The Mind Eraser

About The Mind Eraser

Let the worries of your mind just erase with this cocktail. It might even become your new favorite nightcap. The Mind Eraser is a famous cocktail that enjoyed a massive popularity boost in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Although it has slowly fallen out of favor, the Mind Eraser is still a popular party and club cocktail. It can also be served in a larger pitcher with multiple straws.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 2 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• Fill Soda Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Coffee

Method:

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Serve with straw.

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 Tom Collins

About The Tom Collins

The Tom Collins has a shrouded origin, but first appeared in the Grandfather of American Mixology Jerry Thomas’s writings in 1876. There are stories of the cocktail being enjoyed in the first half of the 19th century in England but it cannot be substantiated. The cocktail has gone through numerous evolutions but this recipe is the “standard” in modern mixology. The namesake ingredient of this cocktail is Old Tom Style Gin. This ingredient has enjoyed a revival in the craft cocktail culture but still isn’t all that common. It is slightly sweeter than London Dry Gin, but the latter can easily be used as a substitute.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Old Tom Gin (or London Dry if you do not have)

• 1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Sugar

• Fill Soda Water

• Lemon Slice & Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Mix the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup in a tall glass with ice, top up with club soda, garnish and serve.

The Gin Rickey

About The Gin Rickey

This cocktail hails from Washington D.C. in the late 19th century. It was created by Joe Rickey, a resident of the District who first called for a Bourbon Rickey. The beverage later exploded in popularity and was even featured in the F. Scott Fitzgerald great novel “The Great Gatsby.” The Gin Rickey became the most popular and enduring variation and remains part of his namesake.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• Fill Soda Water

• Lime Wheels for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Lime

Method:

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wheel.

The Seven & Seven

About The Seven & Seven

The Seven & Seven is a simple recipe that can be also called “The Highball.” This simple two-step recipe involves using Seagram’s 7 Whiskey and 7-Up; hence the name Seven & Seven/7&7. This cocktail is easy to make and refreshign with a light and crisp taste.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Rye Whiskey

• Fill Lemon-Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wedge.

The Woo Woo

About The Woo Woo

The Woo Woo is a variant of the grandaddy of Island Cocktails; the Cape Codder. A Woo Woo adds to the traditional recipe by adding in Peach Schnapps to make a fruity and smooth flavor. This recipe is a great spring/summer cocktail that is perfect for a warm sunny day. A variant of the Woo Woo is the Georgia Peach, which substitutes Silver Rum for the Vodka.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Peach Schnapps

• 3 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.

The Gibson

About The Gibson

So there’s the ubiquitous Martini, it’s cousin the Kangaroo, and then there’s that other cousin; the Gibson. The Gibson is the same recipe as the hallmark Martini with the exception of its garnish; a silverskin onion. Some prefer the sweetness of the pickled onion, whereas others strongly prefer the olive juice of the Martini. The Gibson was invented in the late 1800s in California when it was asked to make something better than a Martini . The bartender switched garnishes and the Gibson was born. There’s also stories of people requesting a cocktail glass of cold water and an onion to differentiate between that and the Martinis also being ordered.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• .5 oz. Dry Vermouth

• 1 Silverskin Onion

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:   Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Stir well in a shaker with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish and serve

The Harvey Wallbanger

About The Harvey Wallbanger

This once famed cocktail is a variation of former fellow IBA Cocktail; The Screwdriver. This version adds Italian Liqueur Galliano L’Autentico to slightly adjust the flavor. The Harvey Wallbanger began appearing frequently in the 1970s and its popularity continued into the 1980s before wanning in popularity in the years to come. The Harvey Wallbanger is all but forgotten today, and is a classic of a bygone era; however the recipe is just as delicious today as it was in yesteryear and we strongly advocate the return of this former IBA Cocktail!

“Harvey Wallbanger is the name, and I can be made!”

-George Bednar, Executive for McKesson ca. 1960s

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Galliano L’Autentico Liqueur

• 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. Float Galliano on top using a bar spoon. Garnish with orange wedge/wheel.

The Pimm's Cup

About The Pimm’s Cup

The English Classic itself, the Pimm’s Cup is a crisp and refreshing cocktail that originated across the Pond in the mid 1800s. This recipe is designed as a sipping summer-style cocktail and is a notable libation served at Wimbledon. In the United States, the Pimm’s Cup found a home in New Orleans and surrounding areas as a way to relax and beat the summer heat.

Empire Tip: Try Ginger Ale instead of Lemon-Lime Soda.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1 Cup

• 3 oz. Lemon Lime Soda

• Cucumber Slice (for garnish)

• Strawberry (for garnish)

• Orange Slices/Wheels (for garnish)

• Mint Sprig (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Light

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Spirit Forward

Method:

Add all ingredients to highball glass with fresh ice. Top with Pimm’s No. 1 Cup for visual effect, stir to serve. Add optional garnishes to increase subtle flavors.

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 Toasted Almond

About The Toasted Almond

Introducing your new favorite dessert cocktail. The Toasted Almond is an offshoot of the White Russian designed to deliver an easy flavor and smooth finish. Implementing Coffee Liqueur and Amaretto, along with milk or cream; the Toasted Almond is a constant hit for coffee hour or just leisurely drinking.

Empire Tip: Add a shot of vodka to this recipe to make the Roasted Toasted Almond.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Amaretto Liqueur

• 1 1/2 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 2 oz. Milk

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into old fashioned glass with fresh ice.

