The Margarita

About The Margarita

This 1930s cocktail hails from the land of tequila itself, Mexico. A common staple of the summer season, the Margarita like the Martini, has evolved over the years and many variants have been invented since its inception. At Empire Mixology we typically do not use sour mix in our Classic Margarita recipe, although some do find the taste more enjoyable. Arguments can go all day regarding when and where it was founded exactly; whether or not salt is necessary, or if you have to use Cointreau© or not; but the important part is that we all enjoy a cool and refreshing Margarita once the warm weather days arrive.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tequila

• 1.5 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Salt (for rim of glass)

• Lime for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Spirit

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass rimmed with salt.

Empire Tip: The Margarita has become a base cocktail recipe in similar vein to the Martini or Daiquiri, try experimenting with our recipe and see what you can figure out!

The Bellini

About The Bellini

Hailing from Venice, Italy; the Bellini is a simple, light, and elegant cocktail perfect for a quiet evening or a formal event. Founded by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini became a worldwide sensation after a Frenchman started using white peaches for the purée. There are many multiple versions of this recipe, but we prefer to show you the original to its purest form. Give the Bellini a chance, it may even replace the modern love affair of the Mimosa. Both serve as perfect breakfast drinks, or as an after-dinner cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Prosecco (or Champagne)

• 1 part Peach Purée

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Pour peach purée into chilled flute, add sparkling wine. Stir gently.

Empire Tip: Traditionally, the IBA Official version of this recipe calls for white peaches as the fruit of choice.

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 Cidertini

About The Cidertini

Introducing the great fall cocktail. Fall includes some of our favorite flavors like cinnamon, apples, pumpkin and more. So why not celebrate in style with a delicious apple flavored martini? But not just a simple appletini will do, why not give the Cidertini a shot instead.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Caramel Vodka

• 0.5 oz. Apple Brandy

• 3 oz. Apple Cider

• Pinch of Cinnamon

• Apple Slice, Cinnamon Stick, Brown Sugar for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        5 Stars

• Served:      Cocktail Glass

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Spiced

Method:

Place all ingredients except cinnamon and garnishes in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled sugar and cinnamon rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon, an apple slice, and a cinnamon stick.

The Corona Bomb

About The Corona Bomb

We here at Empire Mixology love Corona, and the classic way to enjoy a Corona Extra Cerveza is with a lime wedge. However, we consider this a bit of an upgrade and a way to add an extra punch to your afternoon. As our first Depth Charge recipe, we hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Ingredients:

• 1 Corona Extra Cerveza

• 1 oz. Bacardi Limon Rum

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Depth Charge

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Citrus

Method:

Fill a highball with Corona and drop the shot into the highball, chug (responsibly) accordingly.

Alternately, you can avoid the depth charge option by pouring the shot into a bottle of Corona directly and then thumbing the bottle and turning it over.

Empire Tip: Use a lime wedge for garnish and/or as a finish.

The Martini

About The Martini

Once called the greatest American invention of all time, the actual origins of this cocktail are shrouded in mystery; credited to both Italy and San Francisco, CA. The Martini became the signature cocktail of the United States during prohibition and has endured as a true symbol of elegance and class. The Martini is an essential in every bartender’s toolkit and no self-respecting mixologist may use the title without mastering this cocktail. Also, note the Martini is made with GIN not vodka, and is STIRRED, and not shaken.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 oz. Gin

• .5 oz. Dry Vermouth

• 1 Cocktail Olive/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. Unlike James Bond, stir this one until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.

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

The Buttery Nipple

About The Buttery Nipple

This shot is a relative of the 80’s famous Slippery Nipple shot made similarly with Sambuca. The Buttery Nipple is a sweet shot that goes down smooth. This is always a popular choice to start the night as it lacks a serious punch and can ease you into a strong night.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Butterscotch Schnapps/Liqueur

• 1 part Irish Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour the Butterscotch Schnapps/Liqueur into shot glass. Carefully layer Irish Cream on top of the Butterscotch.

