BEYOUROWNBARTENDER

ASurefireGuidetoFinding(andMaking)YourPerfectCocktail

CareyJonesandJohnMcCarthywithaforewordbyJ.KenjiLópez-Alt

THECOUNTRYMANPRESSAdivisionofW.W.Norton&Company

IndependentPublishersSince1923

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

STARTHERECHART

VODKA

PARTYONCHART

GIN

BRUNCHCHART

RUM

DRINKINGINTHESUNCHART

AGAVE

COCKTAILNERDSCHART

WHISKEY

WINTERHOLIDAYSCHART

BRANDY

LOW-PROOF

DAYDRINKINGCHART

APPENDIX

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INDEX

ABOUTTHEAUTHORS

FOREWORDBYJ.KENJILÓPEZ-ALT

Youdon’talwaysneedareasontoenjoyadeliciouscocktail,butyoushouldhaveareasontopickonedrinkoveranother.

There’sareasonwhyIusuallyfallbackonafewofmyfavoritecocktailswhenI’mathome:IknowI’mgoingtolikethem.There’salsoareasonwhyIletagoodbartendershakemeupsomethingnewwhenI’matafancy-pantscocktailbar.Withtheirexperience,I’mboundtofindsomethingexcitingand—evenbetter—perfectlytailoredtomymood.

Likewise,there’sareasonwhymyoldfriendCareyJonesisthefirstpersonIcallwhenIneedtofigureouttheperfectdrinkformynextparty,andwhyJohnMcCarthywaswhoIcalledwhenmyrestaurantneededanewcocktailprogram.Thesetwoknowtheirdrinks,andmoreimportantly,theyknowwhatIwanttodrink—probablyevenbetterthanIdo.

WithBeYourOwnBartender,CareyandJohnhavecreatedafunanddeliciouswaytobringthatcustomcocktailexperiencehome—whetheryouwantsomethingstrongandboozyorlightandrefreshing;whetheryou’rewillingtoputinsomeextratimeorjustwantsomethingthat’llgetyoubuzzedwithminimaleffort(we’veallbeenthere);whetheryou’redrinkingwithfriendsordrinkingalone(we’veallbeentheretoo).Outtheresomewhereisaperfectdrinkforeveryoccasionandeverymood.CareyandJohnaregoingtohelpyoufindit.

INTRODUCTION

Whatareyouhaving?Thebartendercatchesyoureyeandwalksovertoyourendofthe

bar.It’syourturn.What’llitbe?Sometimeswejustdon’tknowtheanswerrightonthespot.Ona

summerFriday?Itmightbeaspicycucumbermargarita.Afrigidwinter’snightbyaroaringfire?Thatcallsforastiffdrinkofbourbon,honey,andclove.AndforyourNewYear’sparty:whatbetterthanasparklingcocktailforacrowd?

Foreverymood,everyevent,andeverytaste,there’saperfectcocktail.Andit’sourgoaltohelpyoufindit.

WHEREDOISTART?Well,that’suptoyou.Youcanstartwithaspirit—vodka,rum,tequila—orstartwithanoccasion.

Ifyouknowit’sarumcocktailyou’reafter—you’rejustnotsurewhat—fliptothebeginningoftherumchapter.Here,we’llleadyouthroughaseriesofquestions:Doyouwantalight,tropicalcocktailorsomethingmoresubstantial?Doyoupreferbitterdrinksorcocktailsbrightwithcitrus?Isgingerappealingoroff-putting?(Andareyoushowingoffalittleorjustmakingsomethingsimple?)Eachchoiceisyours,guidingyoudirectlytoasingledrink.It’salmostasifyoudesignedityourself—because,inaway,youdid.

Notweddedtoasinglespirit,butyou’rethrowingabrunch,hostingaparty,ormixingdrinksforthefamilyoverthewinterholidays?Followthesethemedflowchartsinachoose-your-own-

adventurejourneytofindtheidealcocktail.Ascraftcocktailshavebecomeincreasinglypopular,more

imbibersthaneverareexcitedtotrytheirownhandatmakingcreativedrinks.Butthearrayofoptions—spirits,syrups,juices,bitters—canbeoverwhelming.It’souraimtoleadyouimmediatelytoadrinkthatyoulove,evenifit’sadifferentspiritthanyou’reusedtooracombinationofingredientsyoumightneverhavethoughtof.Thebestwaytobeahomebartender:learnonedrinkatatime.

Andifthesedrinksinspireyoutoexperimentonyourown?Haveatit!Bytakingatourthroughtheenormousrealmofcocktailpossibilities,youmaystarttocomeupwithideasyourself.

Andwhoareyou?Ah,goodquestion.JohnMcCarthyisamixologistwhohasspentmorethanadecaderunningbarsinNewYorkCity.HiswifeCareyJonesisaseasonedcocktailwriter.Truestory:WemetwhenCareywroteaboutacocktailmenuofJohn’s.(Ashelikestosay,“Shereviewedme.”)

Togetherwe’vewrittenacocktailcolumnforFood&Wine’swebsiteformorethanfouryears,dubbed“LiquorCabinetRoulette,”targetedtowardthehomebartender—say,folkswholoveCampaributcan’tcomeupwithadrinktomakewithit,orwhomighthopetomakeacocktailfortheirbirthdaypartybutdon’tquiteknowhow.

Webelievecocktailsshouldbefun.Theyshouldbeascomplexastheyneedtobe,butnomore.Theyshouldbequirkyandboundarypushinginsomecases;nostalgicandfamiliarinothers.

ThankstoJohn’smixologybackground,eachofthesedrinksisofaprofessionalcaliber—we’dputanyoneofthemonacocktaillist—butdesignedforthehomebartender.

Wehopethisbookhasacocktail(orten)foreveryone:theAperolSpritzfan,themezcalnerd,thecocktailskeptic,theamarocollector,themanwho’snevermixedanythingmorecomplexthanaginandtonic,thewomanwhohasn’tsippedanythingbutamartinisince1962.

Whoeveryouare,whateveryoudrink—andwhateveryourskilllevel—we’vegotacocktailforyou.

StartHere

EQUIPMENTTocreateexcellentcocktails,youneedafewpropertools.

Cocktailshaker:Werecommendasetofshakingtins—twometalcups,onesmallandonelarge,thatfittogethertoformashaker.It’sthechoiceofmostprofessionals,asit’ssturdy,inexpensive,andeasytoworkwith.It’salsoperfectlyfinetousea“cobblershaker,”themorefamiliarstyletohomebartenders,withabuilt-instrainerandasmallcap;oraBostonshaker,withoneglassandonemetaltin.

Strainer:AHawthornestrainerfitsoverthetopofashakingtinandletsyoustrainoutthedrink,whileholdingbacktheice,inonestep.

Jiggers:Thebestwaytomeasureyouringredientstoensureyou’reconsistent.Jiggerscomeindifferentsizes.Makesureyoursaremarkedwiththeincrementsyou’llneed:¼ounce,½ounce,1ounce,and2ounces(and,ideally,¾and1½).

Mixingglass:Thoughyoucanstircocktailsinonetinofashaker,aclearmixingglassisfarmoreattractiveandletsyouseethedrinkyouarestirring—andlooksgreatonyourbarshelf.(WhileaHawthornestrainerwillworkwithamixingglass,arounded“julepstrainer”isdesignedforthepurpose.)

Barspoon:Along-handledbarspoonisbyfarthebesttoolforstirringdrinks.

Finestrainer:Whenyoudouble-strainacocktail(pagexiv)toremovefruitbits,herbflecks,oricechips,you’llneedafinestrainertoholdabovethesurfaceoftheglass.

Citrusjuicer:Asimplehand-heldpresstojuicelemons,limes,andmore.

Muddler:Along,heavyimplementforsmashingfruit,vegetables,orherbsinthebottomofashaker.

GLASSESInallhonesty,youcanpourmostcocktailsintoanyvesselyouwant,andthey’llturnoutfine.Buteveryonelovesabeautifulcocktail,andsomedrinksarejustbettersuitedtocertainglasses.Youcouldpouramartiniontherocks,orevenintoalittleredSolocup,butthat’snotexactlysexy,isit?

Ifyou’vegotroominyourfreezer,prechillingcoupeglassesistheclassiestpossiblewaytoserveacocktail.Drinksserved“up”inthismannerdon’thaveice,soachilledglasskeepsthematanidealtemperatureforlonger.Ifyourcoupesaren’tchilled,it’snottheendoftheworld—justmakesurenoneofyourglassesaredishwasher-warm,orthey’llunchillyourdrinkinahotsecond.Ain’tnoonewholikesawarmManhattan.

Rocksglass:Formanystirredandshakencocktailsservedwithice.

Coupe:Forstirredandshakencocktailsserved“up,”withoutice,andsomesparklingdrinks.

Martiniglass:Formartinis,thoughmartiniscanalsobeserved

incoupes.Collinsglass:Atall,straight-sidedglass,oftenusedfordrinks

withtonicorclubsoda.Wineglass:Usedforsomesparklingdrinks.Pintglass:Usedforsomecocktailscontainingalargevolumeof

beerorsoda.

IceMatters,TooThere’sonlyoneingredientthat99%ofcocktailshaveincommon:ice.Andwhileiceshouldbeflavorless,sometimesit’snot.Ifyou’vehadthesameicecubesinyourfreezerfortwomonthsandtheysmellalittleoldormusty,toss‘em.

Bartendersoftengetsuperfancywithice,andwewillsaythatperfectlysquare1.25-inchicecubeslookawfullygoodinacocktail.Weparticularlylikeservingboozydrinksoveronelarge(2-inch)cube,knownas“arock”(ratherthan“therocks”).Withlesssurfacearea,onebigrockmeltsmoreslowlyandthuslastslonger.Siliconeicemoldsinboththesesizesarewidelyavailableandinexpensive.

Forourpurposes,afewgeneraltipsforicewillsuffice:Makesureyouhaveplentyofit.Makesureitdoesn’tsmelloff.Andwhetheryou’reusingstandardicecubetrays,fancierones,oryourfreezer’sicemaker,thebesticeisuniforminsize.Shaggy,irregularbaggedicecanworkinapinch,butwillmeltmorequicklyandwateradrinkdown.Andifeveryotheraspectofyourcocktailisbeautiful,shouldn’ttheicebephotogenic,too?

TECHNIQUEIfyou’reoldenoughtodrink,you’reskilledenoughtomakeacocktail.(Giventherightrecipes,ofcourse.)Drinkmakingisn’trocketscience.It’snottechnicallyorphysicallydifficult.Ifyoucansqueezealemon,stirsugarintohotwater,andmeasuresomeliquid,youcanmakeacocktail.Theequipmentmightbeunfamiliar,butthetechniquesarestraightforward.

Thatsaid,greatcocktailsdorequireattentiontodetail—alotofattention.Minorerrorscanderailagooddrink:two-day-oldcucumberjuice,awiltedgarnish,toolittlehoney,atoo-briefstir,atoo-weakshake.Butonceyoulearnafewbasics,you’reonyourwaytomakingimpressivecocktailsofyourown.

ShakingandStirringSomuchofcocktailmakingcomesdowntopropershakingandstirring.Theseskillsmightsoundbasic—andinaway,theyare.Butyoucan’tmakecookieswithclumpy,unmixedbatter,andyourlasagnawon’tcomeoutrightifyoucookittoolong.Similarly,under-stirredorunder-shakencocktailsjustdon’ttasteasgreatastheyshould.

Withbothtechniques,you’reaccomplishingthreethings:mixing,chilling,anddiluting.Thefirsttwoareprettyself-explanatory.Ifyou’rejustworkingwithalcohol,liqueurs,andothermore-or-lesstranslucentliquids,you’llgenerallystir;withfreshjuices,particularlycitrus,you’llneedagoodshaketoproperlyincorporatealltheingredients.Inbothcases,theiceintheshakerormixingglasschillstheliquid.

Whenshakingorstirring,theicealsomelts,addingwaterthatdilutesthedrink.Dilutionisn’tabadthing(we’renottryingtowaterdownyourcocktail,promise).Itmellowstheboozyingredientsandhelpsthewholecocktailcometogether.Anunder-stirredmartiniwon’tjustbetoowarm,it’lltasteharshandaggressive—violentlyboozy,notpleasurablyso.Inbothstirredandshakendrinks,water,intheformoficemelt,constitutesanounceorevenanounceandahalfofthefinalcocktail,asmuchas⅓ofthedrink.Sufficeittosay:itmatters!

Makesureyourshakesaregoodandhard,yourstirsareniceandlong,andthatyou’realwaysusingalotofice.Andnottogetmysticalonyou,butshakingandstirringisalsothestepwhereyou’reimbuingyourcocktailwithenergyandlife,soshakeitlikeyoumeanit!

Onemoretechniqueforthemoredaringamongyou:thedoubleshake.Anydrinkthatcontainseggoreggwhite—don’tbeafraid!—needstwoshakes:ahardonewithouticetocombinetheingredientsandaeratetheeggwhite(that’sthe“dryshake”);thenanotherwithice

tochillitalldown(the“wetshake”).Weknowthatraweggwhitecanturnpeopleoffadrink.Wealso

knowthatonceyoutryacocktailwitheggwhite,you’llprobablyfallinlove.It’sallinthetexture.Eggwhitedrinkshavealuscious,silkyconsistency,withagorgeousthickheadontop.Whileitdoesn’tcontributeflavorofitsown—wepromise,there’snothing“eggy”tasting—itdoeshaveasofteningeffectonotherflavors.Awhiskeysourwithouteggwhiteissharpandzippyandalittleboozy;awhiskeysourwitheggwhiteissmoother,seeminglylighter,richer.Neitheris“better”ormore“correct,”butthereisadramaticdifference.

Forasinglecocktail,onemedium-sizeeggwhiteisjustright.Usegoodjudgmentasyouwouldwhenusingraweggforasaladdressing,say:iftheeggisodd-lookingoroff-smelling,don’tuseit.Asfortechnique,it’sallinthedryshake/wetshake(seebelow).Ifindoubt,justshakealittlelonger.

Toshake:Combineingredientsinthesmallshakingtin.Fillthelargetinapproximately⅔fullwithice(about2cups/250g).Pourtheliquidintothelargetinovertheice,thennestlethetopofthesmalltinintothetopofthelargeandpoundonthetophardtoformaseal.Withonehandonthelargetinandoneonthesmall,shakehard—imaginetheicericochetingbackandforthfromendtoend—for10to15seconds.You’llfeelthemetaltinsgetcoldinyourhands.Unseal,andthenstrainyourdrinkintotheglass.

Tostir:Addliquidingredientstoamixingglass,andfillwithicetojustbeneathitslip(about1cup/125g).Stirwithalongbarspoon,runningthebackofthebarspoonaroundtheinsiderimoftheglass.Stirfor45seconds—yes,itsoundslikealot,butit’sessential.(We’rereallylookingforthatouncetoounceandahalfoficemelt,andforthecocktailtoreach32°Forjustbelow.)Strainthedrinkintotheglass.

Todouble-shake(witheggoreggwhite):Combine

ingredients,includingeggwhite,inthesmalltinoftheshakerasdescribedabove.(Addtheeggwhitebeforetheotheringredients,sothatjustincasetheyolkbreaksintheprocess,youdon’twasteanyspirit.)Donotaddice.Sealtheshakerasdescribedaboveandshakehardfor10to15seconds.Unseal,pouringtheliquidintothesmalltin.Fillthelargetinapproximately⅔fullwithice(about2cups/250g).Seal,shake,andstrainasdescribedabove.

MuddlingandDouble-StrainingOnceyou’vegotthosedown?Nextupismuddling.Or“smashingstuffup.”There’snorealsciencetothis—justpoundawayinthemetaltinofyourcocktailshaker.Anactualmuddlerisidealforthis,thoughanotherheavyimplementwilldoinapinch.Asimplerule:thetoughertheingredient,theharderthemuddle.Gingerandlemongrassrequirealotofmuscle—seriously,pound’em,makealotofnoise.Rosemary,too.Applesandcucumbersdon’tneedquiteasmucheffort.Berriesandmoredelicateherbs,lessstill—gentlypress.

Alongwithmuddlingcomesdouble-straining,alsoknownas“finestraining.”Aftershakingorstirringacocktail,youstrainitintoaglass:thedrinkispouredout,theiceisheldbackandthendiscarded.Todouble-strain,youputafinemeshstrainerovertheglasstocatchanysolidbits—gingerfibers,strawberryseeds,basilflecks,icechips.Isittotallynecessary?Strictlyspeaking,itwon’taffectthetastetoomuch,butdoyoureallywanttogetbasilbitscaughtinyourteeth?

GarnishOkay,glasswarematters.Butgarnishes?Thosematterevenmore.Sciencewilltellyouthatmuchofwhatweperceiveasflavorcomesthrougharoma—essentially,wetastethroughsmell.Andgarnishesareallaboutaromatics.Ifthere’sanherbgarnishonadrink,say,itsscentcompletelycolorsyourperceptionofthecocktail.(Especiallywhenyoutakeasipandyournoseisburiedrightinit.)

Citrustwistsgoevenfurther.Whenyouneedatwist,cutabig,thickpeelfromthefruit,3to4incheslong;holditabovethedrink,withthecoloredpeelfacingdown,andpullthesidesup,sprayingcitrusoilsoverthesurfaceoftheliquid.Lookcloselyandyou’llseedropletsofoilclingingtotheglassorfloatingontopofthedrink—thatburstofoiladdsabright,distinctivecitrusflavor.(Thoseoilsareflammable,too;we’llgettothatlater.)Gentlyrunthecoloredsideofthepeelalongtherimoftheglasstofurtherspreadthecitrusoils.

Generally,wecallforeitherlong,3-to4-inchcitrustwists,or1-inchroundsofcitruspeelforamoredelicateeffect.Bothareusuallyaddedtothedrinkitself,thoughinsomecases,ifwe’relookingforonlythecitrusoilsandnotthedecorativegarnish,theroundsarediscarded.Ifaddingtothedrink,thecoloredsideshouldfaceup.

Asforherbgarnishes—itmaysoundodd,butgivethemalittlesmackwithyourhandbeforeplacingthemonthedrink.Doingsobreaksupsomeofthecellstructure,releasingmorearoma.(Giveitatry:clapabasilleafbetweenyourpalmsandthescentwillbemuchstronger.Andthescentisthewholepoint.)Amoredelicateherblikemintcanjustgetafewfirmpatsagainstthesideofyourhand;somethingtoughlikerosemaryneedsastrongerwhack.

Thegarnishshouldbefreshandbeautiful.Ifyouwouldn’teatit,don’tgarnishwithit.

CocktailsforapartyForasinglecocktail,you’reshakingorstirring.Ifyou’remakingtwococktails,youcanjustdoubleuptheingredientsandmakebothatthesametime.Butwhenyou’reservingabigcrowd,it’softeneasiertomakemanydrinksatonce.Methodsvary,dependingonthecocktail.Ineverycase,we’relookingtoproperlymixtheingredients,chillthedrinkfully,andaddnecessarydilutionviaicemelt.

Methodsfor6cocktails(doublefor12)Shakenmethod:Inaone-quartsealablecontainer,combineeach

listedingredient,multipliedbysix.Seal,thenshakehardtoincorporateingredients.Pourintoa2-quartpitcherover4cups(500g)oficeandgiveaquickstir,thensetasideasyouprepareglassesorgarnishes;thedrinkwillbesufficientlychilledanddilutedwithin10minutes.Stirtoreincorporateingredients,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.(Tomakeahead,combineallingredientsina1-quartsealablecontainer,refrigerateuntilreadyforuse,then,whenyou’rereadytoserve,shakehardandstirovericeinthesamemanner.)

Stirredmethod:Ina2-quartpitcherwith4cups(500g)ofice,combineallingredients,multipliedbysix,andstirforoneminute.Serveandgarnishasdirected.(Tomakeahead,combineallingredientsina1-quartsealablecontainer,refrigerateuntilreadyforuse,thenstirovericeinthesamemanner.)

Blendermethod:Inablenderwithoutice,combineeachlistedingredientotherthansparklingwineorclubsoda,multipliedbysix.Blendonhighfor10seconds.Strainthroughafine-meshstrainer—eitherdirectlyintoa2-quartpitcherover4cups(500g)ofice(toserveimmediately),orintoaone-quartcontainerwithoutice(toprepareahead;ifpreparingahead,shakehardwhenyouremovefromtherefrigerator,thenpourovericeasabove).Addsparklingwineorclubsoda,ifusing,andstirtoincorporateingredients.Oncepouredoverice,thedrinkwillbesufficientlychilledanddilutedwithintenminutes.

Serveandgarnishasdirected.

Pitchermethod:Combineeachlistedingredient,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,inapitcherwithiceandstirbriefly.

INGREDIENTS

JuicesAhugepercentageofcocktailscontaineitherlimeorlemonjuice.Bothshouldalwaysbefresh.Unfortunately,there’snoshortcutherewecantipyouoffto—noconcentratethat’sjustasgood,nobottledbrandthatdoesthetrick.Unlessyou’vegotaneighborhoodjuiceshopthat’llripthroughadozenlemonsforyou(orateamofhouse-elves,orabarbackinyouremploy),juicingissomethingyou’vegottodoonyourown.Butahandheldcitruspressiseasyandinexpensive.Ifyou’rehavingapartyandwanttoprepinadvance,wefindthatlimeandlemonjuicescanlastaround24hoursinthefridgewithoutanyrealdeclineinquality.Werecommendstrainingallcitrusjuicesthroughafinestrainertoremovepulpandanystraybitsofseed.Removingthepulpalsohelpsthejuicelastabitlonger.

Orangeandgrapefruitarebestfresh,too.Ifyou’vegotthekindofgrocerystorethatpressesaquartofpulpyorangejuicerightinfront

ofyou,that’safairsubstitute,aslongasyoustrainbeforeusing.Dittograpefruit.(NoTropicana,please.)

Plentyofdrinksinthisbookdousestore-boughtjuices:100%pomegranatejuiceisjustfinebottled,andyoucanbuyPOMalmosteverywhere.Welovecranberryjuiceforitspowerfulacidity,butalwayslookfor100%cranberryandnothingelse.Labelscanbedeceptive;somethingmarked“100%juice”canbemostlygrapeorapple.“Cranberry”shouldbetheonlyingredientlisted;ifit’salmosttootarttodrink,you’vegottherightstuff.

Cucumber,watermelon,honeydew,andgingerfallintheDIYcamp.Ajuicerwillmakequickworkofanyofthese,butifyoudon’thaveone,there’saworkaround.Cutthefruitintochunks,tossthepiecesinablender,andaddjustenoughwatertocovertheblades.Thenblenduntilthemixtureisverysmooth.Strainthroughafine-meshstraineranddiscardthesolids.

AWordAboutSugarIfthere’sonecommentwehearfromfolkswhoclaimnottolikecocktails,it’sthis:“They’retoosweet.”Andsure,cocktailscanbe.Everygarishlycoloredfrozendaiquiriandappletiniofthe’80sand’90scontributedtothatperception.

Buttheydon’thavetobe.Whetheryou’remakingapinkstrawberrycocktailorthebooziestandbitterest,thekeyisalwaysbalance—hittingtherightpointbetweentart,sweet,bitter,rich,boozy.

Soplease:Don’tomitthesugarinthesecocktails.(Orhoneyoragave.)Acocktailwithsugarisn’tnecessarilysweetanymorethancookieswithsaltintherecipearesalty.Sweetenersareabindingagentthathelppulladrinktogetherandroundouttheroughedges,makingitacoherentwhole.Oftenwhenwe’redevelopingrecipes,acocktailthatdoesn’ttastequiterightjustneedsitssugarlevelstweaked.

Byallmeans,drinkavodka-sodaortequilawithlimesanssweetenerifthat’syourthing—butdon’tjustpullthesugarfroma

cocktail;you’llendupwithaninferiordrink.Andifcaloriesareyourconcern,theproblemisn’tthesugar.Ina

truedaiquiri(that’sjustlightrum,lime,andsugar),thesugarcontributes36calories;therum,115.InanOldFashioned?Sugar:12calories;whiskey:140.Unlessyou’redealingwithsyrupypremadecocktailmixes(andnowthatyou’vegotthisbook,youdon’tneedto!),it’stheboozethat’sbringingthecalories.Eggnogistheonlyexception.

