The Orange Crush

About The Orange Crush

Hailing from Ocean City, MD; the Orange Crush is a signature Maryland cocktail. Quite similar to a Screwdriver Cocktail, the Orange Crush mixes vodka and orange juice but also adds in triple sec. What makes a crush a “crush” is that it adds lemon-lime soda or sparkling wine to the mix to top off. The Orange Crush is a perfect addition to any brunch menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 3 oz. Orange Juice

• 3-4 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda

• Orange Wedge and Mint for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Orange

Method:

Pour all ingredients directly into highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.

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 Mimosa

About The Mimosa

The origins of the Mimosa are quite shrouded. It is known that variations of Mimosa cocktails have been enjoyed in the Mediterranean for centuries, specifically in Spain. There are some credits to the first “written” recipe for a Mimosa hailing from a Spanish Resort, however the claims are widely doubted. The epitome of first class and brunch cocktails anywhere, the Mimosa is a timeless classic and IBA Official Cocktail that is most likely here to stay.

Ingredients:

• 2½ oz. Champagne

• 2½ oz. Orange Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Orange

Method:

Ensure both ingredients are well chilled, then mix into the glass. Serve cold.

The Kir Royale

About The Kir Royale

The Kir Royale is an upgrade/variation to the IBA Cocktail the Kir. This version adds Champagne to the mix with creme de cassis making an “upscale” edition of the recipe. A Kir Imperial is made with the famous Chambord Liqueur as a further variation.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Champagne/Sparkling Wine

• ⅓ oz. Creme de Cassis

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of the glass, then top up champagne.

The Tommy's Margarita

About The Tommy’s Margarita

The new era IBA Official Cocktail Tommy’s Margarita is a slight spin on the original Margarita recipe. Invented in the year 1990 in San Francisco at Tommy’s Restaurant. Mixologist Julio Bermejo had recently started using Agave Nectar in his recipes and decided that the Agave would better accentuate the Margarita’s inherent citrus flavor better than the industry standard Triple Sec. Julio turned out to be correct , and the flavor profile of the Tommy’s Margarita is noticeably different from the traditional.

Ingredients:

• 2½ oz. Tequila

• 1½ oz. Lime Juice

• 3 Bar Spoons of Agave Nectar

• Salt for Glass Rim

• Lime Wedge 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 margarita glass rimmed with salt.

The Dirty Bong Water

About The Dirty Bong Water

Don’t blame the 2000s for having lame shot names; the 80s and 90s took most of the good ones. The Dirty Bong Water is actually a fairly tasty shot and is mild due to mostly using liqueurs. The name is off-putting but this shot will surprise you in a good way. Empire Mixology does not recommend taking a shot of actual dirty bong water and expecting the same flavor.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Spiced Rum

• ¼ oz. Amaretto

• ¼ oz. Blue Curacao

• ¼ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• ¼ oz. Sour Mix

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into shot glass.

The Godmother

About The Godmother

The spousal cocktail to the former IBA Official Cocktail, the Godfather; the Godmother simply switches out Scotch Whisky for Vodka. The original iteration is reputed to be named after actor Marlon Brando’s favorite cocktail, which was enjoyed on the set of the movie The Godfather. The Godmother by comparison eliminates the strong flavor profile of Scotch Whisky and instead focuses on maintaining the alcohol level using Vodka, but keeping the flavor profile of Amaretto.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Vodka

• 1 part Amaretto

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients directly into old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.

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 Rocket Fuel

About The Rocket Fuel

The Rocket Fuel is a recipe near and dear to me, due to the fact I got started on Long Island and this cocktail hails directly from my hometown area. Whereas the Long Island Iced Tea is the nationally reknown cocktail of Long Island, New York; the Rocket Fuel is the favorite of the residents of Long Island, specifically Fire Island, New York. Empire Mixology recognizes the birthplace of the Rocket Fuel at CJ’s in Ocean Beach and although many different recipes and unique spins on the recipe can be found on every corner of Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park; we prefer the O.G. recipe.

Keep in mind that this cocktail is a more powerful version of the classic Pina Colada. The Pineapple Juice and Amaretto do well to keep the highly alcoholic 151 burn in check, but this cocktail can and will sneak up on you. Enjoy this cocktail on a hot summer’s day or at the beach, but limit yourself to a max of three.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. 151 Proof Rum

• 1½ oz. Cream of Coconut

• 3 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Amaretto

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Tropical

Method:

Blend Coconut, Pineapple Juice, and 151 Proof Rum in blender with ice. Should be a smooth texture so add ice as needed. Float Amaretto on top using bar spoon. Garnish with cherry.

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 Surfer on Acid

About The Surfer on Acid

This 90s shot has survived through the 2000s and 2010s and is into its fourth decade of popularity. Sweet with a distinctive punch of Jägermeister©, this shot is a typical crowd pleaser and for good reason. This cocktail can also be converted into a lowball cocktail too if the situation calls for it.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz. Coconut Rum

• ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

• ¼ oz. Jägermeister©

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake the coconut rum and pineapple juice with ice and strain into shot glass. Float the Jägermeister©.

