful just in time for summer cocktail is as pleasing in flavor as it is in appearance. This exotic cocktail derives its name from its signature ingredient; Dragonfruit aka Pitaya. Combining the looks and name of the dragonfruit with the classic fan favorite Mojito recipe, creates an astounding and unique concoction. The dragonfruit actually absorbs the spirit the longer it sits, and by using the skin of the fruit in the muddling process we’re able to get that perfect pink fade at the bottom. Our Mixologists were excited to recreate one of our oldest and greatest recipes. Try it out and tell us what you think!

Ingredients:

• 1 Dragon Fruit

• 2 Lime Wedges

• 2 Lime Wheels

• 7-8 Mint Leaves

• 2.5 oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• Lemon-Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Light

• Difficulty:   Complex

• Flavor:       Sweet

Empire Tip: Don’t like all the floating chunks of dragon fruit? Strain the muddled dragon fruit, lime, and mint before pouring into the drinking glass.

Method:

Halve dragon fruit and cut one of the halves into six or seven thin slices. Separate the flesh from the skin of three slices and add into building glass. Cut the exterior skin (leafy part) from the inner skin and add the inner skin into the glass as well.

Add four mint leaves, a lime wedge, and the simple syrup. Muddle.

In the serving glass, use a melon baller on the remaining halve of dragon fruit and add three balls of dragon fruit into the glass along with a lime wheel. Then pour the muddled ingredients from the building glass into the serving glass.

Add crushed ice until glass is 2/3 full. Add a lime wedge, remaining mint leaves, and additional dragon fruit balls until full.

Add 2.5 oz. of Silver Rum or more depending on your preference, and then top with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with lime wheel and extra mint if desired and serve with a straw.

The Corona Bomb

About The Corona Bomb

We here at Empire Mixology love Corona, and the classic way to enjoy a Corona Extra Cerveza is with a lime wedge. However, we consider this a bit of an upgrade and a way to add an extra punch to your afternoon. As our first Depth Charge recipe, we hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Ingredients:

• 1 Corona Extra Cerveza

• 1 oz. Bacardi Limon Rum

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Depth Charge

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Citrus

Method:

Fill a highball with Corona and drop the shot into the highball, chug (responsibly) accordingly.

Alternately, you can avoid the depth charge option by pouring the shot into a bottle of Corona directly and then thumbing the bottle and turning it over.

Empire Tip: Use a lime wedge for garnish and/or as a finish.