SyrupsandInfusionsTrustus:nothingmakesyoufeelcoolerthanservingcocktailswithaspirityou’veinfusedyourself.(“Oh,this?It’sjustamartiniwithmyownsenchateavodka...”)

Syrupsandinfusionsgenerallyrequiretime,butnotactivetime.Forasyrup,you’relettinganingredientsteepinsugarwater;foraninfusion,inbooze.AndwhileyoumightnotcreateawholesyrupjustforyourTuesdaynightcocktail,it’saneasyprocesstostartthenightbeforeaparty.Oryoucanmakeonebatch,andit’lllastforweeks.(Havingcardamomsyruponhand,wepromise,willsignificantlyupgradeyourqualityoflife.)

Therearealsomorebasicsyrupsyou’llseethroughoutthisbook:simple,rawsugar,honey,andagave.Granulatedsugartendstostay,well,granulatedwhenshakenorstirred,soforcocktailsit’sbesttouseinliquidform,as“simplesyrup”:heatupwater,combineonepartsugartooneparthotwater,andstiruntilit’sclear.That’sit.Simplewillkeepfortwoweeks,andgenerallymuchlonger,hangingoutinthefridge.“Rawsugarsyrup”isthesamething,butmadefromSugarInTheRaworasimilarbrand.

Honeyandagavenectarareliquidalready,butsothickthattheygetclumpywhenyoumixthemwithcoldingredients.Soweturntheseintosyrupswiththesameprocess:dissolve1:1inhotwaterandstiruntilsmooth.Recipesstartonpage219.

BittersJustasapinchofcinnamonorcumincantransformadish,adashofbitterscanhaveanenormousimpactonacocktail.

PROTIP

Refrigerateyourbitterstohelpthemlastlonger.

ThetwomostimportantareorangebittersandAngostura,particularlythelatter.(Ifabartendertalksabout“bitters”withoutspecifyingwhich—makinga“bittersandsoda,”say—oddsarethey’retalkingaboutAngostura.Or,asthekidscallit,Ango.)Itscomplexarrayofbitter,earthy,andwarmspiceflavorsaddinstantdepthandroundnesstoacocktail.It’sgotaparticular(butbynomeansexclusive)affinityforagedspirits,includingwhiskeysanddarkrums.Whenyou’vegotalight,citrusydrink(oragreatginmartini),orangebittersareoftenyourfriend.Angosturaorangebitters,availableinmanygrocerystores,willdojustfine;wealsoliketheorangebittersfromFeeBrothersandRegans’.

Thankstotheirconcentratedflavors,bitterscanplayastarringroleinextremelysimpledrinks.Foranalmostnon-alcoholicdrink,stirsixorsevendashesofAngosturabittersintoatallglassofclubsodawithice,andaddasqueezeoflime.Ortrydashingafewdropsoflighterbittersintoaglassofsparklingwine—lavender,grapefruit,orotherfruitbittersarealldeliciousthisway.

PROTIP

Our“houseblend”oforangebittersishalfRegans’,halfFeeBrothers;Fee’sisfloralandblossomy,Regans’hasmore

depth.

OtherBittersWeLoveGrapefruit(similartoorange)Celery(savory,vegetal)Aromatic(warmspice,cinnamon)Lavender(floral,ofcourse)Peychaud’s(anise,brightredcolor)BittermensHellfireHabaneroShrub(technicallynotabitters,butusedinasimilarmanner;addsspicyheattococktails)

SpiritsPerhapsthemostpressingquestion—whatboozeshouldyoubuy?

Vodka:Whiletherearesuperpremiumvodkaswereallyrespect,vodka,asarule,doesnotneedtobeexpensive.Flavorlessbydesign,vodkaishorrifyingatthelowestend(ifyou’redrinkingPopovafterage22,you’redoingitwrong),butonceyougettothe$20/bottlemark,oddsareyou’regood.Ourgo-toisStoli(Stolichnaya),affordableandavailablevirtuallyeverywhere.

Gin:Overthelastdecadethere’sbeenanexplosionofginshittingthemarket,andmanyareexcellent:BrooklynGin,TheBotanist,Monkey47,DorothyParkerAmericanGin,andthefascinatinglineupfromSt.GeorgeSpiritsarejustafewfavorites.Butforastaplecocktailgin,wedefaulttotwo:BeefeaterandPlymouth.Bothabsoluteclassics,bothwellbalancedandjuniperforward,bothavailableeverywhere,bothsuitableforjustabouteverygincocktail.InsomeweprefertheboozierBeefeater;inothers,theslightlylower-proofPlymouth.(TanquerayandnewcomerSipsmitharebothtop-notchLondonDryginswe’dhappilymixwith,too.)

Rum:Therearesomanyvariationsonthisspirit:crisp,drywhiterumsyoucouldswapinforvodka;funkyandfull-flavoredrumswhoseflavorwilldominateacocktail;rich,agedrumslusciouswithflavorsofvanillaandcaramel.Whenmixingdrinks,weturntoafewagainandagain:BrugalExtraDryforlightrum(FlordeCaña4yearisalsoagoodbet);MountGayBlackBarrelforsomethingdarker,

withbarrel-agedflavorandbody;AppletonEstateSignatureBlendfortheinimitablefunkyflavorofJamaicanrum;andDiplomaticoReservaExclusivafortherichestofall.

Agave:PuebloViejoisourgo-tococktailtequila,anincrediblevaluewhetheryou’reusingthesilverblanco,lightlyagedreposado,orlonger-aged,darkerañejo.Formezcal,we’llalwaysuseFidencioClásicoMezcal,whichisreasonablypricedandeverythingagreatmezcalshouldbe:earthy,smoky,citrusy,complex.

Whiskey:Wethinkagreatcocktailbourbonshouldbe86proof,reasonablypriced,andneithertoosweetnortooaggressive;ourgo-toisOldForester.Forrye?TheAmericanclassicRittenhouse;allourryecocktailrecipesaretestedwiththis100-proofspirit.Whenwe’reusingScotchincocktails,it’sblendedScotch,andTheFamousGrouseisourpick(orforsomethingsmokier,TheBlackGrouse);forIrishwhiskey,thefull-bodiedTullamoreDew.

Brandy:Anoften-misunderstoodcategory,brandyisanyspiritdistilledfromabaseoffruit.Mostbrandiesyou’llbefamiliarwitharedistilledfromgrapesandbarrelaged,includingCognac.Thespiritcanbeextremelyexpensiveduetoitslongagingprocess,butseveralrespectedCognachouseshavereleasedmoreaffordablebottlingsthatareintendedforcocktails;HbyHineisourgoldstandard.

We’remildlyobsessedwithapplejackandapplebrandy,bothdistilledfromthefruitandbarrelaged(applejackisthenblendedwithaneutralgrainspirit;applebrandyisjustthebrandy).OurfavoritebyalongshotisAmericanmade,byLaird’s,theoldestlicenseddistilleryintheStates.(Seriously—GeorgeWashingtondrankthisstuff.)

OtherEssentialsYoucan’tmaketheclassicswithoutvermouth,bothsweetanddry.Forsweetvermouth,we’reusingCarpanoAnticaFormula;DolinDryisourgo-tofordryvermouth.(Andinafewdrinkswe’reusingCarpanoBianco—alight-huedvermouththat’ssweeterandmorefloralthanthedrybutnotasrichasthesweet.)

PROTIP

Always,alwaysrefrigerateyourvermouthonceit’sopen.

Vermouthiswine-basedandwillgooffifit’snotkeptchilled.BothCarpanoandDolinsellsmallbottles,sotheydon’tneedtotakeupyourwhole

fridge.

Orangeliqueurisanotherstaple—Cointreauisavailableeverywhereandupat80proof(40%ABV),rightwherewelikeit.

Toourminds,AperolandCampariarejustasessential.TheformerisalightandjustslightlybitterItalianaperitivowithstrongnotesoforange;thelatterismoreofanacquiredtaste,complexandbittersweet.Bothadddepthandcharactertococktails(alongwithalovelyredhue),andbothshouldbeconsideredstaples.

TheelderflowerliqueurSt-Germainisanotherbartenderworkhorse;useitwhenyouwanttocontributeatouchoffloralflavor.

Andyoumightnoticethatwetopquiteafewcocktailswith

sparklingwine.Insomecases(TheDuckRace,page30)itmakesupmostofthecocktail;inothers(Apples&Oranges,page169)it’sjustabubblyaccent.Sparklingdrinksarefestiveandoftenquitesimple,somerequiringnothingmorethanpouringaliqueuroraspiritintoaglassofbubbly.

There’snoneedtosplurgeonfancyChampagnehere.OurfavoritereasonablypricedsparklersareFrenchwinesfromoutsidetheChampagneregion;werelyonCôtéMasCrémantdeLimouxBrut,dryandpleasantandunder$15.WhenitcomestoCava,DibonCavaBrutReserveandAnnadeCodorniuBlancdeBlancsareourgo-tos.WeprefereithertoProsecco,butifyouareusingtheItaliansparklingwine,makesureyou’reusingabottleonthedrierside,likeMionettoProseccoBrut.

THESEAREAFEWOFOURFAVORITETHINGSMixologistscankeepamassivearsenalofbottlesattheready.Athome,mostofusdon’thavethatoption.Sowe’vetriedtobe(reasonably)restrainedinthebottlesweusefortherecipesinthisbook—andifwehaveyoubuyingaslightlyobscureliqueur,we’lldoourbesttoshowyouhowtouseitinmorethanonecocktail,promise.

Sherries:You’llfindthatweuseseveraldifferentsherriesthroughoutthisbook.Ifyouthinkofsherryasthatsweet,darkbrownstuffthatBritishgrandmassipafterdinner,thismayseemodd.Butsherrywinescoverahugespectrumofflavor.Fino(TioPepeisthemostwidelyavailablebottleandourgo-to)islighteranddrierthaneventhedriestwhitewine;amontillado,alittlegutsier;oloroso,nuttyandricherbutstillbalancedinitssweetness.Welovesherriesbecausethey’recomplexandalittlesavory,andatgenerallyaround16to20%ABV,theycancontributelayeredflavorwithouttonsofalcohol.(Andifyoubuyabottleforcocktails,andhavesomeleftover?Justdrinkit.)LilletandLilletRose:Botharewine-basedaperitifs;bothhavearichgrapecharacterwithacitruslift.They’retastyenoughtodrinkontheirown(weloveeitherwithiceandclubsoda,plusalemonwedgesqueezedin),buttheyalsoblendbeautifullywithjustaboutanyspirit.

Pamplemousse:Orangeliqueuristheclassic,butwe’rejustasfondofthisgrapefruitliqueur,whichyou’llseeusedahalf-dozentimesthroughoutthebook.WeoptforCombierPamplemousseRose.

Cynar:Onceyou’vedevelopedatasteforCampari,youmightwanttogomorebitterstill;that’swhenyoushouldgivethisearthy,herbal,artichoke-basedliqueuratry.

AmaroMontenegro:LikeCampariandCynar,it’sanamaro,anItalianmadebitterliqueur.Ofalltheabove,Montenegroisoneoftheeasiesttolove,aprecisebalanceofbitterandsweet,orangeyandherbal.

LuxardoMaraschino:Notthesticky-sweetredsyrupsurroundingShirleyTemplecherries,butanextremelysophisticated,balancedMarascacherryliqueurwithalmosttwohundredyearsofhistory.It’safixtureofclassicsliketheMartinezandtheAviationbutcanbemuchmoreversatile,too.

Chartreuse:Themoststoriedofallherballiqueurs,madebyFrenchCarthusianmonksfromanundisclosedrecipe.BothyellowandgreenChartreuseaddtremendousherbalcharactertococktails.Yellowislowerproofthangreen.

VODKAIt’sthefirstbottlesomedrinkersreachforwhenmakingacocktail.Forothers,it’sthelast.Yetnospirithasquitetheeverymanappealofvodka.Essentiallyflavorlessbydesign,it’sachameleonincocktails,abletotakeonanyflavoryoulike—herbalorfruity,sweetorsavory.

SundownSpritzAnidealpre-dinneraperitif,thisdrinkcomestogetherin30secondsandisatruecrowd-pleaser,withorangeyAperolandcherrymaraschino,bothgentlybittersweet.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncevodka1ounceAperol¼ounceLuxardoMaraschinoliqueur3ouncessparklingwine*1dashorangebittersLemonwedge,forgarnish

*Likecrisp,easy,andbubbly?FliptoTheDuckRace(page30),PinkDrink(page179),orCappellettiSpritz(page181).

Combineallingredientsinawineglasswithiceandstirbrieflytocombine.Squeezeinalemonwedgeandaddittothedrink.

Foracrowd:Ensuresparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredientsmultipliedbythenumberofdrinks;thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

ElderflowerVesperDon’tknowtheVesper?Youshould.Thevodka-gin-LilletdrinkisinfactJamesBond’soriginalmartini,asspelledoutinthepagesofCasinoRoyale.It’sanidealcocktailforanyvodkafanlookingtodiphertoeintotheseductiveworldofginwithoutjumpinginheadfirst;vodkatempersgin’sherbalbite,smoothedoutfurtherwithwine-basedLillet.Justatouchofelderflowerliqueuraddsapleasant,butsubtle,floralnote.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncevodka½ouncePlymouthgin¾ounceLillet*¼ounceSt-Germain1dashorangebittersOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Nowthatyou’veboughtLillet:TryEasyDoesIt(page189)andTaleofTwoCities(page31).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkandthenaddedtothecocktail.

DirtyMartiniInouropinion,amartinijustisn’tamartiniwithoutvermouth.Butweunderstandtheappealofadirtymartini,ofcourse;wethinkthisdrinkistheidealbalanceoftheclassicandtheoliveladen,bothsaltyandsavory.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesvodka½ouncedryvermouth½ounceolivebrine3greenolives,forgarnish

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thendouble-strainintoachilledmartiniglassorcoupe.Garnishwiththreegreenolives.

Wanttoexpandyourmartinihorizons?TrytheFinoMartini(page32),ElderflowerVesper(page5),oraclassicginmartini(2ouncesofPlymouthand1ouncedryvermouth,stirredwithadashoforangebitters,servedupwithalemontwist).

PosmoThoughit’sbeenbastardizedineveryimaginableway,thetrueCosmopolitan—AbsolutCitronvodka,orangeliqueur,lime,andcranberry—isarespectablecocktail,evenamodernclassic,asournottoodifferentfromamargaritaorSidecar.Here,wetakethevodka-citrus-cranberrycomboandswapinpomegranateandgrapefruitliqueurforacocktailthat’salittlelesstartbutjustasbrightlycolored.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka½ouncePamplemousse¾ouncepomegranatejuice¼ouncelimejuiceOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishCombineallingredientsina

cocktailshakerwithice.Shakeuntilverywellchilled,thendouble-strainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwitha1-inchroundoflemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrink,thenbentinhalfandperchedontherimoftheglass.

Trytheclassic?COSMOTheiconicdrinkofthe’90s—whenmadewithfreshlimejuiceandgoodorangeliqueur—mightbeanawfullotbetterthanyouremember.

Combine1½ouncesAbsolutCitronvodka,½ounceCointreau,¼ouncefreshlimejuice,and¾ouncecranberryjuicecocktailinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithalonglemonpeel,twistedoverthesurfaceofthedrink.

DickoryDockAbighitatourmostrecentholidayparty.Together,rosemaryandcranberryarefestiveascanbe,likeagarlandonaChristmastree.Don’tbeintimidatedbytherosemaryhoney;it’satwo-stepprocessthatonlyrequiresaminuteofyourtime.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesvodka*¾ounce100%cranberryjuice½ouncelemonjuice¾ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)2dashesorangebittersLemon

wheel,forgarnishRosemarysprig,forgarnish

*Otherwinter-friendlyvodkadrinks:SumacCollins(page13)andOuttoPasture(page13).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalemonwheelandasprigofrosemary,clappingtheherbbetweenyourpalmsbeforeaddingittothedrink.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

CherryonTopAnextremelygrown-upShirleyTemple,thisquickdrinkmakesuseoftheDanishliqueurCherryHeering,balancedbyjustalittlelemonjuiceandpunchedupwithvodka.GoesdownaseasyasShirleyTemplesdidwhenyouwerefive.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka¾ounceCherryHeering½ouncelemonjuice¼ouncesimplesyrup1

dashorangebitters2ouncesclubsodaCherry,forgarnishLemonwheel,forgarnishCombineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithafreshcherryandalemonwheel.

Morefruityandrefreshingdrinks?TryRyeCreekCup(page146),Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri(page68),GrapeThyme(page22),Shrub&Soda(page193),andPassionFruitCaipirinha(page70).

ElRebujitoItcangetbrutallyhotinthesouthwesternSpanishtownofJerez,thehomelandofsherry.Theperfectlow-proofthirstquencherinthoseparts?Arebujito,asimplemixofdryfinosherryandSprite.Here,we’redressingitupabitwithfreshlemon,vodka,andmint.It’sbrightandzippyandwaytooeasytodrink,justlikefinosherryitself.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncevodka2ouncesfinosherry½ouncelemonjuice½ouncesimplesyrup8mint

leaves(approximately2g),torninhalfbeforebeingaddedtotheshaker,plusthreelargesprigsforgarnish*

2ouncesclubsoda

*Likerefreshingandminty?TryWhatAMelon(page14),RightSideoftheBed(page15),andHamiltonPunch(page166)

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwiththreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsoda,asdirectedinthe“BlenderMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,pourclubsodaintothepitcher.Serveandgarnishasdirected.

LeavesofGrassPerhapstheonlyflavoredvodkawewholeheartedlyendorse,ZU(knownasŻubrówkainEurope)isaPolishbison-grassvodkawithcenturiesofhistory;itlendsflavorsofvanilla,almond,andcutgrasstoanycocktailitgraces.It’sknownasaparticularfriendofapplecider;that’sthebaseofthissparklingcocktail,whichgetsafloralliftfromtheelderflowerliqueurSt-Germainandalively,sparingdoseofmaraschino.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceZUBisonGrassVodka*½ounceapplecider¼ounceSt-Germain¼ouncelemonjuice½teaspoonLuxardoMaraschinoliqueur3dashesorangebitters3

ouncessparklingwineOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishAppleslice,forgarnish

*Sinceyou’vegotZU:TryOuttoPasture(page13),oruseitinplaceofvodkainElRebujito(page11).

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoaflute.Topwith3ouncesofsparklingwineandgiveabriefstir.Takea1-inchroundoflemonpeelandsqueezeoverthesurfaceofthedrink,skinsidedown,anddiscard.Garnishwithasliceofapple.

PROTIP

Maraschinoissuperstrong,someasurecarefully;halfateaspoonisallyouneed.

OuttoPastureZUBisonGrassVodka(seepage12),withitsaromasofgrassandvanilla,worksbeautifullywithhoneysyrup.Roundedoutwithciderandlemon,it’stherarevodkadrinkthat’sperfectforfallandwinter.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesZUBisonGrassVodka*2ouncesMartinelli’sapplejuice½ouncelemonjuice½ouncehoneysyrup(page199)1dashgrapefruitbitters1dashPeychaud’sbittersThymesprigs,forgarnishAppleslice,forgarnish

*LikeZU?TryLeavesofGrass(page12),orsubstituteitforvodkainElRebujito(page11).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwiththymesprigsandanappleslice.

SumacCollinsUsedwidelythroughouttheMiddleEast,sumacisanincrediblespicethat’scitrusyandrobustatonce.Thisdrinkbringsoutbothelements;thoughit’salightandbreezyCollins,ithasarealearthyweighttoit,too.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka½ouncelemonjuice¾ouncesumacsyrup(page200)*2ouncesclubsodaLemonwheel,forgarnish

*Nowthatyou’vemadesumacsyrup:TrytheSumacAttack(page52).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheel.

WhataMelonWatermelonjuicehassuchadistinctiveflavor,butit’smildenoughthatitcanbeeasilyoverwhelmed.Soweusequiteabitinthiscocktail,resultinginakillerbrunchdrinkthat’sasthirstquenchingastheycome.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka3ounceswatermelonjuice(page205)½ouncelemonjuice½ounce

simplesyrup8largemintleaves(approximately2g),torninhalfbeforebeingaddedtotheshaker,plus3largesprigsforgarnishThinslicewatermelon,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithathinsliceofwatermelonandthreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Morefruitysummerdrinks?TrythePassionFruitFrozenMargarita(page96),Raz-Monte(page44),PartofaCompleteBreakfast(page89),andRumShrub(page84).

RightSideoftheBedCucumber,lime,andminttogether—don’ttellusthatdoesn’tsounddelicious.It’sanirresistiblecombination,particularlyatbrunchoranyotheroccasionthatcallsfordaydrinking.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka¾ouncelimejuice½ouncecucumberjuice(page205)½ouncesimplesyrup8mintleaves

(approximately2g),torninhalfbeforebeingaddedtotheshaker,plus3largesprigsforgarnishClubsoda

Cucumberslice,forgarnish*

*Likingthecucumber?TryBackPorchPunch(page82)andSpicyCucumberMargarita(page103).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Topwithanounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwiththreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink,andacucumberslice.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“BlenderMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,pourclubsodaintothepitcher.Serveandgarnishasdirected.

PartyOn

KickedintheHeadbyThatDamnMuleWehaveonlyonegripewiththeclassicMoscowMule,asimpledrinkofvodkaandgingerbeer—it’sjustnotgingeryenough.Onceyourunsomegingerthroughyourjuicerorablender(oraskalocaljuiceshoptomakeyoustraightgingerjuice),you’vegotacocktailsecretweapon,ampingupthegingeruntilit’sunmistakable.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesvodka¾ouncelimejuice½ouncesimplesyrup½ouncegingerjuice(page

206)*1ounceclubsodaLimewedge,forgarnish

*Hookedonginger?TryMustang(page83),KingStreet(page153),andGin,Gingerly(page47).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglass(oraMoscowMulemug,shouldyouhappentohaveone)overfreshice.Topwith1ounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalimewedgesqueezedintothedrink.

BlueRibbonSomefloraldrinksgetalittlecarriedaway—thelastthingyouwantisforyourcocktailtosmelllikeperfume.Butinsparingamounts,floralflavorscancometogetherbeautifully,astheydointhissparklingdrinkwithelderflowerliqueur,chamomilehoney,andjustadashoflavenderbitters.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncevodka½ounceSt-Germain¼ouncechamomilehoney(page201)*¼ouncelemonjuice1dashlavenderbitters3ouncessparklingwine

One3-to4-inchthinlemontwist,forgarnish

*Sinceyou’vemadechamomilehoney:TryGin,Gingerly(page47),SweaterWeather(page151),andMeyer75(page163).

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoawineglassoverfreshice.Topwith3ouncesofsparklingwineandstir.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchthinlemontwist,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineusingthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcher;alternatively,dividetheliquidbetweensixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

CardamomCollinsThere’snootherspicethatresemblesthecrazilyaromaticcardamom,andinthisdrinkweshowitoffassimplyaspossible—withlemon,vodka,andsoda.Thinkofitasthebestlemonadeyou’veeverhad.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka¾ouncelemonjuice½ouncecardamomsyrup(page202)*2ouncesclubsodaLemonwheel,forgarnishRosemarysprig,forgarnish

*Withyourleftovercardamomsyrup:ShakeitwithwhiskeyinKingStreet(page153)orwithruminPartofaCompleteBreakfast(page89).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirgently.Garnishwithalemonwheelandalongrosemarysprig,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatothepitcher.Garnishasdirected.

Wantsomethingsimpler?ROSEMARYCOLLINS

AclassicCollins—spirit,sweetener,citrus,soda—canworkwithjustaboutanyliquor.AvodkaCollinsiscrispandrefreshingandsimpleenoughthatagarnishcanreallytransformthedrink;welikeabigrosemarysprigforthearomatics.

