The Gunfire

About The Gunfire

This British cocktail hails from the British Army in the late 1800s. The Gunfire is traditionally served to the lower ranks of soldiers before an attack as a form of liquid courage. The cocktail is also drunk in celebration as well and on holidays. This simple cocktail is made by adding a shot of rum to a cup of black tea.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. Black Tea

• 1 oz. Rum

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     Hot

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Tea

Method:

Pour the tea into a cup. Pour the rum in and stir.

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 Zombie

About The Zombie

This recipe is probably the most complex cocktail on all of www.empiremixology.com. This cocktail is an original of Don the Beachcomber at his eponymous restaurant around the year 1934. It would later show up at the 1939 World’s Fair where it became popular on the East Coast. This cocktail is served with a strict limit of 2 per customer due to its high potency. The name originates from a businessman who had one and he returned to Donn’s restaurant and told him that it “made him a zombie all weekend.”

The name stuck and the rest is history. This recipe is highly complex and it is indeed a flammable cocktail so drink responsibly and remember safety when playing with fire. There is also a recipe for Donn’s Mix listed below which is an essential ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum

• 1½ oz. Dark Rum

• 1 oz Apricot Brandy

• Splash Overproof 151 Rum

• ½ oz. of Don’s Mix***

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Mango Juice

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• Dash of Angostura Bitters

For Donn’s Mix

• 3 Crushed Cinnamon Sticks

• 1 Cup of Sugar

• 1 Cup of Boiling Water

• 2 Cups of Grapefruit Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Tiki

Method:

Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice. Pour into glass with ice. You can float the 151 to create a longer lasting flame when lit.

For Donn’s Mix

• Bring 3 crushed cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

• Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let sit for at least 2 hours before straining into a clean glass bottle.

• Then add 1 part of the syrup and 2 parts of fresh grapefruit juice together.

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 Red Rover

About The Red Rover

The Red Rover is a fun wine cocktail with the body of red wine and the palette of a liquor-based cocktail. This recipe is simple, easy, and overall palette pleasing. The original recipe calls for Shiraz and Navy Rum, but to be a bit more accommodating to different wines we felt that dark rum paired up a bit more nicely.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Red Wine

• 1 oz. Dark Rum

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• Lemon Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice gently and strain into ice filled glass.

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 Barracuda

About The Barracuda

We searched for the origin of this cocktail but we came up empty on this one. Most bartenders agree the drink became popular during the 1970s and may have something to do with the vehicle also named Barracuda being popular at the same time period. Others point to a classical origin for the cocktail so we kinda just threw our hands up on this one. A deceptively strong cocktail utilizing Italian spirits along with Rum; the cocktail makes a great apertif.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gold Rum

• ⅓ oz. Galliano Liqueur

• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 Dash of Lime Juice

• Top with Prosecco/Sparkling Wine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into glass, top with sparkling wine and serve in a Margarita glass.

The Bacardi Fireside

About The Bacardi Fireside

The Bacardi Fireside is a bone-warming cocktail that is similar to a Hot Toddy in composition, with the notable replacement of whiskey for Bacardi Black Rum. The Bacardi Fireside is a simple recipe, that can be replicated in large amounts to serve many guests. I would recommend a cinnamon stick, lemon, and cloves for garnish to add to the flavor of the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Dark Rum

• 1 Sugar Cube

• Fill Hot Tea

• Cinnamon Stick, Lemon Wheel, and/or Cloves for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Muddle Rum and sugar cube gently in glass. Pour hot tea and stir gently until dissolved. Garnish with lemon wedge and/or cloves if desired.

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 Yellow Bird

About The Yellow Bird

As usual, the Yellow Bird’s origins are a bit shrouded. The prevailing argument is that the cocktail named after a Haitian song from the era, although an argument exists it is named after one of its signature ingredients; Galliano© Herbal Liqueur. Variations exist that use golden rum instead of silver, however these variations are not recognized by the IBA.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Galliano© Liqueur

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• ½ Lime Juice

• Lemon Slice and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Herbal

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

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 Dirty Bong Water

About The Dirty Bong Water

Don’t blame the 2000s for having lame shot names; the 80s and 90s took most of the good ones. The Dirty Bong Water is actually a fairly tasty shot and is mild due to mostly using liqueurs. The name is off-putting but this shot will surprise you in a good way. Empire Mixology does not recommend taking a shot of actual dirty bong water and expecting the same flavor.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Spiced Rum

• ¼ oz. Amaretto

• ¼ oz. Blue Curacao

• ¼ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• ¼ oz. Sour Mix

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into shot glass.

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 Surfer on Acid

About The Surfer on Acid

This 90s shot has survived through the 2000s and 2010s and is into its fourth decade of popularity. Sweet with a distinctive punch of Jägermeister©, this shot is a typical crowd pleaser and for good reason. This cocktail can also be converted into a lowball cocktail too if the situation calls for it.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz. Coconut Rum

• ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

• ¼ oz. Jägermeister©

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake the coconut rum and pineapple juice with ice and strain into shot glass. Float the Jägermeister©.

The Bay City Bomber

About The Bay City Bomber

The Bay City Bomber is a fun frozen cocktail reminiscent of a Long Beach Iced Tea. The alcohol composition mirrors a Long Island Iced Tea with an addition of 151 Proof Rum. The combination of three fruit juices helps to dull the strong alcohol content in taste and creates a sweet summer frozen cocktail. This cocktail can be made in bulk as well for a pitcher or for multiple servings, just remember to keep the 151 separate to add as a float later.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• ¼ oz. 151 Proof Rum (float)

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Cranberry Juice

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• 1 tsp. Sugar

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        4 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Add ingredients with one scoop of ice (minus 151 Proof Rum). Blend until smooth and pour into desired glass. Float 151 Proof Rum using a bar spoon. Garnish with orange and/or lemon slice and cherry.

The Blue Hawaiian

About The Blue Hawaiian

A knockoff of the Blue Hawaii, the Blue Hawaiian is more of a Pina Colada with Blue Curacao added. The cocktail was created in the 1960s although the exact origin is unknown. It has also been suggested that Don the Beachcomber, the inventor of Tiki Culture created the Blue Hawaiian. It can be enjoyed blended or on the rocks, although we prefer it to be frozen since it is close in composition to the Pina Colada.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Blue Curacao

• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut

• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

• Pineapple Wedge & Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen/On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Tropical

Method:

For the On the Rocks version mix all ingredients in a mixing glass until well integrated. Pour into ice filled cocktail glass.

For the Frozen version add all ingredients in a blender with fresh ice. Blend until well smooth.