The Smoked Chocolate Chili Mocha

The Smoked Chocolate Chili Mocha

The Smoked Chocolate Chili Mocha is a luxurious and bold hot cocktail that combines the richness of chocolate, the warmth of chili, and the smokiness of bourbon. This indulgent beverage is a treat for the senses, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and depth of flavor. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication and a hint of adventure in their hot cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 oz chili-infused simple syrup

• 1/2 oz smoked cinnamon syrup

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee

• Whipped cream for garnish

• Grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish

Chili-Infused Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1-2 chili peppers (sliced, seeds removed)

Smoked Cinnamon Syrup:

• Smoked Cinnamon Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2-3 cinnamon sticks

• Wood chips for smoking (e.g., applewood or hickory)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Hot

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Peppermint

Method:

In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sliced chili peppers. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the syrup to infuse with chili flavor. Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain out the chili slices.

In a separate saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Once sugar is dissolved, add wood chips to a smoking gun or smoker and smoke the syrup. Let it sit covered for a few minutes to infuse the smoky flavor. Strain out the cinnamon sticks.

Prepare a cup of hot brewed coffee using your preferred method. In a heat-resistant glass or mug, combine bourbon, chocolate liqueur, chili-infused simple syrup, and smoked cinnamon syrup. Pour the hot brewed coffee over the bourbon-chocolate mixture. Stir well to combine.

Top the cocktail with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with grated dark chocolate or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

The Smoky Maple Bacon Bourbon Cocoa

The Smoky Maple Bacon Bourbon Cocoa

The Smoky Maple Bacon Bourbon Cocoa is a luxurious and flavor-packed hot cocktail that combines the rich notes of chocolate, the warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of maple, and the savory essence of bacon. This indulgent beverage is a treat for those who appreciate a delightful interplay of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in their hot drinks.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup

• 1/2 oz smoked bacon-infused simple syrup

• 1 cup hot milk (whole milk or a milk alternative)

• Whipped cream for garnish

• Crispy bacon bits for garnish

Smoked Bacon-Infused Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 4-5 strips of cooked bacon

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Hot

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Rich

Method:

In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cooked bacon strips. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the syrup to infuse with the smoky bacon flavor. Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain out the bacon bits.

Heat the milk in a saucepan or using a steam wand until hot but not boiling. In a heat-resistant glass or mug, combine bourbon, chocolate liqueur, pure maple syrup, and smoked bacon-infused simple syrup. Pour the hot milk over the bourbon-chocolate mixture. Stir well to combine.

Top the cocktail with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top.

The Spiced Maple Bourbon Cider

The Spiced Maple Bourbon Cider

The Spiced Maple Bourbon Cider is a delightful and warming hot cocktail that captures the essence of autumn in a cup. Combining the robust flavors of bourbon, the sweetness of maple, and the comforting warmth of spiced apple cider, this beverage is a perfect choice for cozy evenings by the fireplace or as a festive addition to autumn gatherings.

• Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz pure maple syrup

• 1 cup spiced apple cider

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 whole cloves

• Orange zest for garnish

• Optional: Star anise for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Hot

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a saucepan, heat the spiced apple cider over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves. Allow the cider to simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the spices. Remove from heat.

In a heat-resistant glass or mug, combine bourbon and pure maple syrup. Pour the spiced apple cider over the bourbon and maple syrup mixture. Stir well to combine. Garnish the cocktail with a cinnamon stick, a twist of orange zest, and if desired, a star anise for an extra layer of aroma.