Combine1½ouncesofvodka,1ouncefreshlemonjuice,and½ouncesimplesyrupinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglasswithfreshice.Topwith2ouncesclubsodaandgarnishwithalongrosemarysprig,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Shrub-a-DubShrubsareahistoricalmethodofpreservingfruitwithsugarandvinegar,andthey’restartingtomakeacomebackinthecocktailworld.Afterall,sweetnessandacidityaretwoofthemainelementsincocktails,andashrubhasthemboth.Onceyou’vemadetheshrubsyrup,you’vegotacomplexbaseforappealingdrinks.Lemon,vodka,andalittleorangeliqueurareallitneeds,alongwithafragrantherbalgarnish.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka½ouncelemonjuice½ounceCointreau1ouncestrawberryshrub(page207)*1dashorangebitters3largemintsprigs,forgarnish

*Likethatshrub?TryRumShrub(page84)andShrub&Soda(page193).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithastrawberryandthreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

GrapeThymeSometimesyouwantacocktailthat’sacocktail—meaningthere’ssomelevelofalcoholinit—butyoudon’treallywantittotasteboozyatall.That’sthecasewiththisgrape-thymedrink,livelywithfruitandherbs,whichgoesdownfreshandeasy.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka½ouncelemonjuice½ouncesimplesyrup8whitegrapes(40g),plus5

additionalgrapesforgarnish*1smallsprigthyme(½g),plus1additionalsprigforgarnish1dash

orangebitters2ouncesclubsoda

*Likemuddledfruitdrinks?TryPineappleOlorosoCobbler(page191),EastAsianCollins(page46),andSherryCobbler(page188).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlethegrapes.Addtheremainingingredientsexcepttheclubsoda,alongwithice,andshakevigorously.Double-strainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithfivegrapes(letthemfloatintheglass)andanotherthymesprig,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

ThaiMartiniCoconut,lime,chili,lemongrass—they’reubiquitousflavorsinThailandandplaybeautifullyonaneutralbaselikevodka.Manyinternationalgrocerystores,andallSoutheastAsiangrocerystores,shouldcarrytheseingredients;we’realsousingafull-flavored,not-too-sweetcoconutliqueurcalledKalani.Oncethoseareonhand,allyou’vegottodoismuddleandshake.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesvodka¾ouncelimejuice½ounceKalanicoconutliqueur¼ouncesimplesyrup3thinsliversbird’s

eyechili(approximately0.2g),plus1wholechiliforgarnish*2Thailimeleaves(approximately1g),plus1additionalleafforgarnish

One1-inchsegmentlemongrass(approximately4g),plusone3-to4-inchsegmentforgarnish

*Likealittleheatinyourcocktail?TryFirebird(page144),TheScheme(page118),andIntheDoghouse(page114).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlethechilies,limeleaves,andlemongrass.Muddlehard,andthenaddtheremainingingredientswithiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoachilledcoupe.GarnishwithanotherThailimeleaf,alemongrassstalk,andachili.

It’s4:00SomewhereInfusingvodkawithsencha—aJapanesegreentea—takesonlyanhour,andtheresultisfragrantanddeliciouslycomplex.It’sagreatbaseforthisunusualcocktail,whichtakesitsinspirationfromanEnglishteaservice:milkandhoneyforthetea,marmaladeforthescones.Themilk,anadmittedlyunusualcocktailingredient,addsalight,silkytexturewithoutallthefrothofeggwhite.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesgreenteavodka(page197)½ouncelemonjuice¼ouncewholemilk½ouncehoneysyrup(page199)2teaspoonsorangemarmalade1dash

orangebittersSenchatealeaves,forgarnish

Moremultifaceted,quirkycocktails:SumacAttack(page52),CranberryTingles(page194),That’sBananas(page137),Tan-Gin-Rine(page48),andFriendoftheDevil(page115).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithasprinkleofsenchatealeaves.

IkebanaHere,thesamerichandfragrantsencha-infusedteathatweuseinIt’s4:00Somewhere(page24)ishighlightedwithfloralbiancovermouth(sweeterthandryvermouth,lighterthansweet),withalittlecitrusboostfromCointreauandthesparestmeasureoforangeblossomwater.Floral,nuanced,memorable.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesgreenteavodka(page197)¾ouncebiancovermouth¼ounceCointreau2dropsorangeblossomwater(pourontoabarspoonandveryslowlytilt

spoonuntilonedropfalls,thenrepeat;oruseadropperbottle)One1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishSliceofplumorpluot,forgarnish

*Moresophisticatedstirreddrinks?:SummerinCharente(page162),FinoMartini(page32),ElderflowerVesper(page5),andRidealong(page165).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcocktailglass.Takea1-inchroundoflemonpeelandsqueezeoverthesurfaceofthedrink,skinsidedown,thendiscard.Garnishwithasliceofplumor,ideally,pluot.*

Withthatgreenteavodka:TryIt’s4:00Somewhere(page24),ofcourse,butalsoasimpleCollins:2ouncesgreenteavodka,¾ouncelemonjuice,¾ouncesimplesyrup,shaken,pouredinatallglassovericewith2ouncesclubsodaandalemonwheel

garnish.

PROTIP

Orangeblossomwateriskeytothisdrink,butdon’toverdoit,oryourcocktailwillbeasstrongly

scentedashandlotion.

TheIbexWhilesomeboozenerdsmightthinkvodkacan’tbecomplex,thisdrinkrebutsthattheory—it’srichandherbaceous,thankstothepineliqueurZirbenzandthegentianliqueurSuze.Aslowsipperforsure.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesvodka½ounceZirbenzStonePineLiqueur¼ounceSuze¼ouncesimplesyrup1dashcelerybitters1dashAngosturabittersOne

3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Soyoulikegettingnerdy?TryTheThinker(page152),ICan’tFeelMyFace(page175),TwotoTango(page148),andFernet-inez(page38).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice,ideallyonelargeicecube.Garnishwithalemonwheelanda3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

A(much)simplerdrink?SIMPLESUZETheFrench-madegentianliqueurSuzeisperfectforanyonewholovestheirdrinksbone-dryandbitter.

Stir1½ouncesofSuzetogetherwith4ouncesoftonic,overice,withalemonwedgesqueezedin.Foradrinkthat’sdrierstill,dothesamewithsoda.Orfordie-hardfans,it’sdeliciousjustpouredoverice,witha

lemonwedgeifyoulike.

GINSimplyput,ginwasmadeforcocktails,whethermartinisorG&Ts,agimletoraCollins.Itsuniquearrayofflavors—juniper,spice,citrus,andmore—meansthatitcanplaymanyroles,pairingnicelywithfruitorherbsorbitterliqueursorjustaboutanythingelseunderthesun.

TheDuckRaceOneoftheeasiest,sexiestbrunchdrinksweknow.Noneedtojuiceanything—justpickupabottleofpeachliqueur,crèmedepêche,andyou’vegotthemagicingredient.(Nopeachschnapps,please;it’stoosweetforgoodcocktails.)Pourtheliqueurintoaflutewithginandsparklingwineandyou’vegotavibrantsparklerthatcomestogetherinseconds.

MAKES1DRINK

¾ouncePlymouthgin¾ouncecrèmedepêche*3½ouncessparklingwineOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnish

Peachslice,forgarnish

*Likethisidea?Swapinjustaboutanyfruitliqueur—we’vetrieditwithgrapefruitliqueur,bananaliqueur,andblackberryliqueur,andallareexcellent.

Combineallingredientsinaflute.Takea1-inchroundoflemonpeelandsqueezeoverthesurfaceofthedrink,skinsidedown,thendiscard.Garnishwithasliceofpeach.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests;thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

TaleofTwoCitiesWhatasexydrink—juniperonthefront,thegrapefruitliqueurPamplemoussebringinguptherear.Ifyou’reintomartinisbutwanttobranchoutintosomethingalittlelighterandmoredynamic,thisisyourdrink.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesBeefeatergin¾ouncePamplemousse*¾ounceLilletOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

*GotsomemorePamplemousse?TrytheRidealong(page165)andPosmo(page7),orswapitinforthepeachliqueurinTheDuckRace(page30).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

FinoMartini*Ouridealginmartini—that’s2ouncesPlymouthto1ounceDolinDry,withabigdashoforangebittersandalemontwist,please—needsnoimprovement.Butthatdoesn’tmeanwecan’tplayaroundwiththeidea.Dryfinosherrytakestheroleofdryvermouthhereforamartinithat’sabitofanoveltybutstillverymuch,well,amartini.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesPlymouthgin1ouncefinosherry¼ouncesimplesyrup1dashorangebittersOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Soyou’vegotabottleoffino...TryElRebujito(page11),TheHillsAreAlive(page39),TequilaSangria(page111),BroadStreetPunch(page186),andHellofromJerez(page98).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

BasilGimletThecolorisavividgreen,andthecocktailalmosttastesgreen—vibrantandherbalandlimeytoboot.Nomuddlingrequired;shakingwithicebatsthebasilaroundenoughtobreakitupandreleaseitsflavor.Afreshbasilleafisanessentialgarnish,addingtothearomatics.

PROTIP

Thisrecipeisperfectlybalanced,butifyoulikeyourdrinksverytart,feelfreetoreducethe¾ouncesimple

syrupto½ounce.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBeefeatergin1ouncelimejuice¾ouncesimplesyrup1dashorangebitters5basilleaves(approximately5g),torninhalfastheyareaddedtothe

shaker;plus1additionalleafforgarnish

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithabasilleaf,lightlyclappedbetweenyourhandsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Oncemoreuntothegimlet!Trythesamecocktailomittingbasil,with8mintleaves

(approximately2g)addedtotheshaker—ortwobigrosemarysprigs(5incheseach;approximately2g),strippedofthebark,thenbrieflymuddled—beforeaddingtheliquidingredientstotheshaker.Ineithercase,garnishwiththesameherb.Andany/alloftheabovearedeliciouswithanounceofsparklingwineontop—callitaGimlet75.

Savoy75Weknowginandvermouthworkperfectly;weknowgin,lemon,andsparklingwineareaclassic.Soforourultimateteatimecocktail,wefusethemartiniandtheFrench75tocreateacocktailthat’salittlebitdrierthanthelatterandmuchlivelierthantheformer.

PROTIP

We’redouble-strainingtokeepanyicechipsoutofthislight,

sophisticateddrink.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncePlymouthgin½ouncedryvermouth¼ouncelemonjuice¼ouncesimplesyrup*

3ouncessparklingwineOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishLong,curlylemonpeel,forgarnish(optional,seebelow)

*Likedrybutsparkling?TryMontenegroSbagliato(page183),ColdinQuogue(page184),Meyer75(page163),andZ-to-ASpritz(page180).

Combinefirstfouringredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoaflute.Topwith3ouncesofsparklingwine.Takea1-inchroundoflemonpeel,squeezeoverthetop,skinsidedown,anddiscard.Ifyou’dlike,addalong,curlylemonpeelforgarnish.

Howtomakeaspiralpeel!Withastraightpeelerorchannelknife,takealemon,startatoneend,andcutathinspiralofpeel(asthinasyoucanget;nowiderthan½inch),workingyourwaydownthefruitasfarasyoucango.Takeapencil,abarspoon,oranyotherthinrod.Tightlywrapthelongpeelaroundtherod,andtapebothendstosecure.Stickthewholethinginthefreezerforfiveminutes,removetape,anduse.

AboutThatTimeA“firstdrinkofthenight”kindofdrink—brightandacidic,superrefreshing,theelderflowerliqueurbalancedbyginandsmooth,juicyLilletRose.Drinkthisoneontheporchbeforedinner.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesBeefeatergin1ounceLilletRose½ounceSt-Germain½ouncelemonjuice¼ouncehoneysyrup(page200)One3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Likebrightsummersours?TryBackPorchPunch(page82),Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri(page68),andRaz-Monte(page44).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoawineglassoverfreshice.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

CynarNegroniIt’saNegroni;it’snotaNegroni.Theclassicgin-Campari-vermouthcocktailisaneasytemplatetoriffon.Ourversionisorangey,thankstoAmaroMontenegro,andalittlericherthankstodark,earthyCynar,butinsum,it’sjustasbalancedandbittersweetasanyNegroniyou’llcomeacross.Weloveit.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesBeefeatergin1ounceCynar1ounceAmaroMontenegro1dashorangebittersOne3-to4-inch

orangepeel,forgarnish

*You’reintostirredandbitter?TryAmariParty(page195),GoodOldBoy(page131),AgaveMaria(page113),Fernet-inez(page38),andSmoothOperator(page73).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.*

PROTIP

Whiletheclassicrecipeis1-1-1,wealwayspunchuptheginonourNegronissoitdoesn’t

getlostamidtheotheringredients.

Fernet-inezIfyoulikeyourdrinksasherbaceousandbitterastheyget...well,justpouryourselfafewglugsofFernet-Branca.Butifyouwantsomethingalittlemorecomplexandalotmorebalanced,trythiscocktailthattakesitsinspirationfromtheclassicMartinez.We’reusinggin,Fernet,sweetvermouth,andjustatouchofmaraschinoforasparkofsurprise.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBeefeatergin½ounceFernet-Branca*¼ouncesweetvermouth¼ounceLuxardoMaraschinoliqueur1dashAngosturabittersOne3-to

4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnishBrandiedcherry,forgarnish

*Soyou’reintoFernet:Whenyou’renotknockingbackshotswiththecool-kidbartenders,tryTwotoTango(page148)orAmariParty(page195).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail,andabrandiedcherry.

TheHillsAreAliveFinosherry,muchlighteranddrierthanthethick,cloyingsherryyoumightbefamiliarwith,keepsthisdrinkbrightanddynamic;elderfloweraddsasubtlefloralundertone.Bubblesfinishthewholethingoff.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncegin1ouncefinosherry½ounceSt-Germain*½ouncelemonjuice½teaspoonsimplesyrup1dashorangebitters2ouncessparklingwineLemonverbenasprig,forgarnishLemonwheel,

forgarnish

*Allaboutelderflower?TryLeavesofGrass(page12),AboutThatTime(page36),andPinkDrink(page179).

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakeuntilwellchilled,thenstrainintoalargewineglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofsparklingwine.Garnishwithasprigoflemonverbena,lightlyclappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink,andalemonwheel.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcherandstir;alternatively,divideliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

Brunch

FrozenNegroniPerhapstheworld’sgreatestpartydrink,ifyourfriendsarealittlegeeky,oratleastopentonewthings.Thebittersweetgin-Campari-vermouthcocktailbecomesmoreapproachablewhenyouturnitintoaslush.Andsinceblendershaveouncemarks,youdon’tevenneedajigger—justpouruntilyouhittherightlevel,beforeaddingice.Caveat:Thesemightlookallpinkandslushy,butthey’reasbitterasastandardNegroniandpackthepunchofapropercocktail.Don’tsaywedidn’twarnyou.

MAKES6TO8DRINKS

6ouncesgin4ouncesCampari4ouncessweetvermouth

*Breakingouttheblender?TryHavanaDaiquiri(page76),MangoFrozenMargarita(page96),andPassionFruitFrozenMargarita(page96).

Combineallingredientsinablenderwith8cupsofice(1,000g).Blenduntilthemixtureisveryslushy.Pourintoglassesandgarnishwithumbrellasand/orstraws.*

Pimm’sAway!There’splentytosayaboutagreatPimm’scocktail.Butthenicethingis,youdon’thavetosayanythingatall—youcanjustdrinkthedamnthing.Fruitybutnotsweet,interestingbutnotfussy.Justhaveone.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceBeefeatergin1ouncePimm’sNo.1*¼ouncelemonjuice¼ouncesimplesyrup2ouncesFever-TreegingerbeerOne½-inchslicecucumber(20g),plus1additionalsliceforgarnishOne

½-inchslicepeeledgingerroot(10g)3mintleaves,torninhalf(approximately1g),plus1mintsprigforgarnish½mediumstrawberry,destemmed(approximately8g),plus½additionalstrawberryforgarnishLemonwheel,forgarnish

*Soyou’reafanofPimm’s?TryWhiskeyRebel(page139).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddleginger,smashingituphard;thenaddcucumberandstrawberry,andmuddleagain,morelightly.Addtheremainingingredientsotherthanthegingerbeer,alongwithice,andshakevigorously.Double-strainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofgingerbeerandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalittlebitofeverything:asliceofcucumber,alemonwheel,halfastrawberry,andamintsprig,themintlightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Wantsomethingsimpler?CLASSICPIMM’SHere’showtomaketheclassicPimm’sCup,likeyou’llfindinanyBritishpub.

Stir2ouncesPimm’sNo.1and4ouncesgingeraleorsparklinglemonadeoverice,withacucumberslicetogarnish—coulditbeanyeasier?

Raz-Monte*Cocktailswithberriescansometimesenduptoosimpleortoosweet,sowelovesomethingtobalanceoutthefruit.Here,AmaroMontenegroaddsacool,bitterbackbone.Refreshingandjuicybutwaymorecomplexthanafruitpunch.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesPlymouthgin½ounceAmaroMontenegro½ouncelemonjuice

¼ouncesimplesyrup1dashorangebitters5raspberries(approximately20g),plus3additionalraspberriesforgarnishOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Ifyou’reintobubbles...Thisdrinkisphenomenalwithanounceofsparklingwineontop.

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddletheraspberries.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoachilledcoupe.Takea1-inchroundoflemonpeelandsqueezeoverthesurfaceofthedrink,skinsidedown,thendiscard;garnishwiththreeraspberriesonacocktailpick.

AreweconvincingyouthatMontenegroisdelicious?TryRosemaryMonte(page192),Malagueña(page75),andMontenegroSbagliato(page183).

EastAsianCollinsLighterincolorandharderintexturethanyourstandardpear,Asianpearsaresocrispandjuicyyoualmostwanttodrinkthem.(Soweare.)Welikethewaythatgincanalmostdisappearintoafruitdrink—notcoveredup,butaddinganunderlyingsubtletytootherflavors.AndTheKing’sGinger—acompellinggingerspirit—addsanotherfascinatingdimension.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesPlymouthgin½ounceTheKing’sGinger½ouncelemonjuice½ouncesimplesyrup¼Asianpear(approximately80g),cutintoseveralsmallerpieces;plus5thinslicesforgarnish2ouncesclubsoda

*Likingthemuddle?TrySpicyCucumberMargarita(page103),RyeCreekCup(page146),andGrapeThyme(page22).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlepear.Addremainingingredientsexcepttheclubsoda,alongwithice,andshakevigorously.Double-strainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithfivethinslicesofpear,fannedoutoveronesideoftheglass.*

Gin,GingerlyHerbaceousginandsharp,fragrantgingerpairsowellincocktails,especiallywhensetoffbyevenmoreherbaceousChartreuse.Thisdrinkissophisticated,boozy,andextremelysatisfying.(Simplesyrupdoesjustfineinthiscocktail,butifyou’vemadeourchamomilehoney,it’sevenbetter.)*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesBeefeatergin¾ouncelemonjuice½ounceyellowChartreuse¼ouncechamomilehoney(page201)or

simplesyrupOne½-inchroundpeeledgingerroot(10g)1mintsprig,forgarnish

*GettingtolikeyellowChartreuse?TryElJardîn(page108)andTan-Gin-Rine(page48).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddleginger.Addremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoacoupe.Garnishwithalargemintsprig,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Tan-Gin-RineWelovethewayanyherballiqueurplaysupthebotanicalsofgin,butwantedtoshowcasethoseflavorswithvibrantcitrus;tangerineworksperfectly.Thiscocktailisidealforspring.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBeefeatergin½ounceyellowChartreuse¼ouncelemonjuice¼ouncehoneysyrup(page199)3basilleaves(approximately3g),torn

inhalfbeforebeingaddedtoshaker,plus1additionalleafforgarnish*

1tangerine,peeled,pulledintosegments(approximately90g),plus1additionalsegmentforgarnish1ounceclubsoda

*Likebasilincocktails?TryElJardín(page108),RyeCreekCup(page146),andaBasilGimlet(page33).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlesegmentsoftangerine.Addtheremainingingredientsotherthantheclubsoda,alongwithice,andshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Topwith1ounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithanothertangerinesegmentandafreshbasilleaf,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Rosemary76Herbaceousandbubbly—what’snottolove?Withrosemarytakingcenterstageonabackdropofherbalgin,it’stheverydefinitionofacrowd-pleaser,aswellsuitedtoasummerbrunchasaholidayparty.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesPlymouthgin¾ouncelemonjuice¾ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)3dasheslavenderbitters1ounce

sparklingwineRosemarysprig,forgarnish

*Likeherbalandbubbly?TryTheHillsAreAlive(page39)andBlueRibbon(page19).

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoacoupe.Topwith1ounceofsparklingwineandstirbriefly.Garnishwitharosemarysprig,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetopitcherandstir;alternatively,dividetheliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

PineconeCollinsEnvisionatall,refreshinglemonadetrickedoutwithallkindsofherbalaction—rosemaryhoney,gin,andpineyZirbenz,plusPeychaud’sbittersforahintofanise.Balancedandoh-sodrinkable.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesBeefeatergin¾ounceZirbenzStonePineLiqueur½ouncelemonjuice

½ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)*1dashPeychaud’sbitters2ouncesclubsodaRosemarysprig,forgarnishLemonwheel,forgarnish

*Withthatrosemaryhoney...TryDickoryDock(page9),EasyDoesIt(page89),andTheThinker(page152).

Combineallingredientsexceptclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheelandarosemarysprig,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatothepitcherandgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

AndamanIcedTeaBlackteaandwarmflavorslikecinnamonaregenerallypairedwithdarkerspirits,butwelovethisginned-upicedteawithahintofvelvetfalernum,aclove-ginger-almondliqueurusuallyusedintikidrinks.(Thegingerdoesneedtosteepovernight,butit’sasupersimpleprocess—idealtomakeinbigbatchesforaparty.)MAKES1DRINK1½ouncesBeefeatergin2ouncescinnamon-gingerblacktea(page

207)*½ouncelimejuice½ouncehoneysyrup(page199)¼ouncevelvetfalernum1dashorange

bitters1dashAngosturabitters3largemintsprigs,forgarnish

*Liketeaincocktails?TryHamiltonPunch(page166),Ikebana(page25),andIt’s4:00Somewhere(page24).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Garnishwiththreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

SumacAttackWelovethespicesumac,oftenusedinMiddleEasternandSouthAsiancuisineforitscitrusy,earthyqualities.Theypairperfectlywithgininthiscocktail,whilePeychaud’sbittersaddafascinatinganiseelement;it’sanerdydrinkforsure,butalsoaneasy,accessiblesour.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesPlymouthgin1ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice¾ouncesumacsyrup(page200)*2dashesgrapefruitbitters1dashPeychaud’sbittersHalf-moonslice

grapefruit,forgarnishFennelfrond,forgarnish

*Nowthatyou’vemadesumacsyrup:TrySumacCollins(page13).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithagrapefruithalf-moonand,foraddedaromaandvisualappeal,afennelfrond.

RosewaterFizzThisdelicateeggwhitedrinkisallaboutthearomaticrosewater(availableatanymarketwithMiddleEasternorIndianproducts,oronline).Justmakesureyou’reprecise;toomuchrosewaterwillmakeanycocktailsmellandtastelikeperfume.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesPlymouthgin½ounceLilletRose*½ouncelemonjuice¾ouncehoneysyrup(page199)4dropsrosewater(pourontoa

barspoonandveryslowlytiltuntilonedropfalls,thenrepeat;oruseadropperbottle)1mediumeggwhite(approximately1ounce)2ouncesclubsoda

Edibleflower,forgarnish(optional)

*Likefloralcocktails?TryTheHillsAreAlive(page39),BlueRibbon(page19),Ikebana(page25),andSorrelSiren(page86).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithoutice.Shakevigorously,thenaddiceandshakeagainuntilwellchilled.Double-strainintoachilledtallglasswithouticeandtopwith2ouncesclubsoda.Garnishwithastrawand,ifyoucangetyourhandsonone,anedibleflower.

PROTIP

Afterstrainingthedrinkintotheglass,you’llhavesomefoam

clingingtothesidesoftheshaker.Fromthatyoucan

makerosewaterfoam.Dumptheicebutholdontotheshaker.Putonedropof

rosewaterintothebottomoftheshaker.Slowlypourclubsoda(notmorethananounce)downtheinsidewallsoftheshakertocollectthoseeggwhiteproteinsinthebottom.Nowyou’vegotrose-scentedfoam;after

finishingthecocktailwithclubsoda,youcancarefullyspoonrosewaterfoamontopforatallerhead,amoredramaticlook,andanextrahitofrose

aroma.

