Vodka

The Cardamom Chai White Russian

The Cardamom Chai White Russian

The Cardamom Chai White Russian is a modern and aromatic twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, infusing it with the exotic flavors of cardamom and spiced chai. This hot cocktail combines the rich and velvety elements of the traditional White Russian with the warmth of chai tea, creating a cozy and indulgent drink that's perfect for chilly evenings.

  • Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chai tea (strongly brewed and cooled)

  • 1/2 cup vodka

  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

  • 2 tablespoons cardamom syrup (homemade or store-bought)

  • Ice (optional, for serving)

Cardamom Syrup:

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 8-10 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4 Stars

  • Served:      Hot

  • Strength:   Light

  • Difficulty:  Complex

  • Flavor:       Rich

Method:

In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain out cardamom pods, and store the syrup in a sealed container.

Brew a strong cup of chai tea and let it cool to room temperature. You can use chai tea bags or loose-leaf tea, depending on your preference. nIn a shaker, combine the cooled chai tea, vodka, coffee liqueur, and cardamom syrup. Shake well to combine. If serving hot, warm your glass by running it under hot water. If serving cold, fill the glass with ice. Pour the shaken mixture over ice or into the warmed glass. Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.

Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or a cinnamon stick. Stir before sipping to combine the flavors.

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The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini

The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini

The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini is a decadent and festive hot cocktail that combines the classic comfort of hot chocolate with the cool and invigorating taste of peppermint. This delightful martini is perfect for winter celebrations, offering a luxurious blend of rich chocolate, creamy liqueurs, and a refreshing hint of peppermint to create a sophisticated and cozy drink.

  • Ingredients:

  • 1 oz chocolate liqueur

  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps

  • 1/2 oz vodka

  • 1 cup hot chocolate (prepared with milk)

  • Whipped cream for garnish

  • Crushed peppermint candies for rimming (optional)

  • Mini candy canes for garnish (optional)

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.5 Stars

  • Served:      Hot

  • Strength:   Light

  • Difficulty:  Complex

  • Flavor:       Peppermint

Method:

Prepare hot chocolate using your preferred method, substituting water with milk for a creamier texture.

In a shaker, combine chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, vodka, and hot chocolate. Shake well to combine. Strain the mixture into a heat-resistant martini glass. Top the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For an extra festive touch, hang a mini candy cane on the rim of the glass or let it float in the martini.

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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 Chocolate Martini

About The Chocolate Martini

A dessert in a martini glass. The Chocolate Martini is a decadent cocktail that combines vodka & chocolate to create an excellent after-dinner option. This cocktail may not be as versatile as the Appletini and Cosmopolitan, but it some ways (especially in flavor) outdoes them completely.

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Ingredients:

  • ½ oz. Vodka

  • 1½ oz. Chocolate Liqueur

  • 1½ oz. Creme de Cacao

  • 2½ Heavy Cream

  • Chocolate Syrup for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.5 Stars

  • Served:      Neat

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Chocolate

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass for garnish.

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The French Martini

About The French Martini

This cocktail debuted in the 1980s but was not properly introduced on drink menus until 1996 in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. The key ingredient in this cocktail is Chambord©, which is a French liqueur created in France since the late 1600s.

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Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Vodka

  • ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord©)

  • ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

  • Lemon Peel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.0 Stars

  • Served:      Neat

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Squeeze oil from lemon peel onto the drink.

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The Espresso Martini

About The Espresso Martini

This IBA Classic hails from London, England and it is mostly agreed that the official version debuted sometime in the 1980s. There are few variations to this recipe, some including lemon zest or differing proportions of ingredients as well. We recommend using a quality espresso to reach the true flavor profile of this cocktail.

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Ingredients:

  • 1¾ oz. Vodka

  • 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

  • ½ oz. Simple Syrup

  • ½ oz. Strong Espresso

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.0 Stars

  • Served:      Neat

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Coffee

Method:

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass.

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The Melon Ball

About The Melon Ball

As with most cocktails that involve melon liqueur, the Melon Ball Shot hails from the late 2000s and is as visually pleasing as it is to the tastebuds. A sickly sweet shot, we recommend ordering this one in moderation. An actual melon ball is sometimes used as garnish for this shot as well.

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Ingredients:

  • ½ oz. Vodka

  • ½ oz. Melon Liqueur

  • ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4 Stars

  • Served:      Shooter

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into shot glass.

