The Hot Toddy

About The Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is the all-around classic hot cocktail. Invented sometime in the late 1700s to the mid 1800s, the Hot Toddy or The Hot Whiskey in Ireland is a super simple and warming drink that is perfect for the cold fall and winter nights. The Hot Toddy is also super customizable, additions typically include lemons, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Whiskey (Your Choice of Type)

• ¾ cup of Hot Water

• 2-3 tsp. Honey (to taste)

• 2-3 tsp. of Lemon Juice (to taste)’

• Lemon, Cinnamon, and/or Cloves for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.0 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Pour ingredients into glass and mix until dissovled. Add a Lemon Wedge with Cloves or Cinnamon Stick for garnish if desired.

Empire Tip: The amount of lemon juice and honey is up to you. You can add more or less of each to find the profile that suits you.

The Girl Scout Cookie (Shot)

About The Girl Scout Cookie

You know when a shot is called the Girl Scout Cookie it’s gonna be delicious and minty. This shot is no exception, and is often a crowd pleaser and fan favorite amongst the younger crowd. We recommend using the creme de cacao although peppermint schnapps is an acceptable substitute.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Irish Cream

• 1 part Coffee Liqueur

• 1 part White Creme de Menthe

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into shot glass.

The Nutty Irishman

About The Nutty Irishman

There’s quite a few ways to make the Nutty Irishman, and even this version below can have Irish Whiskey added to it in order to have a “kick.” The two constants of this recipe no matter what the variation are Irish Cream and Hazelnut Liqueur. We chose to keep it simple but mess around and invent something way better!

Ingredients:

• 1 part Irish Cream

• 1 part Hazelnut Liqueur

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into shot glass.

The Royal Flush

About The Royal Flush

The sweet and tart Royal Flush is a splendid whiskey cocktail that even non-whiskey drinkers should at least try. The combination of flavors combined with the smooth finish of Crown Royal© creates a delightful libation experience. If you prefer a more sweet finish we suggest upping the raspberry liqueur and reducing the cranberry slightly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Crown Royal© Canadian Whiskey

• 2 oz. Peach Schnapps

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• 2 oz. Cranberry Juice

• Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet & Tart

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into ice filled lowball glass and garnish with a cherry.

The Quaalude

About The Quaalude

For the those born after the 1980s who have no idea what a Quaalude is, it was a sedative drug that was heavily abused in the 1960s through the 80s. A “downer" drug” it would cause your heart rate to drop, cause you to get lethargic, and give you a “high.” SO going back to the recipe here, the shot is relaxing and is meant to make you feel as if you were abnormally relaxed.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Vodka

• 1 part Coffee Liqueur

• 1 part Hazelnut Liqueur

• Splash of Milk

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into shot glass.

The Grasshopper

About The Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is a sweet, mint-flavored, dessert cocktail. The name of the drink derives from its green color, which comes from creme de menthe. A bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, claims the drink was invented in 1918 by its owner, Philip Guichet. The drink gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s throughout the American South.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Creme de Cacao

• 1 part Creme de Menthe

• 1 part Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Minty

Method:

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briskly and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The B-52

About The B-52

Ooh Look! A shot that’s also an IBA Official Cocktail! Invented in Canada, the B-52 is named after the band, and not the B-52 Stratofortress Bomber (although the band is named after it, but hey whatever). This shot can be turned into a flaming shot by putting a thin layer of overproof rum on top of the shot and igniting. REMEMBER TO BLOW IT OUT BEFORE YOU SHOOT IT.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Coffee Liqueur

• 1 part Irish Cream

• 1 part Grand Marnier©

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Layer ingredients into a shot glass. Coffee Liqueur is first, then Irish Cream, and finally Grand Marnier©

The Angel Face

About The Angel Face

Another Londoner cocktail, the Angel Face appeared at the Savoy Hotel in the 1930s and was published in print that same year. The combination of brandy flavors creates a very fruity, yet strong cocktail. The recipe calls for Calvados© specifically as an ingredient, but can be substituted with apple brandy if not available.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• 1 oz. Apricot Brandy

• 1 oz. Apple Brandy (Calvados©)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Alexander

About The Alexander

A cocktail named the Alexander debuted in 1910 but the version listed below and recognized by the IBA as an official cocktail wasn’t published in print until 1915. A famous after-dinner cocktail, the Alexander is still a popular cocktail in the current mixology scene and is often seen in upscale establishments.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Creme de Cacao

• 1 oz. Light Cream

• Nutmeg for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain contents into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.

The Mexicana

About The Mexicana

The Mexicana is a fruity flavored, tequila based cocktail that mirrors a typical tropical style cocktail with a different flavor profile. The pineapple and grenadine flavors help to smooth the boldness of tequila and the citrus lemon also assists with the aftertaste of the spirit. Best enjoyed in the spring and summer and a good pairing for southern-style food.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 tsp. Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

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 Mint Julep

About The Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. The Mint Julep originated in the southern United States, during the eighteenth century. The earliest known mentions come from 1770 and include a satirical play by Robert Munford, The Candidate. Further evidence of mint julep as a prescription drink can be found in 1784 Medical Communications: "sickness at the stomach, with frequent retching, and, at times, a difficulty of swallowing. I then prescribed her an emetic, some opening powders, and a mint julep."

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon

• 2 tsp. Water

• 1 tsp. Powdered Sugar

• 4 Mint Leaves

• Crushed Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.

The Suffering Bastard

About The Suffering Bastard

So there are actually two versions of this cocktail but the IBA recognizes the original recipe which is listed below. Trader Vic also created a popular Tiki cocktail using the same name, however it is a tropical juice and rum variant. We chose to mirror the IBA and feature the OG Recipe featuring gin and brandy. This recipe was a “hangover cure” for WWII troops stationed in Egypt.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• 1 oz. Brandy

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

• Top with Ginger Beer

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spiced

Method:

Shake everything but ginger beer with ice, pour unstrained into glass, top with ginger beer.

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 Canchanchara

About The Canchanchara

This interestingly named cocktail is a 2020 IBA Official Cocktail from the New Era. Hailing from island nation of Cuba, the Canchanchara is supposed to feature Cuban Aguardiente which is kind of a generic alcoholic drink. We chose to use Rum, since that makes more sense.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Rum

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• ½ oz. Honey

• 1½ oz. Water

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Lime

Method:

Mix honey with water and lime juice and spread the mixture on the bottom and sides of the glass. Add cracked ice, and then the rum. End by energetically stirring from bottom to top.

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.