TheDiplomatOntheirown,gin,Campari,andlemonareallalittleabrasive—herbal,bitter,andsour,respectively.Butaddaneggwhite(andalittlesugar)andeverythingchanges.Bymellowingalltheseflavorsandcontributingasilkytexture,you’vegotadrinkwhereeveryelementplaystogethernicely;considertheeggwhiteameasureofdiplomacy.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesPlymouthgin¾ounceCampari*¾ouncelemonjuice½ouncesimplesyrup1mediumeggwhite

(approximately1ounce)1dashorangebitters

*AllabouttheCampari?TryFrozenNegroni(page42),LuckyinKentucky(page135),andColdinQuogue(page184).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithoutice.Shakevigorously,thenaddiceandshakeagainuntilwellchilled.Double-strainintoachilledcoupe.Nogarnish.

AppleSpiceAperfectexampleofhoweggwhitecancontributeasilky,luxurioustexturetoanycocktail.Theresulthereisonepartcreamyapplepie,onepartvibrantgindrink.Don’tskipthedotsofAngosturaontop,whichlendawarmspicethatcomplementsthecocktailperfectly.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesPlymouthgin1ounceapplecider¾ouncesimplesyrup½ouncelemonjuice1mediumeggwhite(approximately1ounce)*1dashAngosturabittersAppleslice,forgarnish

*Gettingthehangofeggwhite?TryTheDiplomat(page54)orTwotoTango(page148).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithoutice.Shakevigorously,thenaddiceandshakeagainuntilwellchilled.Double-strainintoachilledcoupe.DashafewdotsofAngosturabittersontopandgarnishwithasliceofapple.

G&T+ThenSomeIt’saginandtonic,yetit’snot—thissummer-friendlycocktailisjustaslikeableasyourclassicG&T,butitgetsaliftfromlimeandasophisticated,savoryelementfromdryfinosherry.Oleosaccharumisaclassictechniquewhereinyoumakeasyrupfromsugarandcitrusoils;ittakesalittleadvanceprepbutisn’tdifficultatall.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesBeefeatergin1ouncefinosherry½ouncelimejuice¼ouncelimeoleosaccharum(page204)*2ouncestonicLimewedge,forgarnish

*Gotthehangofoleosaccharum?TryTequilaSangria(page111)andBroadStreetPunch(page186).

Combineallingredientsexceptthetonicinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesoftonicandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalimewedge,squeezedintothecocktailbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthetonicasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addtonictopitcherandgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

Wantsomethingsimpler?GIN“SONIC”

Somefolksfindaclassicginandtonicjustalittletoosweet,buttodrinkginwithsodaalone,you’dbetterreallylikegin.Thisgin“Sonic”(partsoda,parttonic—atermwepickedupfromNikkaWhisky’sBlender’sBarinTokyo)strikesjusttherightbalance.

Combine1½ouncesBeefeatergin,1½ouncesclubsoda,and2ouncestonicinatallglasswithice.Squeezeinalimewedge,andgarnishwithalargesliceofcucumber,cutonthebias.

Berries&BubblesAfterwepickedahaulofsummerstrawberriesandblueberrieslastyear,wecovered’emwithgin,andtheresultsweresodeliciousit’sbecomeourfavoritesummercocktailbase.Justletberriessteepinthespiritovernight,thenstrain;you’vegotajuicygininfusionalmostgoodenoughtodrinkonitsown,butfarmorecompellingwithlemonandsparklingwine.(Ifyougarnishwithstrawberriesandblueberries,it’saperfectred-and-bluedrinkforyourFourthofJulyparty.)MAKES1DRINK1½ouncesberrygin(page198)1ouncelemonjuice¾ouncesimplesyrup1dashorangebitters2ouncessparklingwine

Lemonwheel,forgarnishStrawberriesand/orblueberries,forgarnishCombineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoacoupe.Topwith2ouncesofsparklingwine.Garnishwithalemonwheelandafewberries.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcherandstir;alternatively,dividetheliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

Sinceyou’vemadetheberrygin:It’sdeliciousinaTomCollins(1½ouncesberrygin,½ouncelemonjuice,½ouncesimplesyrupshaken,strainedintoatallglasswithice,toppedwithsoda).Ifyou’vegotLillet(orevenbetter,LilletRose)onhand,tryanevenlighterversion,cuttingtheginto1ounceandadding1ounceLillet.

RUMIfyou’reaccustomedtothinkingofrumasaspiritconfinedtothetropics—or,evenworse,aspiritalwaysspicedorcoconutscented—theideaofruminclassycocktailsmightsoundodd.Butthere’sawholeworldofsugarcane-basedspirits,fromcrispdaiquiri-friendlyCubanrumstofunky,unpredictableJamaicanrums,torum-likespiritsthataren’tcalledrumatall,liketheBraziliansugarcane-basedspiritCachaça.

NoreasterFarmorecomplexthanasimplehighballhasanyrighttobe,thisdrinktakesabout30secondstomake—pourrum,cider,andgingerbeeroverice,andyou’rebasicallydone.Alltheseflavors,plussomeAngosturabitters,cometogetherforadrinkthat’swarmingandrichyetfullyrefreshing.DarkandStormyfans,giveitatry.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel2ounceshardcider*2ouncesgingerbeer3dashesAngosturabittersLimewedge,forgarnish

*Likehardciderindrinks?TryLuckyinKentucky(page135),KicktheSafe(page140),andRye&Cider(page128).

Combineallingredientsinatallglasswithiceandstirgentlytocombine.Garnishwithalargelimewedge,squeezedintothedrinkandthenaddedtotheglass.

Foracrowd:Ensurethehardciderandgingerbeerarewellchilled.Inapitcherwithice,combineallingredientsandstir;thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

HotCider-edRumColdNovembereveningsprettymuchdemandthishotdrink,essentiallyasophisticatedspikedapplecider.Withtheadditionofmapleandcinnamon,itbringstomindapplepieorpecanpie—comfortingascanbe.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel3ouncesfreshapplecider*¼ouncemaplesyrup1dashAngosturabitters3allspiceberries,forgarnishCinnamonstick,forgarnish3thinslices

apple,forgarnish

*Gotleftovercider?TryAppleSpice(page55)andSweaterWeather(page151).

Heatcideronthestovetoporinmicrowaveuntilit’sclosetoboiling.Pourintoaheatproofglassandstirintherum,maplesyrup,andAngosturabitters.Garnishwiththreeallspiceberries,acinnamonstick,andthreethinslicesofapple.

Foracrowd:Justmakealargerbatchonthestovetop.Heatciderasabove,thenstirtheremainingingredientsintotheciderdirectly;pourintoglassesandgarnishasdirected.

PROTIP

Unlikeelsewhereinthebookwherewecallfor“honeysyrup”or“agavesyrup”dilutedwith

water,herewe’rejustusingmaplesyrupstraightfromthe

bottle.

RumDiggityMosthottoddiesincludeabigpourofhotwater;they’restillboozydrinks,butdilutedquiteabit.Notsothisfellow.We’reusingjustalittlebitofwaterhere,andtheresultisessentiallyahotrumOldFashioned—anycomplaints?Wethoughtnot.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesDiplomaticoReservaExclusiva½ouncerawsugarsyrup(page199)¼ouncewater

1dashAngosturabittersThinlemonwheel,forgarnish

*Needmorewarmingdrinks?TryHotCider-edRum(page63)andCranberryToddy(page161).

Stiringredientstogetherinasmallsaucepanandwarmoverlowheatuntiljuststeaming,about3to5minutes.Placealemonwheelinthebottomofaheatproofglassandpourthecocktailovertop.

Foracrowd:Justmakealargerbatchonthestovetop;thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

PROTIP

Sincealcoholevaporatessoreadily,thesteamonthisdrinkwillbeeye-wateringlyboozy;letthefirststeamblowoffbefore

youstickyournoseinit.

TheHangoverForthosemornings—we’veneverhadone,wejusthearrumors—whenyou’redesperatetorehydratebutwon’tturndownalittlehairofthedog,givethiscocktailatry:abigdoseofcoconutwater,orangejuice,andsomefunkyJamaicanruminthebackground.(Alsomakesagreatpoolsidepunch,beachdrink,younameit.)MAKES1DRINK1½ouncesAppletonEstateSignatureBlend3ouncescoconutwater*½ouncelemonjuice½ounceorangejuice½ouncesimplesyrup1dashAngosturabittersOrangewheel,forgarnish

*Freshandcoconut-y?TryPuttheGrogintheCoconut(page79)andTheLiggett(page97).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithathinorangewheelwedgedrightinthetopoftheglass.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv),butuseacontainerlargerthan1quartforshaking.

ARealDaiquiriNococktailisquitesomisunderstoodasthedaiquiri—asimpleshakeofrum,lime,andsugar,notthesicklysweetfrozenconcoctionsyou’vesurelysippedbyapoolsomewhere.It’saproudclassiconitsown,buteasytoriffon,too.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBrugalExtraDryrum*1ouncelimejuice¾ouncesimplesyrupLimewedge,forgarnish

*Getalittlemoreadventurous:Withthenexttwodrinks...

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalimewedge,squeezedinbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Pear-GingerDaiquiriStore-boughtpearnectarsjustcan’tcomparetomuddlinguptherealthing.Matchitwithgingerandyou’vegotanautumnal(butstillrefreshing)daiquiri.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBrugalExtraDryrum1ouncelemonjuice¾ouncehoneysyrup(page199)1dashFeeBrothersaromaticbitters¼

d’Anjoupear(approximately50g),cutintoseveralpieces,plusseveralthinslicesforgarnish*

1roundpeeledgingerroot,½-inchthick(10g)

*Likingthepear-gingercombo?TryEastAsianCollins(page46).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlegingeruntilwellsmashed,thenaddpearandmuddlefurther.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithseveralthinslicesofpear,fannedoutononesideoftheglass.

Strawberry-BasilDaiquiriIf“strawberrydaiquiri”makesyouthinkoftallpinkslushies,thisadultversionwillchangeyourmind.Thoughfreshandfruity,it’snotoverlysweet,withthebasilasaperfectcomplementtotheberries.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBrugalExtraDryrum¾ouncelimejuice½ouncesimplesyrup1dashorangebitters3strawberries

(approximately48g),destemmedandquartered,plus½strawberryforgarnish*

5basilleaves(approximately5g),torninhalfasaddedtoshaker,plus1sprigforgarnish

*Allaboutberries?TryBerries&Bubbles(page57),Shrub-a-Dub(page21),Raz-Monte(page44),andRyeCreekCup(page146).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlestrawberries.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithhalfastrawberryandabasilsprig,clappedbetweenyourhandsbeforeaddingtothedrink.

TheCaipirinhaThenationaldrinkofBrazil,theCaipirinhaissimilartothemargaritaorthedaiquiri(booze,lime,andsugar).Whileyoucanuselimejuiceforacaipirinha,themoretraditionalmethodis,inoureyes,morefun—muddlethelimeandsugar,pouronboozeandice.(What’smore,muddlingreleaseslimeoilsfromthepeel,whichaddweightandtexture.)Sosimple,partyguestscanmaketheirown.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesAvuáPratacachaça1lime,halved,theneachhalfcutinquarterstomakeeighths*½ouncesimplesyrup1teaspoonrawsugar

*Likesimplelimedrinks?TryARealDaiquiri(page66),TrulyGreatFrozenMargarita(page95),andBasilGimlet(page33).

Inthebottomofarocksglass,muddlesixlimeeighths,simplesyrup,andrawsugartogether.Addcachaçaandicetotheglassandstirbriefly.Nogarnishneeded.

PROTIP

Anumberofpremiumcachaçashavehitthemarketinrecent

years,butAvuáisfarandawayourfavorite.

PassionFruitCaipirinhaWhileweoftenpreferfreshfruitincocktails,passionfruitisatotalpain,astheflavorfulmembranesclingtotheseeds.Butsincewelovetheflavor,we’vedevisedawork-around.Thispassionfruitjuice“cocktail”isn’t100%fruit,butabsolutelycapturesthefruit’svividcharacter,whichwe’repunchingupwithcachaça,lime,andsugar.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesAvuáPratacachaça½lime,cutinquarters¾ounceGoyaPassionFruitCocktail*

½ouncesimplesyrup

*Gotextrapassionfruitjuice?TryPassionFruitFrozenMargarita(page96).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlethelimepieces.Addremainingingredientsandasmallamountoficeandshakevigorously.Pour,iceandall,intoarocksglass,addingmoreicetofilltheglassifnecessary.Nogarnishneeded.

ProfessionalDrinkerStepfootontheislandofBarbadosandtherewillbearumpunchinyourhandwithinthehour.Whilesomecanbesticky-sweetwithfruitjuice,wekeepourssimpler:darkrumfromtheisland’sownMountGaydistillery;limeandgrapefruit;lotsofAngosturabitters,fromneighboringTrinidad;andvelvetfalernum,aBarbados-madesyrupcommonintikidrinks,withflavorsofalmond,lime,andclove.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel½ouncelimejuice¼ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice½ouncevelvetfalernum¼ouncesimplesyrup5dashesAngosturabitters5dashesgrapefruitbittersFreshlygrated

nutmeg,forgarnishLimewheel,forgarnish

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithfreshlygratednutmeg,alimewheel,andanumbrella,becauseeveryonelikesanumbrella.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

Wantsomethingsimpler?DARKRUMDAIQUIRI Liketheideaofdarkrumand

freshcitrusbutinanevensimplercocktail?Trythisversionofadarkrumdaiquiri,madecomplexwithplentyofAngosturabitters.

Combine2ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel,1ouncelimejuice,½ouncerawsugarsyrup,and3dashesAngosturabittersinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglasswith

freshice.Garnishwithalimewheel.

TrueCourseWelikepowerfuldark-spiritdrinksthatstillhavealittlecitrustobrightenthemup;thissourisallaboutrumandspice,withginger,allspice,nutmeg,andAngosturabittersallplayingnicelytogether.Ginger-basedspiritTheKing’sGingeristhetruesecretingredient.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel½ounceTheKing’sGinger*½ouncelemonjuice¼ounceallspicedram*¼ouncerawsugarsyrup(page199)1dashAngosturabittersFreshlygratednutmeg,forgarnish

*TheKing’sGingerisn’taliqueur;it’safullyfledgedspirit,asboozyasvodkaorrum,andnotsweetlikeliqueurscanbe.Trystirring1½ouncesTheKing’sGingertogetherwith4ouncessoda,overice,withalimewedgesqueezedin—it’stoosimpletocallacocktail,butgingerfans,you’llloveit.

*Allaboutallspice?TryMaximilian(page105),ColadeLeon(page120),andRumFlip(page88).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithfreshlygratednutmeg.

SmoothOperatorRumdrinkscanbeeverybitassophisticatedastheirwhiskey-basedcounterparts,especiallywhenyou’reworkingwithagreatrumlikeMountGayBlackBarrel.AboozyManhattan-stylecocktailthatunitesdarkrum,rich-nuttyolorososherry,andtheamaroRamazzotti—plusalittlehitofBénédictineforanherballift.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel½ounceRamazzotti½ounceolorososherry*

¼ounceBénédictineBrandiedcherry,forgarnish

*Witholorososherryonhand...TryClove&Sherry(page154),Everyone’sInvited(page172),andPineappleOlorosoCobbler(page191).Orjustdrinkitwellchilled.

CombineallingredientsotherthantheBénédictineinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Dropabrandiedcherryinthebottomoftheglass,andgentlypourintheBénédictine.

PROTIP

Ramazzottiisarich,caramelyItalianamarothat’srootyandearthyandalmostremindsusofrootbeer.It’sperfectasanafter-dinnerdigestivo,servedeitherneatoroverafewice

cubes.

MalagueñaOneofthosedrinksthat’smorethanthesumofitsparts,theMalagueñaisanOldFashioned–likesipperthat’ssophisticatedandbittersweet,withorangenotesfromtheAmaroMontenegroandaflamedorangegarnish.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel*½ounceAmaroMontenegro¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)1dashorangebitters3dashesAngosturabittersOne1-to1½-inchroundorangepeel,for

garnish

*Rich,dark,andstirred?TryMaximilian(page105),BrickHouse(page155),SakuraSeason(page136),ForgingAhead(page133),andThat’sBananas(page137).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(oronelargeicecube).Garnishwithaflamedorangepeelandaddpeeltococktailburntsideup.(Ifnotdoingflamedorangetwist,garnishwitha1-to1½-inchroundoforangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.)

PROTIP

MountGayBlackBarrelworksverywellforthisdrink,but

MountGayXOisevenbetter.

Howtoflameanorangepeel!Cuta1-to1½-inchroundoforangepeel.Lightamatchandletitburndowntothewood.Holdtheorangepeel,coloredskinsidefacingdown,overthesurfaceofthecocktail,andholdthelitmatchjustunderit.Squeezethepeel,spritzingcitrusoilstowardthecocktailandthroughtheflame;doitright,andthoseoilswillignite.

HavanaDaiquiriAnytouristtoCubawillfindthemselvespresentedwithfrozendaiquiris,manyofwhichhaveadoseofmaraschinocherryliqueur.Inourversion,we’reoptingforthegoodstuff—LuxardoMaraschino.Whileyoucan’tbuytheCubanrumHavanaClubintheStates(thanks,tradeembargo),youcaninvirtuallyanyothercountry,andit’sperfectlylegaltopickupabottleatDutyFreeandbringitback.Butanotherwhiterumwilldojustfine.

MAKES6TO8COCKTAILS

8ouncesBrugalExtraDryrum(orHavanaClub3Year,ifyoucangetit)4ounceslimejuice

2ouncesLuxardoMaraschinoliqueur2ouncessimplesyrupLimewheel,forgarnishMaraschinocherry,forgarnish

*Stillfeelingslushy?TryFrozenNegroni(page42)andTrulyGreatFrozenMargarita(page95).

Combineallingredientsinablenderwith8cupsofice(1,000g).Blenduntilveryslushy.Pourintoglassesandgarnishwithalimewheelandamaraschinocherryrightfromthebrightredjar.*

MaiTai’dIfyouorderaMaiTaianywhereotherthanadedicatedtikibar,youmaygetanimprovisedconcoctionofjuicesandrumsandmaybeevenaneon-redsplashofgrenadine.Thisdrinkhasbeenremademoretimesthananyonecancount.Buttheoriginalversionissimple:rum,lime,thealmondsyruporgeat,andtheorangeliqueurCuraçao.OurversionaddsgrapefruitforalittlecontrastandplentyofAngosturabitters,rum’sbestfriend.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesAppletonEstateSignatureBlend*¼ounceCointreau½ouncelimejuice½ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice

½ounceorgeat¼ouncesimplesyrup3dashesAngosturabittersStrawberriesand

cherries,forgarnish

*LikingfunkyJamaicanrum?TryManOverboard(page85),TheHangover(page65),andPuttheGrogintheCoconut(page79).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(ideallycrushedorpelletice).Havefunwiththegarnish—strawberriesandcherries,strawsorumbrellas,andmaybeaplasticmonkey.

MutinyontheBountyTikidrinksareknownfortheirover-the-topgarnishesandservingware—aZombieinapineapple-shapedmug,anyone?—butthebesttikidrinksaredefinedbyintricate,layeredflavors:fruity,spiced,herbal;somewithonerum,somewiththree.Here’sanentirelyoriginaltiki-inspireddrinkforyou,featuringpineappleandspicedrum,whichtogetherhaveadesserty,almostcaramelized-tastingcharacter—allsetagainstherbalChartreuseandthenuttyalmondsyruporgeat.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceMountGayBlackBarrel1ounceTheKrakenBlackSpicedRum1ouncepineapplejuice*

¾ounceorgeat½ouncegreenChartreuse2dashesFeeBrothersaromaticbitters,plus1dashfortoppingThinslice

pineapple,forgarnish

*Ilikepineapple,butthisiswaytoocomplicated:TryPineappleOlorosoCobbler(page191).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice(ideallycrushediceorpelletice).Addonemoredashofaromaticbittersontop,andgarnishwithasliceofpineappleandastraw.

PuttheGrogintheCoconut“Grog”mightbetheleast-specificcocktailwordthereis,butinourmind,it’sanythingyoucanimagineapiratedrinking:rummy,juicy,deceptivelystrong.Andbecauseinthetikiworldlessisnotmore,we’reservingthisdrinkinasweetyoungcoconut(availableatmanyCaribbeanorSoutheastAsiansupermarkets).Coconutwaterfromthesecoconutsisfullflavoredandtoasty;eventhoughthere’snoneinthecocktailitself,itsflavorstillseepsin.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesAppletonEstateSignatureBlend1ounceBrugalExtraDryrum½ouncelimejuice

½ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice¾ouncecinnamonhoney(page201)2dashesAngosturabitters

1youngcoconut,forserving

*Otherdrinksforthatcoconutwater?TryTheHangover(page65)andTheLiggett(page97).

Topreparecoconut:Withaheavykitchenknife,cutoffthetipofthecoconut,exposingtheinterior.Drainthecoconutwater(don’tdiscard,it’sdelicious!).Usingkitchenshears,enlargetheopening:cutstraightoutwardfromthecenterabout1½inches,andthencutinafullcircle,expandingtheopeningandcreatinga“cup.”Fillthecoconutwithcrushediceforserving.*

Combineallotheringredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintothepreparedcoconut.Servewithastrawand,ifyouwant,anumbrella.

DrinkingintheSun

BackPorchPunchCucumberandbasilareano-brainerforsummerdrinks,andlightrumandlimemakeforaneasy-drinkingbackdrop.Apitcherofthisonasummerafternoondisappearsfasterthanyou’llthinkpossible,somakeextra.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesBrugalExtraDryrum¾ouncelimejuice½ouncesimplesyrup3basilleaves(approximately3g),torninhalfastheyareaddedto

shaker,plus1additionalleafforgarnishOne2-inchsegmentofcucumber,cutinseveralpieces(80grams),plus

1sliceforgarnish1dashgrapefruitbitters

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlecucumber,thenaddtheremainingingredientsandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithabasilleaf,clappedbetweenyourhandsbeforeaddingtothedrink,andasliceofcucumber.

Foracrowd:Usethe“BlenderMethod”(pagexv).

Light,alittleherbal,easy-drinking?TryBasilGimlet(page33),RightSideoftheBed(page15),G&T+ThenSome(page56),Tan-Gin-Rine(page48),PineconeCollins(page50),andRosemaryMonte(page192).

MustangEveryonelovesaDark&StormywithGosling’sBlackSealrumandgingerbeer,butwe’vetakentherum-gingerpairingandrunwithit:darkrum,limejuice,freshginger,andabigpouroflong-agedMountGayXOrumontop.You’vegottodrinkthroughthefloattogettothecocktail,sothisdrinkstartsoutboozyandendsupfreshandspicyfromtheginger.Abigupgrade,inourmind,fromthetwo-ingredientclassic.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel1ouncelimejuice½ouncegingerjuice(page206)*½ouncesimplesyrup½ounceMountGayXO2ouncesFever-TreegingerbeerLimewheel,forgarnish

*Soundsfun,butI’mnotmakinggingerjuice:TryNoreaster(page62).

CombineallingredientsexceptthegingerbeerandMountGayXOinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofgingerbeerandstirbriefly.FloatMountGayXOontop:placeabarspoononthesurfaceofthecocktailandcarefullypourrumontoit,suchthatalayerfloatsontop.Garnishwithalimewheel.

Foracrowd:CombineallingredientsexcepttheMountGayXOandgingerbeerasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addgingerbeertothepitcherandstirbriefly.Pourintosixglasses,floatMountGayXOontop,andgarnishasdirected.

PROTIP

YoucanjustfloatmoreMountGayBlackBarrelontop,ratherthantheXO—butathickfloatofthelonger-agedrumisprettykiller.Andwhicheverrumyou’reusing,½ounceisagoodstart,butmoredoesn’texactlyhurt.

RumShrubSweet-tartfruitshrubs(seepage21)aresufficientlycomplexthattheydon’tneedmuchdressingupforagreatcocktail.Darkrum,shrub,andgingeraleisaclassic;thevanillaaccentsofdarkrumandthetart,juicystrawberryshrubareanovelanddeliciouscombination.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesMountGayBlackBarrel1½ouncesstrawberryshrub(page207)*2ouncesgingeraleStrawberry,forgarnish

*Withthatshrub...TryShrub-a-Dub(page21)andShrub&Soda(page193).