The Bay City Bomber

About The Bay City Bomber

The Bay City Bomber is a fun frozen cocktail reminiscent of a Long Beach Iced Tea. The alcohol composition mirrors a Long Island Iced Tea with an addition of 151 Proof Rum. The combination of three fruit juices helps to dull the strong alcohol content in taste and creates a sweet summer frozen cocktail. This cocktail can be made in bulk as well for a pitcher or for multiple servings, just remember to keep the 151 separate to add as a float later.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• ¼ oz. 151 Proof Rum (float)

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Cranberry Juice

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• 1 tsp. Sugar

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        4 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Add ingredients with one scoop of ice (minus 151 Proof Rum). Blend until smooth and pour into desired glass. Float 151 Proof Rum using a bar spoon. Garnish with orange and/or lemon slice and cherry.

The Big Chill

About The Big Chill

The Big Chill is a variant of the famous Pina Colada that features the addition of various fruit juices. This changes the palette of the cocktail to a slightly fruitier flavor more indicative of non-frozen island style cocktails. This cocktail is perfect for a hot and sunny evening when you need something to cool you down.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Dark Rum

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Cranberry Juice

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut

• 1 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

• Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Blend ingredients with 1 scoop of ice cream. Serve in 12 oz pilsner glass with a pineapple or cherry garnish.

The Mudslide

About The Mudslide

Meet the ultimate boozy milkshake; the Mudslide. This internationally renown dessert cocktail packs a powerful chocolatey punch with a moderate alcohol content. Traditionally made in a non-frozen variant, we at Empire Mixology prefer the addition of the vanilla ice cream to create that dessert like feel and smooth out the blending of the spirits.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• 1½ oz. Irish Cream

• 1½ oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 1 oz. Creme de Cacao

• 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

• Shaved Chocolate/Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Chocolate

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Drizzle chocolate syrup into serving glass. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings/sprinkles.

The Mississippi Mud

About The Mississippi Mud

The Mississippi Mud is a dessert cocktail featuring coffee flavored liqueur and Southern Comfort© as the spirits of choice. These ingredients are then blended with vanilla ice cream to create a cocktail glass sized smoothie. The presentation and taste of this cocktail is among the best of all dessert cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Southern Comfort©

• 1½ oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

• Shaved Chocolate for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Coffee Ice Cream

Method:

Blend until smooth and pour into a cocktail glass Garnish with shaved chocolate.

The Death by Chocolate

About The Death by Chocolate

Let’s see if that sweet tooth can stand up to this delectable delight. This recipe is HEAVY on the chocolate so prepare yourself for this one. Although not entirely one dimensional on the flavor, the addition of a coffee based liqueur adds a bit to the flavor profile and creates a more palette pleasing finish. This is one indulgent summer frozen recipe that’s sure to be a big crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Creme de Cacao

• 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 1 oz. Chocolate Syrup

• 2 Scoops Chocolate Ice Cream

• 1 Cup of Ice

• Whipped Cream and Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Chocolate

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Drizzle chocolate syrup into serving glass. Garnish with whipped cream and cherry.

The Sgroppino

About The Sgroppino

This Italian cocktail that is bizarrely close to my own last name is a popular dessert cocktail that hails from the Venice region of Italy. A picturesque cocktail that is light and crisp, this recipe has grown past the borders of Italy and can be found throughout the world. Prosseco would be the ideal sparkling wine to use as it would be authentic to the region of Italy rather than using the French spirit of Champagne. (Although it’s up to you).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Champagne/Prosecco

• 1 oz. Chilled Vodka

• Scoop of Lemon Sorbet

• Fresh Mint for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour the champagne/prosecco and vodka into two champagne flutes, dividing equally. Spoon a scoop of sorbet into each flute. Sprinkle with mint and serve.

The Blue Hawaiian

About The Blue Hawaiian

A knockoff of the Blue Hawaii, the Blue Hawaiian is more of a Pina Colada with Blue Curacao added. The cocktail was created in the 1960s although the exact origin is unknown. It has also been suggested that Don the Beachcomber, the inventor of Tiki Culture created the Blue Hawaiian. It can be enjoyed blended or on the rocks, although we prefer it to be frozen since it is close in composition to the Pina Colada.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Blue Curacao

• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut

• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

• Pineapple Wedge & Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen/On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Tropical

Method:

For the On the Rocks version mix all ingredients in a mixing glass until well integrated. Pour into ice filled cocktail glass.

For the Frozen version add all ingredients in a blender with fresh ice. Blend until well smooth.

The Strawberry Daiquiri

About The Strawberry Daiquiri

The all time champion of the Frozen Daiquiri contest, the Strawberry Daiquiri is a year round and summertime favorite. The flavor of strawberry compliments well with lime and rum to create a super sweet profile that is then turned into a frozen delight.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Silver Rum

• 1½ oz. Lime Juice

• 1½ oz. Simple Syrup

• ½ Cup of Fresh or Frozen Strawberries

• 1 Cup of Ice

• Fresh Strawberry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Strawberry

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Pour into chilled glass and garnish.