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 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 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 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 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 A.M.F.

About The A.M.F.

Adios MotherF*cker! The legendary college cocktail known as the AMF is an offshoot of the Long Island Iced Tea but falls just short of becoming a Trash Can. Incredibly spirit forward, this cocktail packs a powerful punch and will knock you on your ass quickly. Make sure to keep a limit of two per night to keep your mind in check, otherwise your common sense will be saying AMF.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Rum

• ½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Blue Curacao

• 2 oz. Sour Mix

• Top Lemon-Lime Soda

• 1 Lemon Wheel/Maraschino Cherry for Garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, add all of the ingredients except the soda and shake with ice. Strain into ice filled serving glass and top with soda and garnish.

The Trash Can

About The Trash Can

Meet the party starter and the party ender. The Trash Can is essentially as it sounds; a concoction that combines seven spirits and an energy drink. The combination of alcohol and the energy drink basically puts your body into overdrive whilst also slowing it down, creating a fairly nightmarish situation inside of you. This recipe is a Long Island Iced Tea on steroids, we recommend not wasting your time creating the Long Island component from scratch since the schnapps and energy drink will mask the alcohol anyway. (Pre-Mix Long Island is the way to go on this one).

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Long Island Iced Tea (Pre-Made)

• 1½ oz. Blue Curacao

• 1 oz. Peach Schnapps

• 1 Red Bull© Energy Drink

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Death

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Like Everything

Method:

Build ingredients in serving glass with ice. Pour Red Bull© to mix. Technically, you should crush the can into the drink and keep it there (so it fills the glass as it empties).

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 Tokyo Tea

About The Tokyo Tea

Meet the Far Eastern cousin of the famous Long Island Iced Tea. This recipe follows Empire Mixology’s Long Island recipe with a few distinctions. Firstly, the cocktail is green so Melon Liqueur is used to give the drink its color. Three cherries are also used as garnish to mimic Bubble Tea. The addition of sprite makes the taste a little lighter, but do not be fooled; this cocktail is just as potent as your standard Long Island.

Empire Note: This cocktail is featured in our Master Mixologist’s signature collection.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1¼ oz. Rum

• ¾ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Melon Liqueur

• 2½ oz. Sour Mix

• Fill Lemon Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice, except for the soda. Gently stir a few times to chill ingredients. Pour with ice into highball or pint glass. Add splash of soda and stir gently. Add three cherries as garnish.

The Princess Shot

About The Princess Shot

The Princess Shot is the shot equivalent of a Pink Starburst Candy. This crowd pleasing shot is a relatively modern invention that has seen a popularity boom at bachelorette parties and weddings. The shot is a bit sour due to the mix and watermelon pucker, but it is packed with flavor accordingly. The shot could be made into a highball using lemon lime soda, but is best saved as a shot.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Vodka

• 1 part Watermelon Pucker

• 1 part Sour Mix

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:      4.5 Stars

• Served:     Shot

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Pink Starburst

Method:

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

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 Jack Daniel's Root Beer Float

About The Jack Daniel’s Root Beer Float

The Jack Daniel’s Root Beer Float is a recipe near and dear to me; as it was the first #SundayFunday recipe posted on the original www.EmpireMixology.com many years ago. Ironically, it took me seven tries to get the recipe as perfect as I was looking for. However, after all these years I have since lost my notes on that recipe. It took a few tries to remaster this favorite but here it is in all its glory.

Featuring Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and A&W Root Beer (no better root beer for a float), this delectable delight is sure to wow your friends and guests and keep the orders coming.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

• 6 oz. A&W Root Beer

• 1-2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

• Whipped Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Scoop Ice Cream into Mug or Mason Jar. Add in 3 oz. Root Beer and Jack Daniel’s. Stir gently. Top with remaining Root Beer and stir again gently. Top with whipped cream.

The International

About The International

Meet your new favorite cocktail. Classy yet fun, the International is a personal recipe of our resident Lead Mixologist. This cognac and vodka based cocktail is absolutely packed with flavor and delivers a smooth finish. The triple sec and elderflower liqueur mask the “bite” of the primary spirits, creating a delectable and flavor packed finish to your sip. This is one our signature recipes at Empire Mixology and we hope you enjoy it just as much as we do.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Elderflower Liqueur

• ½ oz. Vodka

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

• Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 5.0 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Unlike James Bond, stir this one until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.

Empire Tip: Garnish with a lemon twist or olives to your preference.