Combineallingredientsinawineglassoverice(ideallycrushediceorpelletice)andstir.Garnishwithastrawberryandastrawortwo.(It’snicetoshare.)

Foracrowd:Inapitcherwithice,combineallingredients,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

ManOverboardLiketheMaiTai,“Planter’sPunch”isofteninterpretedas“Whateverfruitjuicesyouwanttopourintosomerum.”Buttheoriginalversionissimplerandfarlesssweet—justJamaicanrum,lime,andgrenadine.Ourowngrenadine(page203)isflavoredwithwarmspicesandorange,whichtogetherworkbeautifullywiththefunkyrumandAngosturabitters.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesAppletonEstateSignatureBlend¾ouncelimejuice¾ouncegrenadine(page203)*3dashesAngosturabittersLimewheel,forgarnishFreshlygratednutmeg,forgarnish

*Withthatgrenadine...TryColtsNeck(page174)andTheSantaAnas(page120).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalimewheel,freshlygratednutmeg,andanumbrella(becauseyoucan).

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

PROTIP

WeloveAppletonEstate

SignatureBlend,butifyoucangetyourhandsonthebrand’s12-yearrum,it’sevenbetter.

SorrelSirenWegetsoexcitedforhibiscusincocktails:itsvividpurplehue,itsutterlyunique,floral-tartflavor.Luckily,driedhibiscusflowersaresoldatmanyspiceshopsandonline,andtheirflavorcomesacrossbeautifullyinasyrup.Darkrumaddsawarmbase,andmintaddsalittlefreshness,makingthisaseductivecocktailforsure.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesAppletonEstateSignatureBlend1ouncelimejuice½ouncehibiscussyrup(page200)*10mintleaves(approximately2.5g),torninhalfbeforebeingaddedto

theshaker,plus3largemintsprigsforgarnish1dashorangebitters1dashAngosturabittersLimewheel,forgarnish

*Isn’thibiscusamazing?TryHibiscusMargarita(page109),orjusttry¾ounceofhibiscussyrupin5ouncesofsparklingwinewithaquickstirandalimewedgesqueezedin.

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalimewheelandthreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

RumFlipThoughperhapsnotaneverydaydrink,the“flip,”madewithawholeegg,isatrulydeliciouscreature.Withdarkrum’srichnotesoftoffeeandvanilla,backedupbybourbonandallspicedram,thisrumflipiscreamyandappealingalmostinthemannerofaneggnog(orameltedrum-raisinicecream).Aswithaneggwhite,workingwithawholeeggisn’tdifficult,butmakesureyoureggisfreshwithoutanyoffaromas,anddry-shakebeforethewetshake(page13).

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceDiplomaticoReservaExclusivadarkrum1ouncebourbon1ouncehalf-and-half¾ouncesimplesyrup¼ounceallspicedram2

dashesAngosturabitters1wholeeggFreshlygratednutmeg,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinacocktail

shakerwithoutice.Shakevigorously,thenaddiceandshakeagainuntilwellchilled.Double-strainintoarocksglasswithoutice.Garnishwithfreshlygratednutmeg.

Moreafter-dinnerdrinks?TryIrishExit(page149)andOneKissatMidnight(page143).Orjust2ouncesofdarkrum,servedneat.

PartofaCompleteBreakfastOneofourfavoritebrunchdrinksofalltime—freshandfragranthoneydew,distinctivecardamom,andwarmingPimm’salltogether.Yes,it’salittlecomplicated.(Turntopage194fortheHoneydewBelliniifyou’rejustafteralighthoneydewdrink.Thendropanounceofruminitifyou’resoinclined.)MAKES1DRINK1ounceBrugalExtraDryrum½ouncePimm’sNo.11ouncehoneydewjuice(page205)¼ouncelemonjuice½ouncecardamomsyrup(page202)1dashorangebitters1ounceclub

sodaLemonwheel,forgarnishThinslicehoneydew,forgarnishCombineall

ingredientsotherthantheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Topwith1ounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheelandathinhoneydewslice.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatothepitcherandstirbriefly.Garnishasdirected.

AGAVEBynowwehopeyou’veheardthenews:tequilaisn’tjustforshotswithlimeandsalt.It’sacomplexspiritaswellsuitedtoclever,complicatedconcoctionsastosimplemargaritas.Andwe’rejustasfondofitssimilarlyagave-basedcousin,smoky,earthymezcal.

TEQUILA

MargaritasforaCrowdWhilewehavedozensofpartydrinksinourarsenal,themargaritaissurelyamongthebest.Ifyou’vegotablender,frozenmargaritas(page119)areaspartyfriendlyasitgets.Butifyoupreferthemontherocks?Thenyouhavetwochoices.

Theclassicformulaistequila,lime,andorangeliqueur.What’sknownasaTommy’sMargarita(andsometimesorderedas,andthisisnotourterm,a“skinnymargarita”)forgoesorangeliqueurinfavorofagaveforadrinkthat’slighterandcrisper.Botharestraightforwardtomake,andbotharetasty—aslongasyouusefreshlimejuice.Ifyou’rethrowingaparty,conscriptafriendforjuicing.Whowouldn’twanttotakecreditforthemargaritas?

MAKES6DRINKS

Classic

12ouncesblancotequila6ounceslimejuice6ouncesorangeliqueur(Cointreaurecommended)Limewheels,for

garnishCombineingredientsina1-quartsealablecontainerandshakehard.Pourintoa2-quartpitcherover4cupsofice(500g);thedrinkwillbesufficientlychilledanddilutedwithin10minutes.(Tomakeahead,combineallingredientsina1-quartsealablecontainer,refrigerateuntilreadyforuse,andthen,whenyou’rereadytoserve,shakehardandstirovericeinthesamemanner.)Toserve,stirbrieflytoreincorporateingredients,pourintoglasseswithmoreice,andgarnishwithlimewheels.

Tommy’s

12ouncesblancotequila6ounceslimejuice4½ounceslightagavesyrup(page199)Limewheels,forgarnish

Combineingredientsina1-quartsealablecontainerandshakehard.Pourintoa2-quartpitcherover4cupsofice(500g);thedrinkwillbesufficientlychilledanddilutedwithin10minutes.(Tomakeahead,combineallingredientsina1-quartsealablecontainer,refrigerateuntilreadyforuse,andthen,whenyou’rereadytoserve,shakehardandstirovericeinthesamemanner.)Toserve,stirbrieflytoreincorporateingredients,pourintoglasseswithmoreice,andgarnishwithlimewheels.

TrulyGreatFrozenMargaritaWhilethereareplentyofbadfrozenmargaritasoutthere,theideaisprettyperfect,right?Andwhilethisversionmayrequireafewmoresteps(namely,squeezinglimejuice)thanapremademix,theresultsareinfinitelysuperior.*

MAKES6TO8DRINKS

8ouncesblancotequila4ounceslimejuice3ounceslightagavesyrup(page199)Limewheels,forgarnish

*Let’sdressitupalittle:Readonforpassionfruitandmango.

*Idon’thaveablender:TryMargaritasforaCrowd(page94).

Combineallingredientsinablenderwith8cupsofice(1,000g).Blenduntilveryslushy.Pourintoglassesandgarnishwithalimewheel.*

MangoFrozenMargaritaEvenfruityfrozenmargaritasdon’thavetobesupersweet;addfreshmangoorpassionfruitjuiceforslushydrinksthatpickuptonsofflavorwithoutendinguptoocloying.

MAKES6TO8DRINKS

8ouncesblancotequila4ounceslimejuice3ounceslightagavesyrup(page199)1½mangos,skinnedandsliced

(approximately450g),plusseveralthinsliversforgarnishLimewheel,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinablenderwith8cupsofice(1,000g).Blenduntilveryslushy.Pourintoglassesandgarnishwithalimewheelandseveralthinslicesofmango,fannedoutoveronesideoftheglass.

PassionFruitFrozenMargarita

MAKES6TO8DRINKS

8ouncesblancotequila4ounceGoyaPassionFruitCocktail2ounceslimejuice

3ounceslightagavesyrup(page199)4dashesorangebittersLimewheels,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinablenderwith8cupsofice(1,000g).Blenduntilveryslushy.Pourintoglassesandgarnishwithalimewheel.

TheLiggettHadaroughnight?Here’sthedrinktowakeyouupagain.Likealightermargaritawithcoconutwaterandclubsoda—sorehydrating,it’salmosthealthy,right?

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesblancotequila*2ouncescoconutwater¾ouncelimejuice½ouncesimplesyrup2ouncesclubsodaLimewedge,forgarnish

*Similardrinkbutwithrum?TryTheHangover(page65).

*IthinkI’maftersomethingalittleweirder:TryFrosty’sRevenge(page121).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalimewedge,squeezedintothedrink.*

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatothepitcherandstirbriefly.Garnishasdirected.

HellofromJerezWe’reoftheopinionthatfinosherryisamagicalcocktailingredient—drierthanthedriestwhitewine,superlively,andalittlesavory.It’sadreamtomixwithwhenyou’relookingtolightenupacocktail,helpingthistequila-grapefruit-limedrinkbecomefreshandsummerfriendly.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesblancotequila1ouncefinosherry¾ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice½ouncelimejuice¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)1dashorangebittersLimewheel,forgarnishHalf-moonslicegrapefruit,forgarnish

*Morecrazy-refreshingcitrusydrinks?TryTheHangover(page65),TheLiggett(page97),ElRebujito(page11),TequilaSangria(page111),andBroadStreetPunch(page186).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalimewheelandahalf-moonsliceofgrapefruit.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

BackbiterTequilacanholditsownagainstsomanystrongflavors,likegingerspiritTheKing’sGingerandagooddoseofgrapefruitjuice;pouredtallwithsoda,thisoneisbothrefreshingandcomplex.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceblancotequila1ounceTheKing’sGinger*1ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice½ouncelimejuice¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)2dashesorangebitters2ounces

clubsodaOrangeslice,forgarnish

*FanofTheKing’sGinger?TryTrueCourse(page72)andEastAsianCollins(page46),orjustdrinkitovericewithclubsodaandalime.

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithasliceoforange.

TheSky’sAflameIfyou’reaftersomethinglightandvibrantbutwithagooddoseofspice,thisgrapefruit-lime-tequilanumbermightdothetrick,withthespicy,smokychililiqueurAnchoReyestakingcenterstage.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesblancotequila1ounceAnchoReyes*½ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice½ouncelimejuice¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)1dashAngosturabitters1dash

grapefruitbittersHalf-moonslicegrapefruit,forgarnish

*LikingtheAnchoReyes?TryFrosty’sRevenge(page121).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithahalf-moonsliceofgrapefruit.

Keep’emComingJustadashofcelerybittersandabigcelerystickmighthaveyouthinkingthisbitterdrinkhasceleryjuiceinit,butthere’snojuicingnecessary.Withbitter,herbaceousCynar,slightlygrassyreposadotequila,andsweetvermouthtobalanceitout,it’sabone-dry,vegetalrefresherforwhenyouwantalightdrinkthat’snotsweetintheslightest.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesreposadotequila¾ounceCynar¾ouncesweetvermouth1dashcelerybitters*2ouncesclubsodaCelerystalk,forgarnish

*Refreshingbutbitter?TryMezcalAmargo(page117),AlpineAscent(page187),IlPompelmo(page183),andLuckyinKentucky(page135).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilwellchilled,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithacelerystalk.

AñejoOldFashioned*Whilelight,dynamicblancotequilaisidealformargaritasandtheirilk,agedañejotequila,pickingupcolorandflavorfromitsbarrelaging,behavesmorelikeadarkrumorwhiskey—whichmakesitperfectforthisOldFashioned.Insteadofsugartosweetenjustatouch,we’regoingwithtequila’snaturalcounterpart,agave,initsdarker,richerform;andinsteadofAngosturabitters,chocolate.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesañejotequila¼ouncedarkagavesyrup(page199)1dashorangebitters1dashFeeBrothersAztecchocolatebittersOne1-inchroundgrapefruitpeel,forgarnishOne3-to4-inchorangepeel,forgarnish

*LikeOldFashioneds?TryOldIrishman(page150),RumDiggity(page64),BrickHouse(page155),andAppleBrandyOldFashioned(page168).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(ideallyonelargeicecube).Spritza1-inchroundofgrapefruitpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

SpicyCucumberMargaritaIfyoulovespicymargaritas,oddsareyoureallylovespicymargaritas.Cucumberisacooling,calmingcountertotheheat,andifyoumuddlethejalapeñoandcucumbertogether,there’snoreasontoinfusetequila;justgrabyourmuddlerandgo.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesblancotequila1ouncelimejuice¾ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)Two½-inchcucumberslices(40g),quartered,plus1additionalslicefor

garnish*Threetofive¼-inchjalapeñoslices(withseeds;approximately9gto

15g),plus1additionalsliceforgarnish

*Cucumberfan?TryBackPorchPunch(page82)andRightSideoftheBed(page15).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlecucumberandjalapeño.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithasliceofcucumberandathinsliceofjalapeñoonaskewer.

PROTIP

Thespicinessofjalapeñoscanvarywidely.Generally,wefind

thatthree¼-inchjalapeñoslicesgiveapleasanttingle,whilefivegetthingsniceandhot.Butsincesomearespicier

thanothers,definitelysipbeforeyougulp.

Maximilian“Wow,thatdrinkwasgood,”wefoundourselvessaying—evenseveraldaysafterinventingtheMaximilian.NamedfortheAustrian-bornemperorofMexico(really,therewasone;lookitup!),thiscocktailjuxtaposesspiceandasharppineliqueurwithagedreposadotequila.Smoothbutintricate,onetosipandsavor.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesreposadotequila½ounceallspicedram¼ounceZirbenzStonePineLiqueur¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page

199)2dashesAngosturabittersOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnishBurntrosemarysprig,forgarnish

*Smooth,elegant,interesting?TryThat’sBananas(page137),AmariParty(page195),TheBackEdge(page167),andSmoothOperator(page73).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice,ideallyonelargeicecube.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail,aswellasaburntrosemarysprig(holdamatchunderneaththeherbuntilitjustsmokes,thenaddittothedrink).

RingMyBellBellpepperinacocktail?Itworks—justthinkofhowsweetandjuicyasliceofpepperonacruditeplattercanbe.Whenyoumuddleupyellowbellpepperwithjalapeñoandabigorangesliceforgoodmeasure,theresultisasuperfreshcocktailthat’sbrightandvibrant,justlikethebestmargaritas.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesblancotequila½ouncelimejuice½ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)¼ofaseededyellowbellpepper(approximately35g),cutintoseveral

pieces,plus1thinsliceforgarnish*One½-inch-thickhalf-moonsliceoforange(approximately40g),plus1

additionalhalf-moonsliceforgarnishThreetofive¼-inchjalapeñoslices(approximately9gto15g;seetipon

page103),plus1additionalthinsliceforgarnish

*Likedrinkingyourveggies?TrySpicyCucumberMargarita(page103),Keep’emComing(page101),andOaxaqueño(page122).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlebellpepper,jalapeño,andorange.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithabellpepperslice,ahalf-moonsliceoforange,andathinsliceofjalapeño.

WatermelonMargaritaIfmargaritasshouldbefresh,fruity,andeasy-drinking,thenthismightbetheperfectmargarita,maderefreshingwithplentyofwatermelonjuiceandjustalittlelimetoperkitup.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesblancotequila3ounceswatermelonjuice(page205)*½ouncelimejuice½ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)Limewheel,forgarnish3thinwatermelontriangles,forgarnish

*Moremelon:TryWhataMelon(page14),PartofaCompleteBreakfast(page89),andHoneydewBellini(page194).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalimewheelandthreethinwatermelontriangles.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

ElJardínOurfavoritecocktailsarestraightforwardbutstillhavealotgoingon.Here’saperfectexample:acocktailthatdrinkslikeamargarita,butwithaddeddepthfromagedtequilaandanherbalcharacterfrombasilandChartreuse,backedupbyginger.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesreposadotequila½ounceyellowChartreuse½ouncelemonjuice

¼ouncegingerjuice(page206)¼ouncesimplesyrup3basilleaves(approximately3g),torninhalfbeforebeingaddedtoshaker,plus1additionalleafforgarnish1dashcelerybitters3dashesaromaticbittersCombineallingredientsexceptthearomaticbittersinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithabasilleaf,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink,andadd3dashesofaromaticbittersoverthetop.

Herbal,complex,andalittlecitrusy?TryPineconeCollins(page50),BasilDaiquiri(page33),Tan-Gin-Rine(page48),Gin,Gingerly(page47),andTheHillsAreAlive(page39).

HibiscusMargaritaTartandpunchyhibiscusshinesinacrisp,cleanmargarita.It’sabrightpurpledrinkthatalmosttastespurple.Inagoodway.Andourhibiscussyrupcouldn’tbesimpler.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesblancotequila1ouncelimejuice½ouncehibiscussyrup(page200)*3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,forgarnishLimewheel,forgarnishHalf-moonslicegrapefruit,forgarnish

*Withthehibiscussyrup,trySorrelSiren(page86),or¾ouncehibiscussyrupstirredinto5ouncesofsparklingwinewithalimewedgesqueezedin.

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Spritza3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrink,anddiscard.Garnishwithalimewheelandahalf-moonsliceofgrapefruit.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

PalomaPicanteAclassicPalomaisjusttequilaandgrapefruitsoda,andtruestory:it’sdelicious.Butit’sreallydeliciouswithspicytequila,freshgrapefruitjuice,andsoda.Tofancyitupjustalittlemore,mixupourcayenne-limesalttorimtheglasses.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesspicytequila(page198)1ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice¼ouncelimejuice¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)2ouncesclubsodaHalf-moonslicegrapefruit,forgarnish

Saltforrim:Stirtogether1tablespoonsalt,¼teaspooncayennepepper,⅛teaspoonwhitesugar,and¼teaspoongratedfreshlimezest.

Prepareglass:Moistenthetopoutside½inchofatallglassusingalimewedge,andpressintothesaltmixture.Useapapertoweltoremoveanyexcesssaltfromtheinsideoftheglass.Setaside.

Combineallingredientsotherthantheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintothepreparedglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithahalf-moonsliceofgrapefruit.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatopitcherandstirbriefly.Garnishasdirected.

Wantsomethingsimpler?JUICYPALOMA Notafterthatmuchspice?Trythis

evensimplerversion,whichrequiresneithershakingnorinfusing,butusesfreshgrapefruitjuicetocontributerealcitrusflavor.

Combine1½ouncesblancotequila,1ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice,and3ouncesgrapefruitsodainatallglasswithice.(Withasaltedrim,ifyoulike!)Stirbrieflyandgarnishwithahalf-moonsliceofgrapefruit.

TequilaSangriaSangriacangetabadrapwhenit’sjustsweetwine,sweetjuice,andbottom-shelfbooze,buttheideaofwine,spirit,andfruitisn’tbadatall.Sincewedon’twantthistotastelikeoversugaredfruitpunch,westartwithtwoofthedrierwinesoutthere—thesnappy,slightlyeffervescentVinhoVerdefromPortugal,andslightlysavoryfinosherry—withtheclassicpunchsweeteneroleosaccharum(sorryfortheLatin),asyrupmadefromsugarandcitrusoils.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesVinhoVerde1ouncefinosherry½ounceblancotequila¼ouncelemonjuice½ouncelemonoleosaccharum(page203)3raspberries(approximately

12g),plusmoreforgarnishLemonwheel,forgarnishInthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddleraspberries.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoawineglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalemonwheelandafewraspberries.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsinasealablequartcontainermultipliedbysix;ratherthanmuddletheraspberries,letthesangriasteepovernight.Shakewellandpourintopitcheroverice.Pourandserveasdirected.

Morelight,complexdaydrinks?TryG&T+ThenSome(page56),ElRebujito(page11),BroadStreetPunch(page186),andSherryCobbler(page188).

CocktailNerds

AgaveMariaTequilaisn’tjustformargaritas.InthislightertakeonaNegroni,we’reusingfloral,fragrantbiancovermouthandjuicyCappelletti—it’sgottheclassic’sbalanceofbitterandsweetbuttequila’sdistinctivebite.Yum.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesblancotequila1ouncebiancovermouth½ounceCappelletti1dashgrapefruitbittersOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnishCombine

allingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

LikeNegroni-esquedrinks?TryGoodOldBoy(page131),FrozenNegroni(page42),andCynarNegroni(page37).OrjustmakeaNegroniourfavoriteway:stir1½ouncesBeefeater,1ounceCampari,and1ouncesweetvermouthtogetheroverice;strainintoarocksglasswithfreshiceandgarnishwithabigorangetwist.

IntheDoghouseIfyou’reatruefanofspicytequila,enoughthatyoucouldalmostdrinkitstraight,giveitatryinthisquirkyManhattan.Thebotanicalsofdryvermouthandtherich,pineyqualityofAmaroBraulioworkperfectlywiththegrassinessoftequila;wefinishwithagrapefruitpeelforalittlehitofbittercitrus,whilethespicelingersbehind.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesspicytequila(page198)*¾ouncedryvermouth¾ounceAmaroBraulio*1dashgrapefruitbittersOne3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,forgarnishThinsliceserranochili,for

garnish

*Másspicytequila?TryPalomaPicante(page110)andFriendoftheDevil(page115).

*LikeAmaroBraulio?Pour1½ouncesoverice,add4ouncesclubsoda,andsqueezeinalemonwedge.

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithabias-cutsliceofserranochilianda3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

FriendoftheDevilOnpaper,thisdrinkmakesnosensewhatsoever—spicytequila,bitterCampari,andcoffee?Butthiscocktailissurprisinglycoherent—powerfulandaggressivebutintegratingbeautifully.It’sadrinkforthecocktailnerdsamongyou.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncespicytequila(page198)*1ounceCampari1ounceunsweetenedcoldbrew(madeathomeorstore-bought)¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)Coffeebeans,forgarnish

*Trustuswithsomemoreoddballtequiladrinks?TryAgaveMaria(page113),IntheDoghouse(page114),andMaximilian(page105).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithasprinkleoffreshcrackedcoffeebeans(whichcanbecrackedwithamuddlerinthebottomofashaker).

PROTIP

Wheneveryoushakeacocktailwithcoffee,yougetagreat,

frothyheadonthedrink—thickenoughtoholdupthesprinkle

ofcrackedcoffeebeans.

MEZCAL

MezcalMargaritaIfyou’reunfamiliarwithmezcal—thesmoky,earthycousintotequila—there’snobetterwaytogetstartedthanafamiliarmargarita.It’ssimpletomakeandagreatwaytoappreciatemezcal’suniquecharacterinafriendlybuttartanddrycocktail.Definitelyuseagavesyrupratherthanorangeliqueur;it’samuchbettermatch.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesmezcal*1ouncelimejuice½ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)Limewedge,forgarnish

*Okay,youlikemezcalnow?Readon...

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Squeezealimewedgeintothedrinkandaddittothecocktail.

MezcalAmargoOneofthemanygreatthingsaboutmezcal:itcanstanduptootheraggressiveflavors,likebitterredCampariandbittersweetgrapefruit.Adrinkwithabite,butnotanunpleasantone.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncemezcal1ounceCampari1ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice¼ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)1

dashgrapefruitbitters*½ounceclubsodaHalf-moonsliceruby-redgrapefruit,forgarnish

*Likedrinksalittlesour,alittlebitter?TryPresbo!(page141),TheDiplomat(page54),andtheTan-Gin-Rine(page48).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Topwith½ounceclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithahalf-moonsliceofrubyredgrapefruit.

TheSchemeOnceinawhile,weliketomuddlecitrusratherthanjuiceit;lemonoilfromtherinds,inthiscase,canaddanentirelydifferentscentandflavor.It’sagreatmatchforsmokymezcal,ginger,andalittleheat,thankstoBittermensHellfireHabaneroShrub.Smokeandspicetogether,withouteithertakingoverentirely.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesmezcal½ouncelightagavesyrup(page199)¼teaspoonBittermensHellfire

HabaneroShrub*One½-inchroundgingerroot(10g),peeled½lemon(approximately

70g),thehalfcutintoquarters,plus1additionalquarter-lemonforgarnishBlackpepper,forgarnish

*Nowthatyou’vegotHellfire:TryFirebird(page144)andOaxaqueño(page122).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlegingerhard,thenaddlemonandmuddlefurther.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithaquarter-lemon,squeezedintotheglass,andfreshlycrackedblackpepperoverthetop.