The Vegas Bomb

About The Vegas Bomb

The Vegas Bomb is a popular mixed drink that's often enjoyed as a bomb shot, where a shot glass is dropped into a larger glass containing the mix. It's known for its sweet and fruity flavor profile. While variations may exist, the classic Vegas Bomb recipe typically includes the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz Crown Royal Canadian whisky

• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps

• 1/2 oz Cranberry juice

• Red Bull energy drink (for the bomb shot)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

In a shot glass, pour 1/2 ounce of Crown Royal Canadian whisky. Add 1/2 ounce of Peach Schnapps to the shot glass. Follow with 1/2 ounce of cranberry juice. Fill a larger glass with Red Bull energy drink. The Vegas Bomb is typically served as a bomb shot, so the shot glass is dropped into the larger glass, and the combined drink is consumed quickly.

The Trinidad Sour

About The Trinidad Sour

The Trinidad Sour is a bold and exotic cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of Trinidadian Angostura bitters as the star ingredient. This vibrant drink combines rye whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and a hefty dose of Angostura bitters, resulting in a cocktail that is both aromatic and complex. Despite the unconventional use of bitters in large quantities, the Trinidad Sour has gained a dedicated following for its daring flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey

• 1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Angostura Bitters

• Lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Straightforward

Method:

In a shaker, combine rye whiskey, orgeat syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to incorporate the bitters. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Paper Plane

About The Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a modern and well-balanced cocktail that gained popularity in the early 21st century. Created by bartender Sam Ross, this drink is known for its equal parts formula, combining bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The Paper Plane offers a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and citrusy notes, making it an approachable and versatile cocktail for various palates.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz Bourbon

• 3/4 oz Aperol

• 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• Lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

In a shaker, combine bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Whiskey Smash

About The Whiskey Smash

The Whiskey Smash is a variation on the classic Whiskey Sour; in a sense, it retains a similar flavor profile to the original, with the slight addition of a few accouterments. This recipe is both visually pleasing and palate-pleasing; and makes an excellent addition to any cocktail menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• ½ Lemon, cut into quarters

• Dash of granulated sugar

• Few fresh mint leaves

• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Muddle the lemon, mint leaves, sugar, and simple syrup in the bottom of the glass. Add fresh ice and bourbon and stir well. Garnish appropriately.

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 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 Penicillin

About The Penicillin

This 2005 cocktail hails from New York City and the Milk & Honey Bar. It’s name is an obvious takeaway from the drug Penicillin due to some of the medicinal qualities of its ingredients. The cocktail has drawn comparisons to the Hot Toddy as a “medicinal” cocktail. The Islay Style Scotch Whisky is supposed to be Lagavulin Scotch. Islay Scotch has a smokier profile and has more of a peat taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Blended Scotch Whisky

• ¼ oz. Islay Style Scotch Whisky

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz. Honey Syrup

• 2-3 Quarter-Sized Ginger Slices

• Candied Ginger for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Herbal

Method:

Muddle fresh ginger in a shaker and add the remaining ingredients, except for the Islay Scotch whiskey. Fill the shaker with ice and shake. Double-strain into a chilled old fashioned glass with ice. Float the Islay whiskey on top.

The Vieux Carré

About The Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is named for the French Quarter of New Orleans. The cocktail traces its origins to the 1930s but officially appeared in print in 1937. It is a rich in flavor cocktail that employs the use of decadent ingredients. Raise a toast to New Orleans!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• 1 Barspoon Bénédictine©

• 2 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters

• Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange zest and a maraschino cherry.

The New York Sour

About The New York Sour

The New York Sour is an IBA Official Cocktail that mirrors the traditional method of creating a sour; using egg whites. The drink itself is thought to be of New York City origin, but various “New York Sours” have been on menus across the country with different ingredients. Make sure to pair with a wine you enjoy to custom craft the recipe to your liking. (Shiraz is just our suggestion).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)

• ½ oz. Shiraz Red Wine

• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Few Drops of Egg White

• Lemon Wedge/Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour the whiskey, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white into shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Float the wine on top. Garnish with lemon or orange zest and cherry.

The Tipperary

About The Tipperary

Named after a town in Southern Ireland, the Tipperary is an Irish twist on the Bijou cocktail that also adds Green Chartreuse in honor of the Irish color. The exact origin of this recipe is unknown as it is new to the cocktail and mixology scene.