The Monkey Gland

About The Monkey Gland

Yeah what’s with the name right? It’s a long story about plastic surgery and monkey testicles so we’re just not going to go there. This cocktail is an IBA Classic; and probably the oddest titled one on the list. hailing from Paris, France at Harry’s New York Bar This cocktail can hit you hard with its powerful recipe and the addition of Absinthe. Have fun ordering this one at the bar and not sounding like a weirdo.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Gin

• 1.5 Orange Juice

• Dash of Absinthe

• Dash of Grenadine

• Sugar to preference/taste.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty: Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

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

The Porto Flip

About The Porto Flip

Say hello to the long forgotten and formerly extremely popular Porto Flip Cocktail. First officially referenced in the mid 1800s, this recipe was almost completely lost after the turn of the century. Although the ingredients may make you cringe this cocktail is actually fairly sweet and creamy with a strong spirit flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz brandy

• 3/4 oz port wine

• 1/4 oz simple syrup

• 1 whole egg

• Nutmeg (for garnish)

• Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Put all ingredients (yes, even the egg yolk) into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake very well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and enjoy? Maybe?

The Daiquiri

About The Daquiri

Considered one of the six basic drinks and a foundation of mixology, the Daiquiri is refreshing and tangy as it combines perfect proportions of sweet, sour, and spirit. Rising to popularity in the 1940s during World War II, the original founding of this cocktail can be traced to Cuba during the Spanish-American War. President John F. Kennedy also included this cocktail as one of his personal favorites.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 Lime Wheel

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into martini glass and garnish with lime wedge.

The Black Russian

About The Black Russian

The IBA Classic Black Russian that isn’t Russian at all is a 1949 classic from the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, Belgium. Named after the color of the drink and the fact vodka is the primary ingredient, the Black Russian has numerous variations and cousin recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Vodka

• .5 oz. Coffee Liqueur

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Stir gently and enjoy!

The Jägerbomb

About The Jägerbomb

If the early 2000s had a signature cocktail; it would be this one. Drinker beware, the upper effects of the energy drink and the downer effects of the Jägermeister can have quick effects on those sensitive to either or both ingredients. Overall, this cocktail is a new age classic and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Jägermeister

• 1 pint of Red Bull

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour the Jägermeister into a shot glass. Fill a pint glass with Red Bull and then drop the shot of Jager into the pint glass (shot glass too!). Drink the contents quickly, yet responsibly.

The Manhattan

About The Manhattan

The Manhattan; one of the core drinks in mixology. Every bartender whether enthusiast or professional should know how to make this classic concoction. The true way of making a Manhattan is with RYE whiskey and not BOURBON. In fact, bourbon only became a substitution in the Prohibition Era when Rye was in hard supply. The drink is also typically garnished with a maraschino cherry and not a lemon twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• Dash Angostura Bitters

• 1 Maraschino Cherry

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice until chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry.

Empire Tip: You can modernize the classic recipe by using bourbon rather than rye and use a lemon twist for garnish.

The Planter's Punch

About The Planter’s Punch

This is one of the older IBA Classic Cocktails on the list, with it first being mentioned in 1878 in London. The cocktail itself is disputed to have originated from Charleston, SC or Jamaica. This is a sweet summertime punch that hides its potent alcohol content well. Although rarely ordered at a bar anymore, this is classic and essential recipe to know.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Dark Rum

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz. Grenadine

• 1/2 oz. Simple Sugar Syrup

• 3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

• Cocktail Cherry & Pineapple Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients, except the bitters, into shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled. Pour into large glass, filled with ice. Add Angostura bitters as a floater and do not stir. Garnish with cocktail cherry and pineapple.

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.

The Mike's Full Moon

About The Mike’s Full Moon

We went back to the Mixology Lab to re-create one of our crowd favorites. The Mike’s Full Moon is a beer cocktail combining two of the best out there; Mike’s Hard Lemonade© and Blue Moon Beer®. This cocktail essentially creates a shandy that is light and crisp and packs a great citrus flavor. This is an easy-pleaser recipe. Takes no time to make and can turn even the non-beer drinkers into fans.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Bottle Mike’s Hard Lemonade©

• 1/2 Bottle of Blue Moon®

• 1 Orange Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        4 Stars

• Served:        Neat

• Strength:     Light

• Difficulty:   Simple

• Flavor:        Citrus

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a glass and stir gently. Add the orange slice for garnish and enjoy.

Empire Tip: Make sure you garnish with the orange wheel, it’s what helps make this drink so flavorful.

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