ColadeLeonBasedontheclassic“Lion’sTail,”heremezcalandallspiceliqueurcombineforawarm,smokycocktailthat’sperfectforfallbutversatileineveryseason.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesmezcal1ounceallspicedram¾ouncelimejuice1dashAngosturabitters*Limewheel,forgarnish

*Morewarm-spicesours:TryTrueCourse(page72),ProfessionalDrinker(page71),Clove&Sherry(page154),andWhiskeyRebel(page139).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalimewheel.

TheSantaAnasThelesser-knownclassicMexicanFiringSquadhastequila;weoptinsteadformezcal.Ourdistinctive,slightlyspicedgrenadineisaperfectmatch;despitethecomplexityitstillgoesdowneasy.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesmezcal¾ouncelimejuice¾ouncegrenadine(page203)*2dashesAngosturabitters2ouncesclubsodaLimewedge,forgarnish

*Gotgrenadine?TryManOverboard(page85)andColtsNeck(page174).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalimewedge,squeezedintothedrink.

Frosty’sRevengeAmarriageofunusualelements,here’sacuriouscocktailthat’sfullofsurprises:richcoconutmilk,smokymezcal,andalittleheatthankstoAnchoReyeschililiqueur.Plentyoffreshcoconutflavor,withsmokeandspiceyoudon’tseecoming—there’snothingquitelikeit.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesmezcal¾ouncecoconutmilk½ounceKalanicoconutliqueur*½ounceAnchoReyes¼ouncerawsugarsyrup(page199)Freshly

gratednutmeg,forgarnish

*Reallyintococonut?TryPuttheGrogintheCoconut(page79)andThaiMartini(page23).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithfreshgratednutmeg.

OaxaqueñoInspiredbytheflavorsoftejate,anOaxacandrinkwithcornandchocolate,aswellastheflavorsofMexicanstreetcorn,thiscocktailworksfromabaseoffreshcornmilk,alongwithmezcal,cinnamonhoney,andalittlebitofheat.Startsoutsuppleandjuicy,endswithatingleinthebackofyourthroat.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesmezcal*1¾ouncescornmilk(page206)¼ouncelimejuice¾ouncecinnamonhoney(page201)¼teaspoonBittermensHellfire

HabaneroShrub¼teaspoonFeeBrothersAztecchocolatebittersLimezest,forgarnish

*Otheradventurousmezcaldrinks:MezcalAmargo(page117),TheSantaAnas(page120),Frosty’sRevenge(page121),andTheScheme(page118).

Combineallingredientsexceptthechocolatebittersinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoawineglassoverfreshice(ideallycrushediceorpelletice).Dashchocolatebittersontop,andservewithashortstrawandfreshlygratedlimezest.

WHISKEYWhat’snottoloveaboutwhiskey?(Or,asit’sspelledifwe’retalkingScottishorJapanese,whisky.)Spicyrye,sweeterbourbon,subtleIrish,sophisticatedJapanese—welovethemallincocktails,everylastone.AndwhilethebestknownwhiskeydrinksareboozyManhattansandOldFashioneds,it’saversatilespirit,ascomfortableinfreshsummerdrinksasfiresidesippers.

Rye&CiderSomecocktailstakepreparationandskill;othersarejustpouringThingAintoThingB.Youcoulddrinkryeandciderseparately,forsure,butwethinkthey’rebetterasateam.Wealwayspreferadriercider,suchasCrispinCiderCo.orAustinEastciders.Butthere’senoughryeinherethatevensweeterciderslikeAngryOrchardwilldofine.(Ifit’satouchtoosweetforyou,addanotherdashofbitters.)MAKES1DRINK1½ouncesrye8ounceshardcider1dashAngosturabittersLemonwedge,forgarnish

Combineingredientsinapintglasswithice.Garnishwithalemonwedge,squeezedintotheglass.(Maybegiveitastirifyou’refeelingambitious.)Foracrowd:Usethe“PitcherMethod”(pagexv).

UpAgainsttheWallSometimeswelovediggingupquirkybottlesfromtimespast—likeGalliano,alltherageindrinksliketheHarveyWallbanger(oneoftheall-timegreatcocktailnames).Itsparticularsweet,earthyflavorhasalwaysremindedusofrootbeer.Soit’snosurprisethatit’sexcellentwithrootbeeritself,ampedupwithbourbonandboozy,herbalFernet—andwithzeroadvanceprepandnojuicesorsyrups,youcanpour-and-stirthisoneinaboutaminute.*

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncebourbon1ounceGalliano¼ounceFernet1dashAngosturabitters4ouncesrootbeerLemonwedge,forgarnish

*Moresimple,pour-and-godrinks:Rye&Cider(page128),Noreaster(page62),andCognacinJarnac(page160).

InaCollinsglasswithice,combineallingredients.Stirbrieflyandgarnishwithalemonwedge,squeezedintothedrink.

Foracrowd:Usethe“PitcherMethod”(pagexv).

CranhattanAperfectwinterManhattan,wherecranberrydisappearsseamlesslyintothewhiskeyandvermouth.Spicy,dryryeandtart,drycranberryareaperfectpair,withbittersandalittlesweetenertopullthemtogether.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesrye½ounce100%cranberryjuice*½ouncesweetvermouth¼ouncesimplesyrup2dashesAngosturabitters1dashorangebittersFreshcranberry,for

garnishOne3-to4-inchthinlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Likerealcranberryjuice?TryCranberryToddy(page161),DickoryDock(page9),andCranberryTingles(page194).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithacranberrycutonthebiasandplacedonacocktailpick,alongwitha3-to4-inchthinlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Foracrowd:Usethe“StirredMethod”(pagexv).

GoodOldBoyANegroni,theclassicmadefromgin,Campari,andsweetvermouth,hasacousinintheBoulevardier,thesamedrinkwithwhiskeyswappedinforgin.Here’sourowntwist,withrich,earthyCynarprovidingthebitteraspectratherthanCampari.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesbourbon1ouncesweetvermouth1ounceCynar1dashgrapefruitbittersOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnishCombine

allingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(oronelargeicecube).Garnishwitha3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Boozyandalittlebitter?TrySmoothOperator(page73),CynarNegroni(page37),Malagueña(page75),Maximilian(page105),AgaveMaria(page113),andMezcalAmargo(page117).

That’llTaketheEdgeOffInspiredbyaSazerac,here’sasuperboozy,herbal-Scotchydrinkthat’llrelaxyourshoulders,loosenyourtongue,andclearyourmind...basically,everythingyouneedastiffdrinktodo.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesTheFamousGrouse*¾ouncesweetvermouth¼ouncegreenChartreuse3dashesPeychaud’sbitters¼ounce

absintheOne1-inchroundgrapefruitpeel,forgarnish

*Herbalwhiskey?Onthelighterside,tryIrlandese(page145);onthericher,ForgingAhead(page133).

Pourabsintheintoachilledrocksglassandswirlaroundtheglass’sinteriortorinseit;setaside.Combineallremainingingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintothepreparedrocksglasswithoutice.Spritza1-inchroundofgrapefruitpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.

ForgingAheadAmaricomeinsomanyforms—somesharpanddynamic;some,likeZucca,warmandherbalinawaythatsomewhatrecallssweetvermouth.Thus,thisManhattan-stylecocktail,inwhichZuccaandvermouthcometogetherseamlessly.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesbourbon1ouncesweetvermouth½ounceZucca*1dashgrapefruitbittersOne3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,forgarnish

*Richandherbal?TryGoodOldBoy(page131),Maximilian(page105),andTaketheEdgeOff(page132).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshiceoronelargeicecube.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Trytheclassic MANHATTANAstapleofthecocktailcanon.WepreferourManhattanswithryebutwon’tsaynotoawell-madebourbonone,either.

Inamixingglasswithice,combine2ouncesbourbonorryewith1ouncesweetvermouthand1dashofAngosturabitters.Stiruntilverywellchilledandstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithalonglemon

peel,twistedoverthesurfaceofthedrink,andacandiedcherryifyoulike.

LuckyinKentuckyNuancedenoughforcocktailnerds,accessibleenoughforcocktailnewbies,thisquirkydrinkisinaworldofitsown:bitterbutbalanced,tartbutgood-natured.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesbourbon¾ounceCampari½ouncelemonjuice½ouncemaplesyrup1dashPeychaud’sbitters1½

ounceshardcider1½ouncessodawaterHalf-moonslicesgrapefruit,forgarnish

*Morecomplex,refreshingsummerdrinks?TryG&T+ThenSome(page56),AndamanIcedTea(page51),RosemaryMonte(page192),andTequilaSangria(page111).

Combineallingredientsexceptthehardciderandclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith1½ouncesofhardciderand1½ouncesofsodawater,andstirbriefly.Garnishwithfewhalf-moonslicesofgrapefruit.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaandhardciderasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addtheclubsodaandhardcidertothepitcherandgiveabriefstir.Garnishasdirected.

SakuraSeasonSlowlybutsurely,Japanisearningitsrightfulreputationasoneoftheworld’spremierwhiskynations.Inspiredbysakua(cherryblossom)seasonatthedistilleriesofNikka,ourfavoriteJapanesewhisky,weincorporatealittlecherryliqueurforthislight,fruit-tingedManhattan.Japanesewhiskyisnevercheap,butanyfanofScotch,inparticular,willsavorthebottle.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesNikkaTaketsuruPureMaltWhisky¾ouncecherryHeering¾ouncesweetvermouth2dashesAngosturabittersOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnish3

candiedcherries,forgarnish

*LikecreativeManhattans?TryCranhattan(page130)andForgingAhead(page133).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithiceandstiruntilwellchilled.Strainintoachilledcoupe.Spritza1-inchroundoflemonpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.Garnishwiththreecandiedcherriesonaskewer.

That’sBananasOneoftheoddestbutfranklymostdeliciouscocktailswe’veeverdevised.ThearomaofJackDaniel’shasalwayshadawhiffofbananatous,sowe’redialingthatupwithanexcellentbananaliqueur—GiffardBananeduBrésiltastesuncannilyofripebananas(andrum)—andbackingthewhiskeyandliqueurupwithagreattawnyport.Justtryit.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesJackDaniel’s1ounceCroftTawnyReserveport½ounceGiffardBananeduBrésil1dashorangebitters

One1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishOne3-to4-inchorangepeel,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(ideallyonelargeicecube).Spritza1-inchroundoflemonpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Withthatbananaliqueur:GiffardBananeduBrésilisincredibleswappedinforthepeachliqueurinTheDuckRace(page30),butevenmoreincrediblewhentheginisswappedoutinfavorofourclovebourbon(page197).

3StepSometimeswefindourselvesponderinglife’sodderquestions,suchas:WhatifaBoulevardierandabeerhadababy?(Thismightmeanwespendtoomuchtimewithcocktails.)Theirlovechildturnsouttobeagreatdrink:freshanddrinkablebutwithalltheinherentcomplexityoftheBoulevardier,awhiskeyNegroni.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncebourbon½ounceCampari½ouncesweetvermouth1dashcelerybitters*12ounceswell-chilledlagerLemonwedge,forgarnish

*Refreshingandbitter?TryIlPompelmo(page183)andFrozenNegroni(page42).

Combineallingredientsexceptthelagerinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoapintglassandtopwithlager.Garnishwithalemonwedge,squeezedintothedrinkbeforeadding.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthelagerasdirectedinthe“StirredMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,dividetheliquidamongglassesandtopeachwith12ouncesoflager.Garnishasdirected.

WhiskeyRebelFact:Pimm’sdoesn’tgetenoughattentionasacocktailingredient.Likealltheamari(Italianherballiqueurs)thatthecocktailkidsarenowinfatuatedwith,it’scomplexandherbalandcontributesatonofcharactertodrinks—soevenadead-simplesourwithjustwhiskey,lemon,andsimplesyrupbecomessomethingdynamicandunusual.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesrye1ouncePimm’sNo.1¾ouncelemonjuice¾ouncesimplesyrupLemonwedge,forgarnish

*Likeunusualcitruswhiskeydrinks?TryPresbo!(page141),Firebird(page144),andKicktheSafe(page140).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(ideally,onelargeicecube).Garnishwithalemonwedge,squeezedintothedrink.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

KicktheSafeApplecidervinegarisanunusualcocktailingredient—andwe’rejustusingabit—butitdoesaddanunexpectedelementtothiswhiskeydrink.It’sphenomenalwithJackDaniel’sSingleBarrelSelect,butgoodol’black-label“No.7”willdojustfine,too.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesJackDaniel’s*¾ouncelemonjuice¼ounceapplecidervinegar½ouncemaplesyrup2dashesAngosturabitters2ounceshardciderThinslicesapple,forgarnish

*WhatdoIdowiththerestoftheJack?It’sJackDaniel’s,silly.Justdrinkit.(WithCoke,orwithout.)OruseitinThat’sBananas(page137).

Combineallingredientsexceptthehardciderinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofhardciderandstirbriefly.Garnishwithafewthin,fanned-outslicesofapple.

Presbo!Truestory:Wecanbasicallycreditthiscocktailwithourmarriage.(It’sthefirstdrinkJohnevermadeforCarey,whichinspiredhertowriteabouthim;therestishistory.)Self-indulgentdigressionaside,it’sjustagreatdrink:smokyScotchwithearthyCynar,somehowmadelightandpunchywithjustalittlelemonandabiggrapefruittwist.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesTheBlackGrouse¾ounceCynar¼ouncelemonjuice¼ouncesimplesyrup1dashgrapefruitbitters*½ounceclubsodaOne3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,forgarnish

*Sour,complex,andbitter?TryMezcalAmargo(page117),TheDiplomat(page54),ColdinQuogue(page184),andLuckyinKentucky(page135).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Topwith½ounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

WinterHolidays

OneKissatMidnightLet’scombinetwoofthemoredecadentbottlesoutthere—ScotchandChampagne—forasimple,sexywhiskydrink.Itscreams“NewYear’s”tous,butwe’dservethisatanyoccasionregardlessoftheseason.WhileagoodCavaorProseccoworkjustfineforplentyofcocktails,here’sonewe’dpreferaFrenchbottlefor(suchasCÔtéMasCrémantdeLimouxBrut;seepagexxi).Thewarm,toastycharacterofgoodFrenchsparklingpairssowellwithcinnamonhoneyandchocolatebitters.It’sadessertdrinkthat’snotsweetintheslightest.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesTheFamousGrouse(ifyouhappentohaveit,welikeCuttySarkProhibitionevenbetterinthiscocktail)½ouncecinnamonhoney(page201)1dashFeeBrothersAztecchocolatebitters2ouncesFrenchsparklingwine

One1-inchroundorangepeel,forgarnishThinfingerofgrahamcracker,forgarnish(optional)

*Onlytheclassiestbubblydrinks:TryApples&Oranges(page169)andMeyer75(page163).

Combinethefirstthreeingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilwellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Topwith2ouncesofsparklingwine.Spritza1-inchroundoforangepeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrink,thenbendthepeelinhalfoverthelipoftheglass.(Ifyou’vegotanygrahamcrackersonhand,athinfingerofgrahamcrackerisafungarnishalso,perchedontherimoftheglass.)Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“StirredMethod”(pagexv).Dividetheliquidamongsixglassesandtopeachwithsparklingwine.Garnishasdirected.

FirebirdSometimesasingleunexpectedingredientcantransformanotherwisestandarddrink.Thiscocktailiscutfromthesameclothasawhiskeysour,butspicyHellfireshrub,togetherwiththesmokyblendedScotch,createsanentirelynoveleffect.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesTheBlackGrouse¾ouncelemonjuice¾ouncehoneysyrup(page199)¼teaspoonBittermensHellfire

HabaneroShrubCombineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(orideally,onelargeicecube).Nogarnishneeded.

Likeitalittlespicy?UseupthatHellfirewithTheScheme(page118),dabbleinotherspicyaffairswithPalomaPicante(page110),orgetweirdwithFrosty’sRevenge(page121).

IrlandeseLight,easy-drinkingIrishwhiskeymarriesbeautifullywithtequila,andthecombinationisadistinctivebaseforthisbright,herbaceousbasil-lemondrink.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceTullamoreDew1ounceblancotequila½ouncelemonjuice¼ounceSt-Germain½ouncehoneysyrup(page199)3largebasilleaves(approximately3g),

torninhalfastheyareaddedtotheshaker,plus1additionalleafforgarnish*

1dashgrapefruitbitters1ounceclubsoda

*Likebasilindrinks?TryBasilGimlet(page33),Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri(page68),ElJardín(page108),andBackPorchPunch(page82).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Topwith1ounceclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithabasilleaf,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

RyeCreekCupNottoomanywhiskeydrinksaregenuinelywarm-weatherfriendly(althoughaDerbyDayjulepcertainlyqualifies).Butwhenyoumuddleupcucumber,basil,andstrawberry,andbringinall-American,slightlyspicyrye,it’sassummeryasyoucanget;noteventhe100-proofwhiskeycanweighthedrinkdown.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesrye*½ouncelemonjuice½ouncesimplesyrupOne½-inchslicecucumber(20g),plus1additionalsliceforgarnish1

mediumstrawberry(approximately16g),destemmed,plus½additionalstrawberryforgarnish1basilleaf(approximately1g),plus1additionalleafforgarnish2ouncesgingerale

Lemonwheel,forgarnish

*Soundsfun,butmaybewithgin?TrythePimm’sAway!(page43).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlethestrawberry,cucumber,andbasil.Addtheremainingingredientsotherthanthegingerale;addiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofgingeraleandstirbriefly.Garnishwithasliceofcucumber,alemonwheel,halfastrawberry,andabasilleaf,clappedbetweenyourhandsbeforeaddingtothedrink.

Wantsomethingsimpler?

LEMON-MINTBUCKAnothersummer-friendlywhiskeydrinkbutwithnomuddlingrequired—instead,freshmintisthrownrightintheshakerwithlemonandrye,toppedoffwithplentyofgingerbeer.

Combine1½ouncesrye,¾ouncelemonjuice,½ouncesimplesyrup,and8mintleavesinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoatallglasswithfreshice.Topwith2ouncesgingerbeerandstirgently.Garnishwiththreebigmintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

TwotoTangoPeopletendtohaveapreference:fruitydrinksorbitter.Butsometimesthetwocanmeshbeautifully.Darkfruitliqueurandspine-tinglinglyherbalFernet-Brancaplaywelltogether;whoknew?

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncebourbon¾ounceFernet-Branca*½ouncecrèmedemûre(Frenchblackberryliqueur)½ouncelemonjuice

¼ouncesimplesyrup1mediumeggwhite(approximately1ounce)Blackberry,forgarnish

*You’redownwithFernet-Branca?TryAmariParty(page195)andFernet-inez(page38).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithoutice.Shakevigorously,thenaddiceandshakeagainuntilwellchilled.Double-strainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithablackberryonacocktailpick.

IrishExitPartrefreshingpick-me-up,partoddballicedlatte,here’sacoffeedrinkthat’slightanddrinkablebutfull-onboozyandalittlebitter(thankstoIrishwhiskeyandAmaroMontenegro).Ofcourse,feelfreetogohighbrowandmakeyourownwhippedcream,butthisdrinkisbitterandbalancedenoughthatitcanstanduptowhippedcreamstraightfromthecan.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesTullamoreDew1ouncecoldbrewcoffee½ounceAmaroMontenegro½ounceKahlúa

½ouncerawsugarsyrup(page199)1dashAngosturabitters2dashesorangebittersWhippedcream,forgarnishFreshlygratednutmeg,forgarnish

*Likeunusualcoffeedrinks?TryFriendoftheDevil(page115).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithabigsprayofcanned,store-boughtwhippedcream,freshlygratednutmeg,andastraw.

OldIrishmanIrishwhiskeytendstobegentlerthanmanyofitswhiskeyfriendsbutisoftenquitenuanced—ithasawarmingqualitythatpairsbeautifullywithdelicateflavorslikechamomile.Withjustafewdashesofbitters,itbecomesaperfectcocktailinthemodelofanOldFashioned.Justalittle,say,jauntierthantheoriginal.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesTullamoreDew½ouncechamomilehoney(page201)*2dashesPeychaud’sbitters1dashAngosturabittersTwo3-to4-inch

lemonpeels,forgarnish

*Withthatchamomilehoney...SweaterWeather(page151),BlueRibbon(page19),andMeyer75(page163).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(oronelargeicecube).Garnishwithtwo3-to4-inchlemonpeels,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

SweaterWeatherWe’reamplifyingthehoneyed-heathernotesofTullamoreDewwithchamomilehoney,blendingwithappleciderandtartpomegranate.It’sautumninaglass,butrefreshingenoughforanyseason.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesTullamoreDew1ouncepomegranatejuice1ouncefreshapplecider¼ouncelemonjuice¼ouncechamomilehoney(page201)1dashgrapefruitbitters1ounceclubsoda

*Moreautumninaglass?TryNoreaster(page62),Everyone’sInvited(page172),andTheAroostook(page170).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith1ounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Nogarnish.

TheThinkerTakethesavorycarawayliqueurKümmel,addrosemaryandanise-tingedPeychaud’sbitters,andsetitallonabackdropofbourbon:you’vegotauniquecocktailindeed,acerebralsortofdrinkforacerebralsortofdrinker.

MAKES1DRINK

¼ounceKümmel2ouncesbourbon¼ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)1dashcelerybitters2dashes

Peychaud’sbittersOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

Soyou’reautomaticallyflippingtotheweirdestdrinks?TryICan’tFeelMyFace(page175),Maximilian(page105),TwotoTango(page148),Oaxaqueño(page122),andIntheDoghouse(page114).

PourKümmelintoachilledrocksglassandswirlaroundtheglass’sinteriortorinseit;setaside.Combineallotheringredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintothepreparedglass.Spritza3-to4-inchlemonpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.

KingStreetNothinggetsusmoreexcitedthanmakingasyrupwewanttouseabsolutelyeverywhere,likethiscardamomsyrup—deliciousinasimplevodkaCollins,andjustasdeliciousinthisdrinkwithblendedScotch,lemon,andfreshgingerjuice.Asrefreshingasitiscomplex.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesTheFamousGrouse¾ouncelemonjuice¾ouncecardamomsyrup(page202)*¼ouncegingerjuice(page206)2ouncesclubsodaLemonwheel,forgarnish

*Simplercardamomdrink?TryCardamomCollins(page20).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheel.

Clove&SherryNot-too-stiffwhiskeydrinks,wethink,areperfectinanyseason—enoughdepthforwinter,refreshingenoughforsummer.Ourclove-infusedbourbonandrich,nuancedolorososherryareagreatcombination,enlivenedwithjustabitofcitrusandsoda.Drinkup.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesclovebourbon(page197)1ounceolorososherry½ouncelemonjuice

¼ounceorangejuice¼ouncesimplesyrup2dashesAngosturabitters1½ouncesclubsodaHalf-moonsliceorange,forgarnishCombineallingredientsexceptthe

clubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith1½ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithahalf-moonsliceoforange.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatothepitcherandgiveabriefstir.Garnishasdirected.

Sinceyou’vegotmoreclovebourbon:TryBrickHouse(page155),TheBackEdge(page167),oranOldFashioned(2ouncesclovebourbonwith¼ouncesimplesyrup,2dashesAngosturabittersand1dashorangebitters,stirredandstrainedovericewithanorangeandlemontwist)...orjusttryitasashot.

BrickHouseEvenbeforeFireballtookoverthedrinkinguniverse,welovedtheflavorsofcinnamonandwhiskeytogether.Here,we’remakingasyrupthattastesuncannilylikeRedHotcandies,whichwestirwithclove-infusedbourbonforanutterlyuniqueOldFashioned–stylecocktail.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesclovebourbon(page197)½ounceredhotsyrup(page202)*2dashesAngosturabittersOne3-to4-inchorangepeel,forgarnishStaranise,forgarnish

*Liketheredhotsyrup?Tryitwithstraightbourbonasacinnamonwhiskeyshot.

