The White Russian

About The White Russian

The Dude abides. The White Russian or known as the “Caucasian” is a 1960s Oakland, CA variation of the IBA Classic Black Russian cocktail. Neither cocktail is actually Russian in origin, but is called Russian due to the primary ingredient being vodka. Originally considered boring and an alcoholic milkshake, the White Russian was almost forgotten had it not been for the movie The Big Lebowski.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Vodka

• .5 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 1 oz. Fresh Cream

• 1 Maraschino Cherry

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Similar to the Black Russian, pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Float the cream on top and stir slightly. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The Gin & Tonic

About The Gin & Tonic

The cornerstone of the Gin scene, and one of the longest preserved recipes in all of mixology; the Gin and Tonic hails from the country of India and was invented by the British East India Company soldiers. The “original” recipe was founded in the 19th century and was used as a medicine to fight malaria for soldiers. Small amounts of gin were even included in soldier’s ration kits!

The Gin and Tonic is a widely popular recipe due to its own sort of uniqueness surrounding its taste. Although the main ingredients of this recipe are often bitter, the finish of the cocktail is shielded from the bitter taste. Gin is an art form in the East, and is often served much differently than in the United States. Other countries including Spain and India prefer to use a coupe glass that allows the gin to breathe as it is served instead of the oft-used highball glass. Try this method for yourself and see what you think is best!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. (or to taste) Gin

• Fill Tonic Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:   Simple

• Flavor:       Juniper

Method:

In a glass filled with ice cubes, add gin and tonic. Garnish with lime wedge.

Empire Tip: The Gin and Tonic is a interesting recipe when it comes to garnish; as different brands often suggest different fruits. For example, when using Hendrick’s Gin© the garnish is normally a cucumber; when using Beefeater© the garnish is normally an orange slice; and when using some other brands its even lemon. If you use both lemon and limes as a garnish the recipe is called an “Evans.”

The Bacardi

About The Bacardi

This cousin of the Daiquiri is a pre-prohibition cocktail and a former IBA Classic. Although the original version of this drink originates from Cuba, the grenadine addition is a United States variation and creates a more sweet flavor. This cocktail is still fairly spirit-forward so sip responsibly and slowly.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Bacardi® Superior Rum

• 2 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Grenadine

• 1/4 oz. Sugar

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients to shaker glass with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into martini glass.

Empire Tip: Try an orange peel as a garnish!

The Red Headed Slut

About The Red Headed Slut

The Red Headed Slut is a fan favorite hailing from the 1980s era of X-Rated Name Drinks. The taste of the Jägermeister is easily hidden by the sweet and fruity flavors of the Schnapps and cranberry juice. The drink is an easy crowed pleaser but too much Jäger mixed with the fruity additions will cause you to get sick fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Jägermeister

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• 1 part Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks (cocktail)/Neat (shot)

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

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

Cocktail Version: Combine Jägermeister and schnapps in glass full of ice. Add cranberry juice to fill to top. Stir as necessary.

The Screwdriver

About The Screwdriver

One of the simplest cocktails and a former IBA Official Cocktail; the Screwdriver is a common breakfast drink and is base cocktail for many tropical and island-based drinks. The acidic qualities of the Orange Juice help hide the Vodka taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Vodka

• 2 parts Orange Juice

• 1 Orange Wedge/Wheel for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Citrus

Method:

Pour vodka into highball glass with ice. Pour orange juice into glass and stir until well chilled. Garnish with orange wedge/wheel.

The Orgasm

About The Orgasm

The former IBA Official Cocktail (no longer since 2011) the Orgasm was a staple of the 1980s mixology scene, and is still popular today. This drink can be made various ways typically using half-n-half cream and is sometimes mixed with vodka to form the Screaming Orgasm.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Amaretto

• 1 part Kahlúa

• 1 part Irish Cream

• 1 Maraschino Cherry (garnish for cocktail version)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Build all ingredients over ice in an Old Fashioned Glass. Stir until cold and garnish with a maraschino cherry.