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 Gin Fizz

About The Gin Fizz

The New Orleans original has been in fashion since the 1800s, with its peak during the early to mid 1900s before it became an international sensation. Mostly seen now as a retro-classic cocktail, the Gin Fizz remains a pillar of modern mixology and can be changed to suit the individual drinker by substituting gin with whiskey or rum.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• 1.5 oz. Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

• Top Club Soda

• 1 Lemon Slice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, except the Club Soda. Strain into highball glass with fresh ice. Top with Club Soda and garnish with a lemon slice.

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.

The Whiskey Sour

About The Whiskey Sour

The 1800s created a lot of cocktails that are considered classic, the Whiskey Sour is one of them. Unlike other drinks such as the Old Fashioned, this recipe has withstood the test of time and has never fallen too out of favor. The sweet and sour taste of this drink is pleasing to the palate and makes for a perfect evening drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz. Gomme Syrup

• Dash of egg white (optional)

• 1 Lemon Wedge for garnish

• 1 Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with lemon wedge and maraschino cherry.

Empire Tip: The egg white ingredient is often skipped due to food allergies.

The Fallen Froggie

About The Fallen Froggie

Meet the far eastern cousin of the Brain Hemorrhage shot, the Fallen Froggie. Also known as the Squished Frog, this visually……interesting shot is packed with flavor and isn’t too strong since the alcoholic ingredients are low proof. Arguably sweeter than the original recipe, and typically always more sweet than its other cousin the Alien Brain Hemorrhage, the Fallen Froggie is a an interesting way to start off a night or keep the party going. The flavor is a meld of sweet melon, pomegranate, peach, and Irish cream. Note the consistency is NOT smooth and the grenadine and cream combine to make the shot thick.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• Dash of Melon Liqueur

• Float Irish Cream

• Drop of Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Chunky Melon

Method:

Build shot as listed. First pour Schnapps and Melon Liqueur into glass and then float Irish Cream using the back of a bar spoon. Drop a single drop of Grenadine into the shot. This pulls the Irish Cream down, forming the cloud.

Empire Tip: Try our original recipe too! See which version you enjoy best!

The Between The Sheets

About The Between The Sheets

The cousin of the Sidecar, the IBA Classic Between the Sheets is a product of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France. There’s also claims it was invented in French brothels or rival hotels. This is a spirit forward cocktail that exudes class and a taste for vintage drinks. Order this at your local bar to impress the mixologist and the friends in your company.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• .5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

The Kamikaze

About The Kamikaze

This contemporary classic hails from the fabled 1970s Disco Days, and is an easy to make and effective party starter. There are numerous variations to this cocktail, however we think it best to present this classic recipe which grants a citrus flavor. The name of this drink translates to the word “Divine Wind.”

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Vodka

• 1 part Triple Sec

• 1 part Lime Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Add all ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or shot glass.

The Alien Brain Hemorrhage

About The Alien Brain Hemorrhage

A variant of the Brain Hemorrhage shot, the Alien Brain Hemorrhage adds a different spin onto the original recipe. This shot hails from the early to mid 2000s and has been gaining popularity over the last few years. Always a crowd pleaser and conversation starter, this shockingly low proof and high flavor shot is perfect to compliment a great night out with friends. Try the original recipe and variant recipes to see which one you like best!

Ingredients:

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• Dash of Blue Curacao

• Float Irish Cream

• Drop of Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:   Medium

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Build shot as listed. First pour Schnapps and Blue Curacao into glass and then float Irish Cream using the back of a bar spoon. Drop a single drop of Grenadine into the shot. This pulls the Irish Cream down, forming the cloud.