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(ideallyonelargeicecube).Garnishwitha3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail,andapieceofstaranise.

Wantsomethinglighter?SUMMERHOUSESameflavors,butwithclubsodaforalighter,afternoon-friendlycocktail.

Combine2ouncesclovebourbon,¾ounceredhotsyrup,and2dashesAngosturabittersinaCollinsglasswithice.Stir,topwith4ouncesclubsoda,andstiragain.Garnishwithahalf-moonsliceoforangeandapieceofstaranise.

OneMoreatMyPlaceForwhenyou’resnugglingbyafireplaceandwantadrinktoimpressyourdate,here’sabourbon-cidersparklerwithelderflowerandAngosturathattogethergiveitanalmostmulledcidereffect.Drinkable,approachable,justboozyenough—andcomestogetherinaquicksecond.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncebourbon¾ounceapplecider¼ounceSt-Germain¼ouncehoneysyrup(page

199)1dashAngosturabitters4ouncessparklingwineOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinflute.Takea1-inchroundoflemonpeelandsqueezeoverthesurfaceofthedrink,skinsidedown,thendiscard.

Wantmorewintery,festive,andbubblydrinks?TryOrchard&Bog(page171),OneKissatMidnight(page143),andMeyer75(page163).

BRANDYBrandiesareoftenoverlookedandoftenmisunderstoodinthecocktailworld,butthey’rewellworthgettingtoknow.Brandyissimplyanyspiritdistilledfromabaseoffruit.Inthischapteryou’llmeettwoofourfriends:Cognacandapplebrandy.Whenitcomestococktails,theseareourtwofavorites.Cognac,thestoriedFrenchagedgrapebrandy,issmoothandelegantandintegratesseamlesslyintococktails;infact,manyhistoricalAmericancocktailswerefirstmadewithCognac.Andapplebrandy,oneofAmerica’siconicspirits,isirresistible,tastingsomethinglikebourbonthatmadefriendswithanappleorchard.

COGNAC

CognacinJarnacSometimesyoudon’tneedmorethanadead-simplehighball.WetookthisideafromJarnac,thequaintFrenchtownintheheartofCognaccountry.Asapre-dinneraperitif,theyoftenlightenupthebeautifulbrandywithtonicorgingerale.Evenwithaheavypourofspirit,it’ssuperdrinkable;acouplelemonwedgesareallthegarnishitneeds.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesCognac4ouncesgingerale1dashAngosturabitters2lemonwedges,forgarnish

*Easy-drinkingbutalittlemoreambitious?TryLuckyinKentucky(page135)andNoreaster(page62).

Combineallingredientsinatallglasswithiceandstirgentlytocombine.Garnishwithtwolemonwedges,squeezedintothedrink.

Foracrowd:Youcouldmakethisdrinkinapitcher,butit’sjustaseasytopourthemoutindividually.

CranberryToddyCranberryisinherentlyfestive;warmdrinksareinherentlycomforting.WithabigpourofCognac,thisisaperfectholiday-readywinterdrink,easytomakeforyourselfonasnowynightortomakeinabatchforaparty.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesCognac2ounces100%cranberryjuice*½ouncehoneysyrup(page199)2dashesAngosturabittersLemon

wedge,forgarnishCinnamonstick,forgarnish

*Sinceyoulikecranberryjuice:TryDickoryDock(page9)andOrchard&Bog(page171).

Combineallingredientsinasmallsaucepanovermediumheat.Stiroccasionally,andremovefromtheheatoncethedrinkisjustwarmedthrough.Pourthedrinkintoaheatproofglassandgarnishwithalemonwedge,squeezedintothedrink,andacinnamonstick.

Foracrowd:Justmakealargerbatchonthestovetop,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

PROTIP

Sincealcoholevaporatessoreadily,thesteamonthisdrinkwillbeeye-wateringlyboozy;let

thefirststeamblowoffbeforeyoustickyournoseinit.

SummerinCharenteThishereisourfavoritewarm-weatherManhattan,withCognacandLillet,bothgrape-based,blendingbeautifully.SummerinaFrenchvineyard,ifyouwill.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesCognac1ounceLilletRose*¼ouncehoneysyrup(page199)1dashorangebittersRedgrape,for

garnishOne3-to4-inchlemonpeel,forgarnish

*LikingLilletRose?TryRosewaterFizz(page53)andAboutThatTime(page36).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwithoneredgrape,droppedintothecenteroftheglass,anda3-to4-inchlemonpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Meyer75WhilemanydrinkersarefamiliarwiththeginFrench75,there’ssomeevidencethatCognacwastheoriginalspiritusedinthisclassiccocktail.Whichevercamefirst,aCognac’75reallyisagorgeousdrink—evenmoresowithfragrantMeyerlemonjuice.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesCognac1ounceMeyerlemonjuice*½ouncechamomilehoney(honeysyrupalsoworks;seepages201and

199)1dashorangebitters2ouncessparklingwineLong,verythinlemontwist,forgarnish

*Onceyou’vetrieditwithCognac:ThisMeyerlemonrecipeisdeliciouswithgin,too;ifusinggin,optforhoneysyrupratherthanchamomilehoney.

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoachilledflute.Topwith2ouncesofsparklingwine.Garnishwithalong,skinnylemontwist.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcherandstirbriefly;alternatively,dividetheliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

RidealongTheSidecar,withCognac,orangeliqueur,andlemon,isoneofthoseunappreciatedclassicsthatweadore,boozybutstillcrispandlight.We’veswappedingrapefruitliqueurfororangeanduppedtheCognacjustabit.Vividgrapefruitflavor,butwithnograpefruitjuiceatall.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesCognac1ouncelemonjuice1ouncePamplemousse1dashorangebittersOne

3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoachilledcoupe.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchgrapefruitpeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Trytheclassic SIDECARRichwithCognac,brightwithcitrus,theSidecarisaperfectdrinkinitsownright.Plentyofbartenderswillservethisdrinkinasugar-rimmedglass,butwedon’tthinkit’snecessary(andwouldjustassoonavoidthestickiness.)Combine2ouncesCognac,1ouncelemonjuice,and1ounceCointreauinacocktailshakerwithiceandshakevigorously.Strainintoachilledcoupeandgarnishwithaverythinlemonwheel.

HamiltonPunchClassicpunches,asmadeinthenineteenthcentury,oftenusedteaasabase.SimpleblackteaisagreatfoundationforCognacandmedium-bodiedamontilladosherry,whichcontributesanintriguing,hard-to-pinpointdepthtothissuperdrinkablepunch.*

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceCognac2ouncesblacktea,chilledoratroomtemperature¾ounceamontillado

sherry½ouncelemonjuice1ouncesimplesyrup8mintleaves(approximately2g),torninhalfbeforebeingaddedtothe

shaker,plus3largesprigs,forgarnish1dashAngosturabittersLemonwheel,forgarnish

*Likethisstyleofpunch?TrythesamedrinkwithbourboninplaceofCognacandolorososherryinplaceofamontillado.

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thendouble-strainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithalemonwheelandthreemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv)forallingredientsexceptthemint.Gentlypressthemintleaveswithamuddlerinthebottomofthepitcher,thenfillwithiceandaddthecocktailasdirected,stirringvigorouslybeforeserving.

TheBackEdgeIncocktails,Cognacisoftenpairedwithotherspirits;fortheclassicVieuxCarré,it’srye.Forourrendition,we’reswappinginourclove-infusedbourbon—dryandspicylikearye,butwithawarmdepthallitsown.Welikehowthebigorangepeelgarnishandclovebourbonworktogether.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceCognac1ounceclovebourbon(page197)*¾ouncesweetvermouth¼ounceBénédictine2dashesAngosturabitters2dashesorangebittersOne3-to4-inch

orangepeel,forgarnish

*You’vemadetheclovebourbon?TryBrickHouse(page155)andClove&Sherry(page154),orcombine1½ouncesofclovebourbonwith4ouncesofgingeraleoverice.

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

APPLEJACK

AppleBrandyOldFashioned*ThisOldFashionedisallaboutsimplicity.Whenyou’vegotexcellentapplebrandy,aselegantasitisrobust,whatmoredoyouneedthanmaplesyrupandalittlebitterstofinishitoff?We’dserveitafterThanksgivingdinner,butwe’dserveitafterFourthofJulyfireworks,too.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy½ouncemaplesyrup

2dashesAngosturabitters1dashorangebittersOne3-to4-inchorangepeel,forgarnishThinappleslice,forgarnish

*OtherfunOldFashionedriffs:TryBrickHouse(page155),RumDiggity(page64),andAñejoOldFashioned(page102).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(or,ideally,onelargeicecube).Garnishwithathinsliceofappleanda3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Apples&OrangesAsenthusiasticapplebrandydrinkers,welikethespiritinjustaboutanyform,butit’sparticularlyfuninsparklingdrinks.Herewe’rebringingoutitsfruitysidejustabitwithlemonandorangeliqueur—andanicebigpourofbubbles.Thanksgiving,perhaps?

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy*¾ouncelemonjuice½ounceCointreau½ouncehoneysyrup(page199)1dashorangebitters2ounces

sparklingwineOne1-inchroundorangepeel,forgarnish

*Morefestivewinterdrinks:TryOneKissatMidnight(page143),Everyone’sInvited(page172),andOrchard&Bog(page171).

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoaflute.Topwith2ouncesofsparklingwine.Spritza1-inchroundoforangepeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcher;alternatively,dividetheliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

HarvestMoon*Thismaycomeasashock,butapplebrandytastesgreatwith...apples.Freshmuddledones,pluslemonandhoneytorounditout.It’sanorchardrightinabright,juicycocktail.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy¾ouncelemonjuice

¾ouncehoneysyrup(page199)1dashAngosturabitters¼Honeycrispapple(approximately80g),plus3thinslicesforgarnish

*Allaboutautumn?TryPear-GingerDaiquiri(page67),Noreaster(page62),Everyone’sInvited(page172),andSweaterWeather(page151).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddleapple.Addtheremainingingredientsandiceandshakevigorously.Double-strainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwiththreethinslicesofapple.

TheAroostookApple,ginger,honey—soundsprettygood,right?Thisisasimpleapplebrandysourwithalittlesomethingextra,thankstoginger,maple,andwarmspicefromtheAngosturaandaromaticbitters.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy¾ouncelemonjuice

½ouncemaplesyrup¼ouncegingerjuice(page206)*1dashAngosturabitters1dashFeeBrothersaromaticbitters

*Gotmoregingerjuice?TryKickedintheHeadbyThatDamnMule(page18),Mustang(page83),andKingStreet(page153).

Combineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Nogarnishneeded.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

Orchard&BogJustreadingtheingredientlisttellsyouthis’llbeafestivedrink,right?Applebrandy,cranberry,androsemaryhoney—plusabigpourofbubbles—mightbetheperfectholidaypartydrink.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy½ounce100%cranberryjuice½ouncelemonjuice

¾ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)2ouncessparklingwineFreshcranberry,forgarnish

*Likethisdrink?Tryitoutwithgin,vodka,oranykindofrum.

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoaflute.Topwith2ouncesofsparklingwine.Garnishwithawholecranberry.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcherandstirbriefly;alternatively,dividetheliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

Everyone’sInvitedOurall-time,hands-downfavoriteholidaypunch,particularlytoserverelativeswho“don’tlikemixeddrinks”—theScotchdiehards,thewineimbibers,the“beeronly”cousins.We’veneverfoundsuchauniversallybeloveddrink,andwhileittakesabitofadvanceprep,wepromisetheoleosaccharum—asyrupmadefromsugarandcitrusoils,addingweightandbodytothedrink—isworthit.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy¾ounceolorososherry

¾ounce100%cranberryjuice½ouncebloodorangejuice½ouncebloodorangeoleosaccharum(page203)2dashesgrapefruit

bittersHalf-moonslicebloodorange,forgarnishFreshcranberry,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Garnishwithahalf-moonsliceofbloodorangeandabias-cutcranberryonacocktailpick.

Foracrowd:Usethe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).

Ortryavariation,withoutoleosaccharum...Anotherequallyautumnalversion:1½ouncesLaird’s,1½ouncesfreshapplecider,½ounceoloroso,¼ouncelemonjuice,and¼ouncesimplesyrup,plusonebigdashcranberrybittersperdrink.Workswellwithbourbon,too.

ColtsNeck*TheJackRoseisoneofourfavoritelesser-knownclassics,adrinkthatshowsoffwhyrealgrenadine—justareducedpomegranatesyrup—isadeliciousthing,especiallywhenpairedwithapplebrandyandcitrus.Butit’salsoapowerfullyboozydrink,soittakeswelltobeinglightenedupwithclubsoda.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy½ouncelemonjuice

½ouncelimejuice¾ouncegrenadine(page203)1dashAngosturabitters1dashorange

bitters2ouncesclubsodaLimewheel,forgarnishLemonwheel,forgarnishHorse’snecklemon

peel,forgarnish(optional)

*OrtryaclassicJackRose:Combinetheingredients,omittingthebitters,andshakeasbelow,thenstrainintoachilledcoupe(noclubsodatopper).Garnishwithalemonandlimewheel.

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoaCollinsglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonandlimewheel,andifyoulike,ahorse’sneckpeel(seebelow).

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodaasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addclubsodatothepitcherandgiveabriefstir.Garnishasdirected.

PROTIP

Thisdrinklooksgreatwithahorse’sneckpeel.Witha

straightpeelerorchannelknife,takealemon,startatoneend,andcutathinspiralofpeel(nowiderthan½inch),workingyourwaydownthefruitasfarasyoucango.Withalittle

practice,youmightbeabletogetthewholelemon.Touse,“wrap”thespiralpeelaroundtheinsideoftheglass,withtheendpeekingoutoftheglass.

ICan’tFeelMyFaceWelikeanydrinkthatresemblesanOldFashioned—whetherdeadsimpleortotallyeccentric.Thisguyisthelatter:applebrandy–basedwithaSichuanpeppercornsyrupthatcontributesamentholaromaandapronouncedtingleonthetongue.Bittersaddwarmflavorsofcinnamonandspice;whodoesn’tloveapple,cinnamon,andtingles?*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandy¼ounceSichuanpeppercornsyrup(page200)2dashesAngosturabitters

1dashFeeBrothersaromaticBitters1dashorangebittersOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnishOne3-to4-inchorangepeel,

forgarnish

*Likethetingle?TryCranberryTingles(page194).

Combineallingredientsinamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice.Spritza1-inchroundoflemonpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.Garnishwitha3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

LOW-PROOFMaybeit’sbrunchtime,orahotsummerafternoon,oryou’rekickingoffalong,eventfulnight—forwhateverreason,sometimesyouwantadrinkthat’sjustnotthatboozy.Luckily,there’sawholeworldofwines,fortifiedwines,andliqueursthatdeliverstonsofflavorwithmuchlessalcoholthanstandardspirits.

DayDrinking

PinkDrinkJustbecauseit’spinkdoesn’tmeanit’ssweet—norexclusivelyfortheladies.Thisdrinkisjustadressed-upglassofbubbles,withabittersweetaccentfromAperolandgrapefruit,andafloralhintfromSt-Germain.

MAKES1DRINK

4ouncessparklingrosé½ounceSt-Germain*½ounceAperol2dashesgrapefruitbittersOne1-inchroundrubyredgrapefruitpeel,for

garnishThinrubyredgrapefruitslice,forgarnish

*Toomanyingredients?Justpour½ounceSt-Germaininto4ouncessparklingwine,roséorotherwise.

*Alittleboozier?Addanounceofvodka,gin,lightrum,orbourbontoeachdrink—we’vetried‘emallandthey’reallperfect.

Combineallingredientsinawineglassovericeandstirbriefly.Garnishwithathinsliceofrubyredgrapefruit.Spritza1-inchroundofgrapefruitpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrink,thendiscard.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.*

Z-to-ASpritzNotasbrightandeasyasthePinkDrink(page179),notasrichasthePortmanteau(page182)—somewhereinbetween,aspritzforallseasons.Complexandutterlyquaffable.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceZucca*2ouncesamontilladosherry1ounceclubsoda2ouncessparklingwineThinhalf-moonsliceorange,forgarnish

*LikeZucca?TryForgingAhead(page133).

Combineallingredientsinatallglasswithiceandstirbriefly.Garnishwithathinhalf-moonsliceoforange.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

CappellettiSpritzEverheardofanAperolSpritz?Here’saclosecousin,swappingouttheAperolforwine-based,slightlyjuicierCappelletti.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesCappelletti*3ouncessparklingwine1ounceclubsodaThinorangeslice,forgarnish

*Likespritzes?TrythesesameproportionswithAperolorwithAmaroMontenegro.

Combineallingredientsinalargewineglasswithiceandstirbriefly.Garnishwithathinsliceoforange.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

PortmanteauAwinterspritz,withgentlysweet,jammyrubyportandpomegranatejuice.Togetherthey’reanexcellentcombination,butarichone,whichtakeswelltobeinglightenedupwithsparklingwine.TheresultalmostremindsusofthesparklingredwineLambrusco.

MAKES1DRINK

1ouncepomegranatejuice1ouncerubyport*1dashorangebitters3ouncessparklingwineOne1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Port’sgreatincocktails,right?TryThat’sBananas(page137).

Combineallingredientsinaflute.Spritza1-inchroundoflemonpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

Wantsomethingsimpler?POMEGRANATESPARKLERForanevensimplerbrunchdrink,justcombiningpomegranatejuiceandsparklingwinegivesyoualively,juicycocktailthathitstherightbalanceofsweetandtart.

Combine1½ouncespomegranatejuiceand3½ouncessparklingwineinawineglasswithice.Giveitabriefstirandgarnishwithalemonwheel.

IlPompelmoAsfaraswe’reconcerned,thereisnothingwrongwithatwo-ingredientcocktail.SowhenwefiguredoutthattheslightlybittergrapefruitsodafromSanPellegrino(themakersoftheLimonataandAranciatadrinks)isperfectwithsuperbitterCynarpouredin?Jackpot.Bracing,refreshing,andridiculouslycomplex.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesCynar*4ouncesSanPellegrinoPompelmosodaHalf-moonslicegrapefruit,for

garnish

*LikeCynar?TryGoodOldBoy(page131),CynarNegroni(page37),andKeep‘emComing(page101).

Combineallingredientsinatallglasswithiceandstirbriefly.Garnishwithathinhalf-moonsliceofgrapefruit.

MontenegroSbagliatoIt’snoteasytopronounceSbagliato,butitsureiseasytodrinkone.TheclassicisCampari,sweetvermouth,andbubbles—allegedlyaNegroniwheretheginwas“mistakenly”swappedwithsparklingwine—butwelikeitwithAmaroMontenegrojustasmuch.Aperfectlateafternoondrink.*

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesAmaroMontenegro1ouncesweetvermouth1dashgrapefruitbitters2½ouncessparklingwineOne3-to4-inch

orangepeel,forgarnishThinhalf-moonsliceorange,forgarnish

*Likeit?TrytheclassicSbagliatowithourpreferredproportions:1ounceCampari,1ouncesweetvermouth,3ouncessparklingwine,andathinorangeslicetogarnish.

Combineallingredientsinawineglassovericeandstirbriefly.Garnishwithathinhalf-moonsliceoforangeanda3-to4-inchorangepeel,spritzedskinsidedownoverthesurfaceofthedrinkbeforebeingaddedtothecocktail.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

ColdinQuogueWelikeagoodAperolSpritzalltheyearround,butatheartit’sasummerdrink.Here’sourwinterversion:alittlebitterthankstoCampari,withavibrantcitruselementthankstotheclementinesthatareeverywherearoundtheholidayseason.Juiceaclementinejustlikeyouwouldanorange.

MAKES1DRINK

4ouncessparklingwine1ounceclementinejuice½ounceCampariClementinesegment,forgarnish*

*Likewintercitrusdrinks?TryMeyer75(page163).Ortrythisdrinkwithtangerinejuice;or,alternately,Tan-Gin-Rine(page48)withClementine.

Combineallingredientsinaflute.Garnishwithaclementinesegment.

Foracrowd:Ensurethesparklingwineiswellchilled.Inapitcherwithoutice,combineallingredients,multipliedbyyournumberofguests,thenserveandgarnishasdirected.

VermutO’ClockInpartsofSpain,drinkingvermouthisatreasuredtradition,almostliketeatimeinBritain.Vermouthisadaydrink,generallysippedbeforelunch,saybefore3PM;it’sservedwithiceandsoda,andoftenanorangesliceorolivetogarnish.We’retakingthatideaandtransformingitintoafullyfledgedcocktail,withbothsweetanddryvermouth,freshorangejuice,andplentyofsodasoit’sstilllightanddrinkable.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncessweetvermouth1ounceorangejuice¼ouncedryvermouth¼ouncesimplesyrup2ouncesclubsoda3largemintsprigs,forgarnishCombineallingredientsinatallglasswith

iceandstirbriefly.Garnishwiththreelargemintsprigs,lightlytappedagainstyourhandbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

A(much)simplerdrink VERMOUTH&SODAWhenyou’vegotagreat,complexvermouthlikeCarpanoAnticaFormula,youdon’tneedtodressitupmuch.(Andonceyou’veopenedabottle,keepitrefrigeratedanddrinkitwithinafewweeks;freshvermouthisthebestvermouth.)Stir1½ouncessweetvermouthtogetherwith4ouncessoda,overice,withalemonwedgesqueezedin.It’slow-proofenoughthatyoucanhavetwoorthreebeforedinnerwithoutworry.

BroadStreetPunchLow-alcoholdrinksdon’thavetobelowonflavor.GrapefruitandtheaperitivoCappellettitogetherformabittersweet,juicyfoundationforfinosherryandsparklingwine,whichallcreateanawfullyappealingpunch.*

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesfinosherry¾ounceCappelletti¾ouncerubyredgrapefruitjuice½ouncelimejuice¼ouncesimplesyrup1dashorangebitters2ouncessparklingwine

Thinhalf-moonslicegrapefruit,forgarnishLimewheel,forgarnish

*Similardrink,alittleboozier:TryTequilaSangria(page111).

Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineinacocktailshakerwithiceandshakevigorously.Strainingredientsintoarocksglassovercrushedice;add2ouncessparklingwineandstirbriefly.Garnishwithathinhalf-moonsliceofgrapefruitandalimewheel.

Foracrowd:Combineallingredientsexceptthesparklingwineasdirectedinthe“ShakenMethod”(pagexv).Immediatelybeforeserving,addsparklingwinetothepitcherandstir;alternatively,dividetheliquidamongsixglasses,topeachwithsparklingwinedirectly,andgiveaquickstir.Garnishasdirected.

AlpineAscentRichbutrefreshing,withthesharpbiteofpine,thisbone-drycocktailalmosttasteslikeithasgininit,butit’sabitlowerproof.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesZirbenzStonePineLiqueur1½ouncessweetvermouth*2ouncesclubsodaLemonwheel,forgarnish

*Alsotry:ThesamedrinkwithDolindryvermouthinplaceofthesweetvermouth.

Combineallingredientsinatallglasswithiceandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheel.

Foracrowd:Usethe“PitcherMethod”(pagexv).

SherryCobblerEverynowandthenwe’reastoundedbyhowperfectasimpledrinkcanbe.Muddleupanorange,poursomeamontilladosherryinthere,andtheresultisattheperfectnexusofjuicyandfreshandoh-so-slightlynutty.Wehavetohandittoournineteenth-centuryancestors,thisisasgoodascocktailsget.

MAKES1DRINK

2½ouncesamontilladosherry½ouncesimplesyrup¼navelorange(approximately80g),cutintotwopieces,plusthinslices

forgarnishFreshberries,forgarnishInthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddleorangethoroughly.Addtheremainingingredientsandice,andshakevigorously.Double-strainintoawineglassoverfreshice(ideallycrushediceorpelletice).Garnishwithorangeslices,berries,andastraw.

WhilewethinkthiscobblerandthePineappleOlorosoCobbler(page191)areprettymuchperfect,thecobblerisacocktailthat’smadeforexperimentation.Smashupsomefruit,pourinsomesherry,tasteandseeifitneedssugar;addplentyofcrushedice,garnishlavishly,stickinastraw.Theoptionsareendless.