Ingredients:

• 1¾ oz. Irish Whiskey

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• ⅓ oz. Green Chartreuse

• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

• Orange Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of orange.

The Four Horsemen

About The Four Horsemen

Revelation 6:1-8 “…I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse…And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him…”

The Four Horsemen is a purely painful experience that is said to be a rite of passage for those who turn 21. I don’t know why anyone would make a rookie drinker suffer like this, but at least it’s some damn good spirits involved. The process for this shooter is to take eat shot in sequence (order doesn’t matter) but once you start you have to finish. Without Jameson© this is called the Three Wise Men. With Jose Cuervo© substituting for Jameson© it becomes the Three Wisemen and a Mexican. (No, I didn’t make that up).

Ingredients:

• 1 shot Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey©

• 1 shot Jim Beam Bourbon©

• 1 shot Johnny Walker Scotch Whisky©

• 1 shot Jameson Irish Whiskey©

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       N/A

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Don’t Do This

Method:

Do them all in a row. If you can face Death.

The Red Snapper

About The Red Snapper

The Red Snapper is a popular party shot that features Crown Royal© as the primary spirit. The Amaretto brings the sweet and the cranberry juice brings the bitter/sour. This is an easy shot to make en-mass and is often a crowd pleaser. Bartender beware, you know what happens when drunk people start shooting cranberry though (it tends to come back up).

Ingredients:

• 1 part Crown Royal© Canadian Whiskey

• 1 part Amaretto

• 2 parts Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet & Bitter

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into shot glass.

The Barn Burner

About The Barn Burner

When you’re looking for that perfect warm fall cocktail, but you don’t want something like tea or coffee. The Barn Burner is a simple apple cider recipe but it is always a delicious option. We recommend adding something like a cinnamon stick for garnish, or if more decadent; add some maple syrup!

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 6 oz. Hot Apple Cider

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Light

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Apple

Method:

Warm cider to desired drinking temperature. Pour cider into a large mug and add bourbon liqueur. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

The Jelly Bean

About The Jelly Bean

The Jelly Bean is a bit more complicated than most of our shots due to the layering of the spirits. This shot is a crowd-pleaser but is a pain when ordered as a round for those of us behind the bar. If you don’t like black licorice, stay away from this shot as the flavor profile almost overshadows the SoCo and Grenadine.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Southern Comfort©

• ½ oz. Sambuca©

• ½ oz. Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour grenadine first, then layer Sambuca©. Float the Southern Comfort©on top of shot and serve.

The Hot Toddy

About The Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is the all-around classic hot cocktail. Invented sometime in the late 1700s to the mid 1800s, the Hot Toddy or The Hot Whiskey in Ireland is a super simple and warming drink that is perfect for the cold fall and winter nights. The Hot Toddy is also super customizable, additions typically include lemons, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Whiskey (Your Choice of Type)

• ¾ cup of Hot Water

• 2-3 tsp. Honey (to taste)

• 2-3 tsp. of Lemon Juice (to taste)’

• Lemon, Cinnamon, and/or Cloves for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.0 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Pour ingredients into glass and mix until dissovled. Add a Lemon Wedge with Cloves or Cinnamon Stick for garnish if desired.

Empire Tip: The amount of lemon juice and honey is up to you. You can add more or less of each to find the profile that suits you.

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 Mint Julep

About The Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. The Mint Julep originated in the southern United States, during the eighteenth century. The earliest known mentions come from 1770 and include a satirical play by Robert Munford, The Candidate. Further evidence of mint julep as a prescription drink can be found in 1784 Medical Communications: "sickness at the stomach, with frequent retching, and, at times, a difficulty of swallowing. I then prescribed her an emetic, some opening powders, and a mint julep."

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon

• 2 tsp. Water

• 1 tsp. Powdered Sugar

• 4 Mint Leaves

• Crushed Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.