The Old Fashioned

About The Old Fashioned

One of the foundation recipes for any mixologist, the Old Fashioned is a time tested cocktail that is presently enjoying a revival thanks to the hit show Mad Men. First mentioned in the early 1800s, the true origin of this drink is shrouded in mystery with some sources pointing to the late 1870s as a possible inception date. Any self-respecting bartender/mixologist should master this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 1 Sugar Cube

• few dashes of Plain Water

• 1 Orange Rind

• 1 Orange Wheel for Garnish

• 1 Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

In an Old Fashioned glass add sugar cube, bitters, orange rind, and water. Muddle until well mixed and sugar mostly dissolved. Remove the orange rind and add Rye and ice. Garnish with orange wheel and cherry.

Empire Tip: Bourbon is commonly accepted as a substitute for Rye, and numerous recipes also call for Gin instead of Whiskey.

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 Dead Nazi

About The Dead Nazi

The only good Nazi may be a dead one, but this shot straight up sucks. Reserve this one for someone who owes you money or your horrible ex because this shot hurts. The mix of two incredibly strong and distinct spirits goes as well as you might think. It’s hard to say any of this is smooth, but the Jägermeister sort of dulls the taste of Rumpleminze. Great party shot if you’re into the whole blacking out and vomiting thing.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Jägermeister

• Fill Rumpleminze

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       2 Stars

• Served:       Straight

• Strength:    Ridiculous

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Gross

Method:

Mix both spirits and strain into shot glass. Good Luck.

The Aviation

About The Aviation

This blast from the past hails from the Hotel Wallick in New York City. The following recipe is NOT the original recipe; it is the accepted IBA Classic recipe as recorded in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. The original recipe calls for Crème de Violette, however the ingredient is often overlooked or substituted for Crème de Cassis.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur

• 1/4 oz crème de violette

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

• Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

The Boilermaker

About The Boilermaker

The epitome of old school and reckless, the Boilermaker has remained a tailgate special and city-wide favorite in Philadelphia, PA. Painfully straightforward and powerful, this cocktail can be varied by changing beer choices or type of spirit used as a depth charge.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 1 Beer of choice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour the whiskey into a shot glass and then drop the shot into a pint glass of beer. Chug (responsibly!) and enjoy.

The Sazerac

About The Sazerac

The IBA Classic from the Big Easy makes a claim to be the oldest known American cocktail, with possible pre-Civil War origins. Although it can be a little tricky to make, this cocktail is typically a showcase drink for accomplished mixologists and is typically not in favor in the current bar scene. The Sazerac was named as the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008.

Ingredients:

• .5 oz. Absinthe

• 2 oz. Cognac

• .5 oz. Simple Syrup

• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

• 1 Lemon Twist for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Rinse a chilled Old Fashioned glass with Absinthe, then fill with crushed ice. In a mixing glass (separate from the Old Fashioned glass), add all other ingredients and fill with ice. Stir until well chilled. Discard ice and excess absinthe in the Old Fashioned glass, and strain ingredients into glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

The Brain Hemorrhage

About The Brain Hemorrhage

Say hello to the best conversation starter in the bar, the Brain Hemorrhage. This creepy cocktail is a fan favorite due to its sweet flavor, low proof ingredients, and its visually pleasing or unpleasing form. Thanks to ionization and density (science!) this cocktail is able to form the namesake cloud of Irish Cream. This shot is thicker in consistency due to the high density Grenadine and Irish Cream used, so use caution and be mentally prepared when throwing these back or it might make a comeback. A great way to start a night out and impress your friends, we highly recommend this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• Float Irish Cream

• Drop of Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Build shot as listed. First pour Schnapps into shot glass and then float Irish Cream using the back of a bar spoon. Drop a single drop of Grenadine into the shot. This pulls the Irish Cream down, forming the cloud.

The Irish Car Bomb

About The Irish Car Bomb

The Irish Car Bomb is a controversial American cocktail recipe featuring many ingredients of Irish origin. The “explosion” effect of the Baileys into the beer drew the idea for the name of this cocktail. Be warned, ordering this drink in Ireland can be seen as offensive as it refers to a difficult time in Irish history. Overall, the drink is fairly heavy in taste and remains a popular barplace staple in the States.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. Irish Cream

• 1/2 oz. Irish Whiskey

• 1 Pint Irish Stout Beer

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Depth Charge

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Float whiskey on top of Irish cream in a shot glass. Drop shot glass into pint of glass of Irish stout beer. Chug (responsibly!) and accordingly.

