The White Lady

About The White Lady

The White Lady is essentially a sidecar made with gin in place of brandy. What makes it different from the simple gin sour is the switching of sugar for triple sec. The cocktail sometimes also includes additional ingredients, for example egg white, sugar, or cream. The classic concoction is most commonly served in a cocktail glass. When an egg white is added a champagne coupe is preferable; the silky foam clings more pleasingly to the curved glass.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• ⅔ oz. Lemon Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into large cocktail glass.

The Hemingway Special

About The Hemingway Special

You can probably imagine whom this cocktail is named after. Whilst staying in Cuba, author Ernest Hemingway tried the local Floridita cocktail and remarked that although he liked it, he preferred no sugar and double the rum. Thusly, the Hemingway Special was born and would in time become a selected IBA Official Cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Maraschino Liqueur

• 1½ oz. Grapefruit Juice

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass.

The Sidecar

About The Sidecar

The invention of the drink is credited to an American army captain in Paris during World War I and named after the motorcycle sidecar that the captain used. The Sidecar cocktail is a highly customizable cocktail, and it serves as the launch point for several sister cocktails similar in design.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Cognac

• ¾ oz. Triple Sec

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• Orange Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into large cocktail glass.

The Tuxedo

About The Tuxedo

Related to the martini, the Tuxedo has had many variations since its inception in the 1880s. The cocktail is named after the Tuxedo Club in Orange County, New York where it was first mixed. Tuxedo Park, the planned community where the club was built, is itself a derivation of the Lenape word tucseto. The form of menswear by the same name originated at the same country club around the same time.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• 1 oz. Dry Vermouth

• ½ barspoon Maraschino Liqueur

• ¼ barspoon Absinthe

• 3 Dashes Orange Bitters

• Cherry and Lemon Zest for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest.

The Brandy Crusta

About The Brandy Crusta

First published in 1862, the Brandy Crusta is a throwback to a bygone era of cocktails. The Brandy Crusta all but vanished from the cocktail scene near the Prohibition period but has recently began a revival in New Orleans. The Crusta is an aromatic cocktail that is strongly spirit forward, so make sure to use a brand you enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Brandy

• ¼ oz. Maraschino Liqueur

• 1 Barspoon Curacao

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• 1 Barspoon Simple Syrup

• 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

• Orange/Lemon Peel for Garnish

• Sugar for Glass Rim

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Mix all ingredients with ice cubes in a mixing glass. Strain into slim cocktail glass rimmed with sugar.

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 Martinez

About The Martinez

The Martinez is a classic cocktail that is widely regarded as the direct precursor to the Martini. It serves as the basis for many modern cocktails, and several different versions of the original exist. These are generally distinguished by the accompaniment of either Maraschino or Curacao, as well as differences in gin or bitters. The exact origin is unclear but it is widely agreed that it appeared before the 1900s.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• 1½ oz. Sweet Vermouth

• 1 Barspoon Maraschino Liqueur

• 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters

• Lemon Zest for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Stirred over ice, strained into a chilled glass, garnished, and served up.

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.

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.

The Clover Club

About The Clover Club

The Clover Club dates back to the pre-Prohibition era in Philadelphia. The cocktail itself is named after the Gentlemen’s Club of the same name and first appeared in print around the year 1917. The cocktail has somewhat fallen out of favor due to its use of a raw egg white which has all but vanished from the mainstream cocktail scene today.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Raspberry Syrup

• 1 Egg White

• Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Dry shake ingredients to emulsify, add ice, shake and served straight up.

The Southside

About The Southside

The origins of the Southside are up to debate, some credit the origins to the South Shore of Long Island, NY to a club bearing the same name; whereas others attribute the cocktail to the South Side of Chicago and the gang of Al Capone.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. London Dry Gin

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 Drop of Egg White (optional)

• 5-6 Mint Leaves

• Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Shake well with ice and double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass

The Old Cuban

About The Old Cuban

The Mojito connects with the French 75 in this old school throwback cocktail. This recipe hails from New York in the SoHo neighborhood. This modern cocktail is appetizing and pairs well with any sort of food. This cocktail is designed to be made with passion and requires patience; it’s not meant for speed.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Aged Rum

• 2 oz. Champagne/Prosecco

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

• 6-8 Mint Leaves

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Minty

Method:

Pour all ingredients except the wine into cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled elegant cocktail glass. Top up with the sparkling wine and garnish with mint sprigs

The Casino

About The Casino

This 1917 cocktail is an IBA Official Cocktail and is a very flavorful and strong drink. This classic has fallen out of popularity but still retains a unique flavor pattern and can be found in upscale lounges and not ironically, casinos!

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Maraschino Liqueur

• ½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

• Lemon Twist and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry. Serve without a straw.

The Mary Pickford

About The Mary Pickford

A Mary Pickford is a Prohibition Era cocktail made with white rum, fresh pineapple juice, grenadine, and Maraschino liqueur. It is served shaken and chilled, often with a Maraschino cherry. Named for Canadian-American film actress Mary Pickford (1892–1979), it is said to have been created for her in the 1920s by either Eddie Woelke or Fred Kaufmann at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba on a trip she took to Havana.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum

• ¼ oz. Maraschino Liqueur

• 1½ oz. Pineapple Juice

• Splash of Grenadine

• Cherries for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Shake and strain into a chilled large cocktail glass

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bee's Knees

About The Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees hails from the Ritz in Paris in the year 1921. The namesake comes from the Prohibition Era where the term “That’s the Bee’s Knees” meant something was great and/or amazing. Frank Meier, the original head bartender at the Ritz is credited with this creation. There are quite a few variations to this recipe, however, the recipe listed below is the IBA Official recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz. Honey

• Lemon Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Gin but Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled large cocktail glass

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 Vesper

About The Vesper

Created in 1953 in the book Casino Royale, James Bond orders this cocktail to his exact specifications. We at Empire use the IBA Official Cocktail recipe in contrast to Bond’s preference for a stronger count of each spirit and we also stir our spirit only drinks, not shake. This cocktail is a variant of the Martini that offers a more aromatic taste but with a slightly harsher finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Vodka

• ¼ oz. Lillet Blanc

• 1 Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into cocktail glass.

Empire Tip: Despite James Bond’s prefernce, stir this, not shake.

The Cosmopolitan

About The Cosmopolitan

One of the trendiest cocktails listed on the IBA Official Cocktail list, this perennial A-Lister cocktail has been a staple of major metropolitan bar and club scenes for over two decades. Arising to heavy prominence in the 1990s, the recipe has survived largely unchanged. Cocktail and mixology historians cannot come to a consensus on the founding of this recipe, although an early version of the recipe appears in the 1930s using slightly altered ingredients that would have been more available at the time. Our resident Master Mixologist credits the drink to the East Coast in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

World reknown Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff popularized the use of citrus vodka in the 1990s which has been accepted as the IBA Official recipe, however our team prefers to use unflavored vodka for the recipe as that is how most modern bars serve the Cosmopolitan.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• ¾ oz. Triple Sec

• ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• 1½ oz. Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a large cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon slice/twist.