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The Screaming Orgasm

About The Screaming Orgasm

And we’re back with another PG named shot! This is honestly a shot for “people who don’t like shots.” The compliment of Amaretto, Irish Cream, and Coffee Liqueur essentially drowns out any thought of the Vodka being too much. Best served chilled.

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Ingredients:

  • ½ oz. Vodka

  • ⅓ oz. Amaretto

  • ⅓ oz. Coffee Liqueur

  • ⅓ oz. Irish Cream

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4 Stars

  • Served:      Shooter

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into shot glass.

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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!)

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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.

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The Lemon Drop

About The Lemon Drop

This San Francisco born cocktail originated in the 1970s and is both available in the martini style and shot form. This cocktail is a great balance of sweet and sour and is light, crisp, and refreshing. Highly recommended as a summertime cocktail, the Lemon Drop is a perfect sipping cocktail. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended to enhance the flavor.

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Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Lemon Vodka

  • 1 oz. Triple Sec

  • 1 oz. Lemon Juice

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.0 Stars

  • Served:      Neat

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Citrus

Method:

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with sugar rim around the glass.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Appletini

About The Appletini

The Appletini is arguably the most popular fruit martini in cocktail culture today. Rising to popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Appletini has remained a hallmark cocktail for joyous celebration and is commonly seen in the club scene and high-end restaurant menus alike.

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Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Vodka

  • 1 oz. Green Apple Schnapps

  • ¼ oz. Lemon Juice

  • Apple Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.0 Stars

  • Served:      Neat

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Simple

  • Flavor:       Sour Apple

Method:

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

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The Beach Comber

About The Beach Comber

This variation of the Daiquiri was invented in 1947 and was included in the Trader Vic Bartender’s Guide. Although erroneously attributed to Don the Beachcomber due to the closeness in name, it was his friendly tiki rival Trader Vic that concocted this recipe. Sweet in flavor and strong in alcohol content, this cocktail is a crowd pleaser and is best served frozen to smooth out the alcohol. Modern iterations have altered the contents and prefer to keep it on the rocks instead of frozen.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Silver Rum

  • ¾ oz. Triple Sec

  • ¾ oz. Lime Juice

  • 2 Dashes of Maraschino Liqueur

  • ½ tsp. of Simple Syrup

  • 1 Cup of Ice

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.0 Stars

  • Served:      Frozen

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Medium

  • Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Pour into chilled martini glass.

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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.

 
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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.

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The Mudslide

About The Mudslide

Meet the ultimate boozy milkshake; the Mudslide. This internationally renown dessert cocktail packs a powerful chocolatey punch with a moderate alcohol content. Traditionally made in a non-frozen variant, we at Empire Mixology prefer the addition of the vanilla ice cream to create that dessert like feel and smooth out the blending of the spirits.

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Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Vodka

  • 1½ oz. Irish Cream

  • 1½ oz. Coffee Liqueur

  • 1 oz. Creme de Cacao

  • 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

  • Shaved Chocolate/Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       5 Stars

  • Served:      Frozen

  • Strength:   Light

  • Difficulty:  Medium

  • Flavor:       Chocolate

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Drizzle chocolate syrup into serving glass. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings/sprinkles.

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The Death by Chocolate

About The Death by Chocolate

Let’s see if that sweet tooth can stand up to this delectable delight. This recipe is HEAVY on the chocolate so prepare yourself for this one. Although not entirely one dimensional on the flavor, the addition of a coffee based liqueur adds a bit to the flavor profile and creates a more palette pleasing finish. This is one indulgent summer frozen recipe that’s sure to be a big crowd pleaser.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Vodka

  • 1 oz. Creme de Cacao

  • 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

  • 1 oz. Chocolate Syrup

  • 2 Scoops Chocolate Ice Cream

  • 1 Cup of Ice

  • Whipped Cream and Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

  • Rating:       4.5 Stars

  • Served:      Frozen

  • Strength:   Mild

  • Difficulty:  Medium

  • Flavor:       Chocolate

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Drizzle chocolate syrup into serving glass. Garnish with whipped cream and cherry.

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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.

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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.

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The Sea Breeze

About The Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is an offshoot of the Cape Codder and the Salty Dog and has undergone many recipe changes in the last 100 years. Originally containing Gin, Brandy, and Grenadine; it would evolve a few more times until the 1960s when the modern recipe came into favor. The Sea Breeze, Cape Codder, and Bay Breeze were amongst the most popular cocktails of the 1960s and 1970s before becoming generic cocktails and base recipes for further variations.

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Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Vodka

  • 1 oz. Grapefruit Juice

  • 4 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.

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