Empire Tip: Make a Belfast Car Bomb by adding Kahlua to the shot!

The Rusty Nail

About The Rusty Nail

You might think the Rusty Nail hails from Scotland; the world capital of scotch whisky, but the truth is no one really knows where this drink truly hails from. Some attribute the cocktail’s origin to Thailand, where this drink exploded in popularity. However, the NYC bartender scene is also given the same claim. This is a powerful drink not for the faint of heart, and is a popular suggestion for any scotch drinker.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Scotch Whisky

• 2/3 oz. Drambuie

• Lemon Twist for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour all ingredients into old fashioned glass with ice. Gently stir and garnish with a lemon twist.

The Mojito

About The Mojito

The Mojito is yet another IBA Classic Cocktail originating from Havana, Cuba and is a distinct mixology icon. A long favored summer drink in Europe and all season favorite in the Caribbean and lower US states, the Mojito reached mainstream popularity in the 1930s thanks to celebrities such as Errol Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, and Brigitte Bardot.

The minty-lime flavor of the Mojito is easily substituted or added to in modern mixology; making the Mojito one of the most versatile cocktails in mixology today.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Light Rum

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 2 tsp. Fine Sugar (to taste)

• 2 Sprigs of Mint

• Soda Water

• Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish)

• 4 Lime Wedges (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Mint

Method:

Add a few mint leaves, lime juice, one lime wedge, and sugar to a highball or desired glass. Muddle ingredients until most of the sugar has dissolved and the juices and oils from the mint and lime have been released. Fill the glass with ice, mint spring, and lime wedges, then pour rum over the ice and fill with soda water. Garnish with additional mint spring and lime wedge.

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 Dragonfruit Mojito

About The Dragonfruit Mojito

So it’s been almost two years, so we figured why not update one of our former signature classics. Ladies and gentlemen meet the Dragonfruit Mojito. This beautiful just in time for summer cocktail is as pleasing in flavor as it is in appearance. This exotic cocktail derives its name from its signature ingredient; Dragonfruit aka Pitaya. Combining the looks and name of the dragonfruit with the classic fan favorite Mojito recipe, creates an astounding and unique concoction. The dragonfruit actually absorbs the spirit the longer it sits, and by using the skin of the fruit in the muddling process we’re able to get that perfect pink fade at the bottom. Our Mixologists were excited to recreate one of our oldest and greatest recipes. Try it out and tell us what you think!

Ingredients:

• 1 Dragon Fruit

• 2 Lime Wedges

• 2 Lime Wheels

• 7-8 Mint Leaves

• 2.5 oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• Lemon-Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Light

• Difficulty:   Complex

• Flavor:       Sweet

Empire Tip: Don’t like all the floating chunks of dragon fruit? Strain the muddled dragon fruit, lime, and mint before pouring into the drinking glass.

Method:

Halve dragon fruit and cut one of the halves into six or seven thin slices. Separate the flesh from the skin of three slices and add into building glass. Cut the exterior skin (leafy part) from the inner skin and add the inner skin into the glass as well.

Add four mint leaves, a lime wedge, and the simple syrup. Muddle.

In the serving glass, use a melon baller on the remaining halve of dragon fruit and add three balls of dragon fruit into the glass along with a lime wheel. Then pour the muddled ingredients from the building glass into the serving glass.

Add crushed ice until glass is 2/3 full. Add a lime wedge, remaining mint leaves, and additional dragon fruit balls until full.

Add 2.5 oz. of Silver Rum or more depending on your preference, and then top with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with lime wheel and extra mint if desired and serve with a straw.