The Rooftop Lemonade

The Rooftop Lemonade

The Rooftop Lemonade is an old classic of Empire Mixology, modernized and revisited. This is an absolutely refreshing creation, that is simple and quick to make and is best enjoyed in the warm weather and sunshine. Just in time to herald the arriving summer, we strongly suggest giving this lemonade a chance to make your summer essentials list.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 2 oz. Lemonade

• Cucumber Slices

• Lemon Wheels

• Soda Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      on the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shaker add ice, vodka, lemonade, and cucumber slices. Shake until well chilled and pour into highball glass and top with soda water. garnish with cucumber slices and lemon wheels.

The Floradora

The Floradora

Meet your new favorite springtime cocktail. This highball is sure to make your list of delectable delights and was previously featured here at Empire Mixology for the 2019 Oscar’s as a nominee cocktail. This light and crisp cocktail also has a delightful sweetness to it. The combination of raspberrys and ginger ale helps to mask the bite of the vodka, creating a finish that will be sure to please your palate and those of your guests as well. Trust us, try this one.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 4 oz. Ginger Ale

• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

• 3-5 Fresh Raspberries

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      on the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shaker add raspberrys and vodka and muddle thoroughly. Add vodka and ice and shake until chilled. Strain into highball glass with fresh ice and raspberries. Top with ginger ale.

The Rob Roy

The Rob Roy

Hailing from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, the Rob Roy is an 1894 cocktail that is very spirit forward with a flavorful finish due to the Angostura Bitters. The drink is named after an opera of the time period based on the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy McGregor. Although not an IBA Official Cocktail, the Rob Roy is a solid Scotch Whisky cocktail option that is meany for sipping and casual enjoyment.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Scotch Whisky

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spiced

Method:

Stirred over ice, strained into a chilled glass, garnished, and served straight up, or mixed in rocks glass, filled with ice.

The Cape Codder

About The Cape Codder

The granddaddy of so many famous cocktails like the Seabreeze, Woo Woo, Sex on the Beach, Cosmopolitan, and more; the Cape Codder is a true classic. And before you say it; YES, the Cape Codder is a simple Vodka-Cranberry. Developed in the 1940s by the Ocean Spray company as The Red Devil, the cocktail took on the name Cape Codder in the 1960s. Although it is simple and its name is commonly forgotten in the bar scene today, the Cape Codder is still a fan favorite and a huge base cocktail for many variations. Remember to respect your elder cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• Fill Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Cranberry

Method:

Build all ingredients in an ice filled highball glass and stir. garnish with a lime wedge.

The Gimlet

About The Gimlet

The Gimlet was developed around the time of the Roaring Twenties and is of disputable origin. A simple and light cocktail, the Gimlet is an easy creation that can be altered in a myriad of ways to suit the customer’s taste. The classical recipe calls for a cocktail made with equal parts gin and lime juice, garnished with the such, served neat. We at Empire Mixology enjoy and respect the classic recipe, but we preferred a less intense lime juice addition (around 1 oz. or less), and added lemon-lime soda to create a more highball-esque version.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• Lime Juice to taste

• Lemon-Lime Soda/Club Soda (optional)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Preference

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour gin into desired glass; typically a martini glass or wine glass. Ice optional. Add desired lime juice quantity (classically a 1:1 ratio). If desired, add soda to make the cocktail more of a highball.

The Greyhound

About The Greyhound

The Greyhound is a prohibition era cocktail and is the same cocktail as a Salty Dog, except without the salt. Although a Greyhound is more commonly served with vodka presently, we prefer to stick to the classic recipe and use gin. The natural flavor of gin and grapefruit comes to life with this simple recipe and makes for a tasty and deceiving drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• Fill Grapefruit Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Fruity

Method:

Shake Gin and Grapefruit Juice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into glass with fresh ice.

The Godfather

About The Godfather

Featuring our good friends at the Lost Distillery Company, we bring you something you cannot refuse; the Godfather Cocktail. This former IBA Official Cocktail is thought to be one of Marlon Brando’s a.k.a. Don Vito Corleone favorite cocktails. The combination of strong Scotch Whisky and Italian Amaretto creates a smoother taste than you might expect. The sweetness of the Amaretto cuts the bite of the Scotch and as the ice melts, the innate flavors of the spirits are brought to light. A perfect sipping drink, this is a great beginner Scotch drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Scotch Whisky

• 1.5 oz. Amaretto

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:     4.5 Stars

• Served:     On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:      Sweetly Strong

Method:

Pour both spirits into old fashioned glass with ice. Stir gently.

The Brave Bull

About The Brave Bull

If you’re in need of a real pick-me-up, look no further than the Brave Bull. This cocktail is for those with a strong palette as the dominating tastes of tequila and Kahlúa are in full force. The Kahlúa coffee taste does lessen the overall “sting” of the tequila but does nothing to mask the flavor. This is a morning cocktail that must be enjoyed slowly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Kahlúa

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Strong/Coffee

Method:

Pour tequila and Kahlúa into old fashioned glass with ice. Stir gently.

The Kangaroo

About The Kangaroo

Meet the Vodka Martini. It’s technically a Kangaroo Cocktail by trade, however vodka has nominally replaced Gin in the classic recipe seen here. The favorite of James Bond and others, the Vodka Martini is not a traditional Martini according to most purists. The cocktail is meant to be stirred and not shaken, contrary to the popular quote. This recipe is very popular in the modern US cocktail scene and is likely to always remain a symbol of class and elegance.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• .5 oz. Dry Vermouth

• 1 Cocktail Olive/Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:   Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Just like the Martini, stir this one until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.

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