EasyDoesItThinkofthisdrinkasalivelyherballemonadethattastesalmostbooze-freeandislightenoughthatyoucanhavetwobeforedinner.

MAKES1DRINK

2ouncesLillet*½ouncelemonjuice½ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)1dashorangebitters2ouncesclub

sodaRosemarysprig,forgarnish

*Wantitalittlestiffer?Anounceofjustaboutanyspiritwillworkinhere:we’vetriedvodka,gin,rum,andbourbon,andallareexcellent.

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwith2ouncesofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwitharosemarysprig,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

PineappleOlorosoCobblerWhat’scoolaboutcobblers:they’refulloffruitbutdon’ttaste“fruity”inthesweet,simplesense.Thecombinationofrawsugarandolorososherry,andperhapstheirassociationwithpineapple,makesthisdrinktastelikealusciousdarkrum,orlikearich,caramelizedpineappletart,yetnotsweetatall.Totallyaddictive.*

MAKES1DRINK

2½ouncesolorososherry½ouncerawsugarsyrup(page199)One1-inch-thickpineappleround(approximately130g),peeledandcut

intoseveralpieces,plusthinslicesforgarnish

*Morepineapple,please?TryMutinyontheBounty(page78).

Inthebottomofacocktailshaker,muddlethepineapplethoroughly.Addtheremainingingredientsandice,andshakevigorously.Double-strainintoawineglassoverfreshice(ideallycrushediceorpelletice).Garnishwiththreethinslicesofpineappleandastraw.

RosemaryMonte*We’rehugefansofMontenegro—2ouncesneatafterabigmealisthebestdessertwecanimagine—andweloveitincocktails,too.Orangeyandherbalandbittersweet,itreallydoesn’tneedmuchadornment.Sohere,it’sjustlemon,soda,androsemaryhoney,whichplayupallitscitrus-herbalelements.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesAmaroMontenegro¾ouncelemonjuice½ouncerosemaryhoney(page201)1dashorangebitters2ouncesclub

sodaLemonwheel,forgarnishRosemarysprig,forgarnish

*LikeunusualCollinses?TryCardamomCollins(page20),SumacCollins(page13),andPineconeCollins(page50).

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainacocktailshakerwithice.Shakevigorously,thenstrainintoatallglassoverfreshice.Topwithclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheelandarosemarysprig,clappedbetweenyourpalmsbeforebeingaddedtothedrink.

Shrub&SodaOursweet-tartstrawberryshrubisdeliciousevenwithoutbooze,servedwithclubsodaasavirginrefresher.Foranafternoonaperitifwithjustatouchofalcohol,pourinalittledryvermouth,whichdisappearsseamlesslyintotheshrubwhileaddingjustabitofweightandherbalcomplexity.

MAKES1DRINK

1½ouncesdryvermouth1½ouncesstrawberryshrub(page207)*3ouncesclubsodaLemonwheel,forgarnishStrawberry,forgarnish

*Withallthatshrub:Drinkitwithsodaforanonalcoholicrefresher,ortryShrub-a-Dub(page21)orRumShrub(page84).

Combineallingredientsinatallglasswithiceandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwheel,astrawberry,andastraw.

Foracrowd:Usethe“PitcherMethod”(pagexv).

HoneydewBelliniMimosasandbellinisareniceandall,butfreshhoneydewjuiceandsparklingwineisnextlevel.Freshmelonjuicehasalotofsubstancetoit,whichgivesthecocktailanice,frothyheadwhencombinedwithsparklingwine.

MAKES1DRINK

2½ounceshoneydewjuice(page205)2½ouncessparklingwine*

*Alittlemoreinteresting?TryPartofaCompleteBreakfast(page89).

Combineingredientsinafluteandstirgently.Nogarnish.

Foracrowd:Ensurethewineiswellchilled.Combineingredientsinapitcher,multipliedbysix,thenserveimmediately,pouredamongsixglasses.

CranberryTingles*Weliketheoccasionaloffbeatdrink,andweloveSichuanpeppercorn,whichmakesyourtonguetingleandhasatotallyunique,camphorousaroma.Pairitwithcranberryandsparklingwineandit’sanadmittedlyunusualbuttotallycompellingsparkler.

MAKES1DRINK

4ouncessparklingwine½ounce100%cranberryjuice¼ounceSichuanpeppercornsyrup(page

200)One1-inchroundlemonpeel,forgarnish

*Likingthetingles?TryICan’tFeelMyFace(page175).

Combineallingredientsinafluteandstirgentlytocombine.Spritza1-inchroundoflemonpeel,skinsidedown,overthesurfaceofthedrinkanddiscard.

AmariPartyThiscocktailisn’tquiteaslowproofastheothers.Butasfarasdark,intense,bitterdrinksgo,it’sonthelightersideforsure—requiringnospirit,justatrioofamariandtheItalianvermouthPunteMes.

MAKES1DRINK

1ounceCynar1ouncePunteMes½ounceAmaroMontenegro¼ounceFernet-

Branca½ounceclubsodaLemonwedge,forgarnish

Alittlelighter?TryjustaCynar,PunteMes,andsoda—1ounceCynar,1ouncePunteMes,and4ouncesclubsoda,stirredoverice,withalemonwedgesqueezedin.

Combineallingredientsexcepttheclubsodainamixingglasswithice.Stiruntilverywellchilled,thenstrainintoarocksglassoverfreshice(ideally,onelargeicecube).Topwitha½ounceofclubsodaandstirbriefly.Garnishwithalemonwedge,squeezedintotheglass.

APPENDIX

INFUSIONS

GreenTeaVodkaOne750mlbottlevodka3tablespoonssenchateaAddteatoalargetea

filteroralooseteafilterbag.Placeitinalarge(1quartorlarger)containerwithalid,andpourvodkaoverthetop.Letitsteepfor1hour,thenremovetheteafilterorfilterbagandfunnelthevodkabackintothebottle.

Usein:Ikebana(page25),It’s4:00Somewhere(page24),orinaCollins:2ouncesgreenteavodka,¾ouncelemonjuice,and¾ouncesimplesyrup,shakenandthenstrainedintoatallglasswithice.Topwithwith2ouncesofclubsoda,stir,andgarnishwithalemonwheel.So.Good.

CloveBourbonOne750mlbottlebourbon12cloves(wholeandintact)Addclovestothe

bourbon.Letitsteepovernight,thenstrainoutanddiscardtheclovesandfunnelthebourbonbackintothebottle.

Usein:BrickHouse(page155),TheBackEdge(page167),Clove&Sherry(page154),TheDuckRace(page30,withGiffardBananeduBrésilliqueurswappedinforcrèmedemûre,andclovebourboninforgin);asanOldFashioned(2ouncesclovebourbonstirredwith¼ouncesimplesyrup,2dashesAngosturabitters,and1dashorange,strainedovericewithanorangeandlemontwist);orallonitsown.

SpicyTequilaWhilemanyspicytequilasareinfusedwithjalapeño,wepreferserranochilies,aswe’vefoundtheirheattobemoreconsistent.

One750mlbottleblancotequila2serranochilies

Quarterlengthwiseandde-stemtwoserranochilies.Addthem,seedsincluded,tothebottleoftequila.Letitsteepovernight,thenstrainoutthechiliandseedsandfunnelthetequilabackintothebottle.

Usein:FriendoftheDevil(page115),PalomaPicante(page110),IntheDoghouse(page114),orasasubstituteinanytequilarecipewhereyouwantspice(atyourownrisk!).

BerryGinOne750mlbottleBeefeatergin1¼cupsde-stemmed,sliced

strawberries¾cupblueberries,halved

Inalarge(1quartorlarger)containerwithalid,combinethestrawberries,blueberries,andgin.Coverandletitsteepovernight,thenstrainoutthefruitandfunneltheginbackintothebottle.

Note:Thisrecipeisforjuicysummerberries.Ifyou’reworkingwithout-of-seasonsupermarketberries,doubletheamountlisted.Itlookslikealot,buttheflavorwillbemuchstronger.

Usein:Berries&Bubbles(page57);asaTomCollins(1½ouncesberrygin,½ouncelemonjuice,½ouncesimplesyrup,shakenandstrainedintoatallglasswithice,thentoppedwith2ouncesclubsoda);oraCollinswithLilletor,evenbetter,LilletRose(sameasabove,with1ounceberryginand1ounceLilletorLilletRose).

SYRUPS

SimpleSyrup4ounceswhitesugar4ounceswater

Heatwaterinakettleormicrowaveuntilnearlyboiling.Combinewithsugarandstiruntilit’sdissolved.Letthesyrupcooltoroomtemperaturebeforeusing.

RawSugarSyrup4ouncesrawsugar(likeSugarInTheRaw)4ounceswater

Heatwaterinakettleormicrowaveuntilnearlyboiling.Combinewithsugarandstiruntilit’sdissolved.Letthesyrupcooltoroomtemperaturebeforeusing.

AgaveSyrup4ounceslightordarkagavenectar(cocktailrecipewillspecify)4ounceswater

Heatwaterinakettleormicrowaveuntilnearlyboiling.Combinewiththeagavenectarandstiruntilit’sdissolved.Letthesyrupcooltoroomtemperaturebeforeusing.

HoneySyrup4ounceshoney4ounceswater

Heatwaterinakettleormicrowaveuntilnearlyboiling.Combinewiththehoneyandstiruntilit’sdissolved.Letthesyrupcooltoroomtemperaturebeforeusing.

SichuanPeppercornSyrup4tablespoonsSichuanpeppercorns4ouncesboilingwater½cupsugar

Inasealablecontainer,pourwaterovertheSichuanpeppercorns.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenstirinthesugaruntilit’sdissolved.Letthesyrupsteepfor24hours,andstrainbeforeusing.

Usein:CranberryTingles(page194)orICan’tFeelMyFace(page175).

HibiscusSyrup1cuphibiscusflowers8ouncesboilingwater4to6ouncessugarIna

sealablecontainer,pourwateroverthehibiscusflowers.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenstrain,gentlypressingtheflowerstoextractmoreliquid.Measureliquid;sinceflowerssoakupthewater,itislikelytobebetween4and6ounces.Stirinanequalpartsugaruntilit’sdissolved,andletitcompletelycoolbeforeusing.

Usein:SorrelSiren(page86),HibiscusMargarita(page109),orinasparklingdrink:stirtogether¾ouncehibiscussyrupand5ouncessparklingwineoverice,andsqueezeinalimewedge.

SumacSyrup2tablespoonsgroundsumac1cupwhitesugar8ouncesboilingwater

Addthesumactoalooseteafilterbag.Placeinacontainerandpourboilingwateroverthetop.Letitsteepfor20minutes,removetheteabag,andthenstirinthewhitesugaruntilit’sdissolved.

Usein:SumacCollins(page13)orSumacAttack(page52).

RosemaryHoney5largerosemarysprigs(each5inches;approximately1geach)4ounces

boilingwater½cuphoneyInasealablecontainer,pourwaterovertherosemary.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenstirinhoneyuntilit’sdissolved.Letitsteepuntilit’scompletelycool,about1hour,andstrainbeforeusing.

Usein:DickoryDock(page9),Rosemary76(page49),PineconeCollins(page50),TheThinker(page152),Orchard&Bog(page171),RosemaryMonte(page192),orEasyDoesIt(page189).

ChamomileHoney2chamomileteabags4ouncesboilingwater½cuphoneyInasealable

container,pourwaterovertheteabags.Letitsteepfor20minutes,removetheteabags(gentlysqueezingexcessliquidbackintothetea),thenstirinhoneyuntilit’sdissolved.Letitcoolcompletelybeforeusing.

Usein:OldIrishman(page150),SweaterWeather(page151),Meyer75(page163),BlueRibbon(page19),orGin,Gingerly(page47).

CinnamonHoneyFive3-inch-longcinnamonsticks(eachapproximately3gto5g)8ounces

boilingwater1cuphoneyInasealablecontainer,pourwateroverthecinnamonsticks.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenstirinhoneyuntilit’sdissolved.Letitsteepovernight,refrigerated,andremovethecinnamonsticksbeforeusing.

Usein:OneKissatMidnight(page143),PuttheGrogintheCoconut(page79),orOaxaqueño(page122).

RedHotSyrupFive3-inch-longcinnamonsticks(eachapproximately3gto5g)8ounces

boilingwater1cuphoney½teaspoongroundginger⅛teaspoongroundcayennepepperIna

sealablecontainer,pourwateroverthecinnamonsticks.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenstirinhoneyuntilit’sdissolved.Letitsteepovernight,refrigerated,andremovethecinnamonsticks.Addgroundgingerandcayenneandstirorwhiskuntilspicesarefullyincorporated.

Usein:BrickHouse(page155)orinatallBrickHouse:upthesyrupto¾ounce,addtoaCollinsglasswithbourbon,bitters,4ouncesclubsodaandice;stirbriefly,thenaddahalf-moonsliceoforangeandapieceofstaranise.Ortrythesyrup1:1withstraightbourbonasacinnamonwhiskeyshot.

CardamomSyrup20gwholegreencardamompods(¼cupbyvolume)1cupsugar8

ouncesboilingwaterPulsethecardamompodsinaspicegrinderuntilthey’refinelychopped.Inasealablecontainer,pourwateroverthecrushedcardamom.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenstirinsugaruntilit’sdissolved.Letitsteepovernight,andstrainitthroughafinemeshstrainer,removingsolids,beforeusing.

Usein:CardamomCollins(page20),KingStreet(page153),PartofaCompleteBreakfast(page89)...orinyourcoffee,inanOldFashioned,inlemonade,oranywhereelseyoucanimagine.

Grenadine8ounces100%pomegranatejuice8ouncessugarPeelofonewholeorangeOne3-inchcinnamonstick(approximately3g

to5g)½teaspoonallspiceberries(1.5g)1wholeclove

Combineallingredientsinasaucepan.Bringthemixturetoaboil,stirring,untilallsugarisdissolved.Lowertheheatandsimmerfor8minutes.Removethepanfromtheheat,letitsitovernightrefrigerated,andstrainbeforeusing.

BloodOrangeOleoSaccharumPeelsof4bloodoranges1cupsugar

Inasealablecontainer,coverthebloodorangepeelswithsugar.Coverandshakewellsothatthepeelsarefullycoveredinsugar.Letitstandatroomtemperatureovernight;thecitrusoilsandsugarwillhavestartedtoformaliquid.Shakeagain,uncover,andadd½cuphotwater.Stiruntiltheremainingsugarisdissolved,thenstrain,discardingsolids.

LemonOleoSaccharumPeelsof4lemons1cupsugar

Inasealablecontainer,coverthelemonpeelswithsugar.Coverandshakewellsothatthepeelsarefullycoveredinsugar.Letitstandatroomtemperatureovernight;thecitrusoilsandsugarwillhavestartedtoformaliquid.Shakeagain,uncover,andadd½cuphotwater.Stiruntiltheremainingsugarisdissolved,thenstrain,discardingsolids.

LimeOleoSaccharumPeelsof8limes1cupsugar

Inasealablecontainer,coverthelimepeelswithsugar.Coverandshakewellsothatthepeelsarefullycoveredinsugar.Letitstandatroomtemperatureovernight;thecitrusoilsandsugarwillhavestartedtoformaliquid.Shakeagain,uncover,andadd½cuphotwater.Stiruntiltheremainingsugarisdissolved,thenstrain,discardingsolids.

JUICESANDMORE

Note:Honeydew,watermelon,andcucumberjuicesandcornmilkshouldallbemadeonthedayofuse.Gingerjuicecanlastforafewdays.

CucumberJuice2cucumbersWater

Washcucumberandchopintoroughchunks.Placeinblenderwithjustenoughwatertocovertheblades.Blenduntilsmooth,addingmorewaterifnecessary.Strainthroughafinemeshstrainerbeforeusing,pressingtoextractasmuchjuiceaspossible,anddiscardingsolids.Alternatively,runwholecucumberthroughjuicer.

HoneydewJuice1cuphoneydewmelonchunksWater

Placehoneydewinblenderwithjustenoughwatertocovertheblades.Blenduntilsmooth,addingmorewaterifnecessary.Strainthroughafinemeshstrainerbeforeusing,pressingtoextractasmuchjuiceaspossible,anddiscardingsolids.Alternatively,runsectionsofmelon,seedsandrindremoved,throughjuicer.

WatermelonJuice1cupwatermelonchunks(seedlessorlargeblackseedsremoved)

Water

Placewatermeloninblenderwithjustenoughwatertocovertheblades.Blenduntilsmooth,addingmorewaterifnecessary.Strainthroughafinemeshstrainerbeforeusing,pressingtoextractasmuchjuiceaspossible,anddiscardingsolids.Alternatively,runsectionsofwatermelon,largeblackseedsandrindremoved,throughjuicer.

CornMilk2earsofcornWater

Huskcorn,andcutoffkernels.Placeinblenderwithjustenoughwatertocovertheblades.Blenduntilsmooth,addingmorewaterifnecessary.Strainthroughafinemeshstrainerbeforeusing,pressingtoextractasmuchjuiceaspossible,anddiscardingsolids.Alternatively,cutkernelsoffcornandrunthroughajuicer.

GingerJuiceLargepiecegingerroot,peeledWater

Chopgingerintosmallchunks.Placeinblenderwithjustenoughwatertocovertheblades.Blenduntilsmooth,addingmorewaterifnecessary.Strainthroughafinemeshstrainerbeforeusing,pressingtoextractasmuchjuiceaspossible,anddiscardingsolids.Alternatively,runwholegingerrootthroughjuicer.

StrawberryShrubThereareshrubsmadewitheverykindoffruit,herb,orvegetableandeverykindofvinegar—foradeepdiveintothesubject,readtheexcellentbookShrubsbyMichaelDietsch.Levelsofsugarandvinegaralsovarywidely,butthissweet-tartbalanceworksperfectlyforthecocktailsinthisbook.

1½cupsde-stemmed,slicedstrawberries(approximately250g)½cupsugarWhitewinevinegarCoverthestrawberrieswithsugarinasealablecontainer,andshakehardtobreakuptheberriesabit.Letsitovernight.You’llseethatthefruitandsugarhaveformedasyrup.Shakeagaintohelpdissolveanyremainingsugar,andstrainthroughafinemeshstrainer,pressinggentlyontheberriestoextractmorejuice.Discardsolids.Measuretheliquid,add⅓ofthatmeasurementofwhitewinevinegar,andstirorwhisktoincorporate.

Cinnamon-GingerTea2blackteabagsOne3-inch-inchcinnamonstick(approximately3gto5g)One2-inch

peeledgingerroot,thinlysliced(approximately30g)16ouncesboilingwaterInasealablecontainer,pourwaterovertheteabags,cinnamon,andginger.Letitsteepfor20minutes,thenremovethecinnamonandteabags,leavingtheginger.Cover,refrigerate,andletitsteepwiththegingerovernight.Strainbeforeusing,discardingsolids.

Usein:AndamanIcedTea(page51),orjustpouritovericeanddrinkitonitsown.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

WearesothrilledtoshareBeYourOwnBartenderwiththeworld,andsogratefultothemanypeoplewhocontributed.

AllourthankstoVickyBijur,agentextraordinaire,andoureditor,AnnTreistman,whoreallybelievedinBeYourOwnBartenderandthewackyideaofaflowchartcocktailbookfromDayOne.ThankstotheentireteamatCountryman,too.MattTaylor-Grossmadeourcocktailslooksogorgeous,andtheteamatPopChartLabbroughtourhand-drawnflowchartsketchestolife.

ThankstoLindyLiggettforalmostnamingthebook(wehopeyoulikeyourcocktail)andtoHarveyJones,whosepunnycocktail-naminginstinctisunparalleled.AndthankstoJ.KenjiLópez-Altforyourkindwords;nextroundisonus.

Everydaywe’reinspiredbyourcolleaguesoneverysideofthebarandrestaurantworld—fellowmixologistsandbartenders,spiritswriters,chefs,brandfolks.Thelistofpeoplewhoseinfluenceisreflectedinourcocktailswouldbetoolongtorecount.

ThankstoourFood&Wineeditors,pastandpresent,whohavegivenour“LiquorCabinetRoulette”columnahomeforsomanyyears.

Anenormousthankstothewineandspiritsbrandswhosesupport(andsamplebottles)maderecipetestingpossible—Aperol,AppletonEstate,Avuá,Beefeater,Brugal,Campari,CarpanoAnticaFormula,Cointreau,Combier,CôtéMas,Diplomatico,TheFamousGrouse,Fernet-Branca,Fidencio,GonzálezByass,HINE,Laird’s,Lillet,Luxardo,Montenegro,MountGay,Nikka,OldForester,Plymouth,PuebloViejo,Rittenhouse,St-Germain,andStoli.Wecanonlymake

greatdrinksbecauseyoumakegreatspiritsfirst.Thankstothemany,manyfriendsandfamilywhoweresupportive

ofthisprojectfromtheoutset—whetheryousuggesteddrinkideas,test-droveourflowcharts,taste-testedcocktails,orsimplycheereduson.

Andfinally:JohnwouldliketothankCareyformakinghimawriter;CareywouldliketothankJohnformakingheramixologist.We’rebettertogether.Cheers.

INDEX

Pagenumberslistedcorrespondtotheprinteditionofthisbook.Youcanuseyourdevice’ssearchfunctiontolocateparticulartermsinthetext.

Note:Italicizedpagesrefertophotos.

AAboutThatTime,36absinthe,inThat’llTaketheEdgeOff,132agave,91–115,116–22

about,xx,91charts,92–93,116–17spirits(seemezcal;tequila)AgaveMaria,113

AgaveSyrup,199allspicedram

Maximilian,104,105RumFlip,88TrueCourse,72

AlpineAscent,187AmariParty,195AmaroBraulio,inIntheDoghouse,114AmaroMontenegro

about,xxiiAmariParty,195CynarNegroni,37IrishExit,149Malagueña,74,75Raz-Monte,44,45RosemaryMonte,192

amontilladosherryHamiltonPunch,166SherryCobbler,188Z-to-ASpritz,180

AnchoReyesFrosty’sRevenge,121TheSky’sAflame,100

AndamanIcedTea,51AñejoOldFashioned,102

Angosturabitters,xixAnnadeCodorniuBlancdeBlancs,xxiAperol

about,xxiPinkDrink,179SundownSpritz,4

AppleBrandyOldFashioned,168Apples&Oranges,169appleciderandjuice

AppleSpice,55HarvestMoon,170HotCider-edRum,63LeavesofGrass,12OuttoPasture,13SweaterWeather,151

applejackandapplebrandyAppleBrandyOldFashioned,168Apples&Oranges,169TheAroostook,170chartfor,159ColtsNeck,174Everyone’sInvited,172–73HarvestMoon,170ICan’tFeelMyFace,175Laird’sapplebrandy,xxiOrchard&Bog,171

AppletonEstateSignatureBlendabout,xxTheHangover,65MaiTai’d,77ManOverboard,85PuttheGrogintheCoconut,79SorrelSirens,86,87

TheAroostook,170AvuáPratacachaça,69

TheCaipirinha,69PassionFruitCaipirinha,70

BBackbiter,99TheBackEdge,167BackPorchPunch,82bananaliqueur.SeeGiffardBananeduBrésilbartendingbasics.Seecocktailbasicsbasil

BasilGimlet,33Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri,68

Beefeaterginabout,xxAboutThatTime,36AndamanIcedTea,51BasilGimlet,33CynarNegroni,37Fernet-inez,38

Gin,Gingerly,47G&T+ThenSome,56Pimm’sAway,43PineconeCollins,50TaleofTwoCities,31Tan-Gin-Rine,48

beer,in3Step,138bellpeppers,inRingMyBell,106Bénédictine

TheBackEdge,167SmoothOperator,73

Berries&Bubbles,57BerryGin,198biancovermouth

AgaveMaria,113Ikebana,25,26

BittermensHellfireHabaneroShrubFirebird,144Oaxaqueño,122TheScheme,118,119

bitters,about,xixblackberryliqueur.SeecrèmedemûreTheBlackGrouse

about,xxFirebird,144Presbo!,141

blancotequilainagavedrinks,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,102,103,106,107,109,110,111,113inSpicyTequila,198inwhiskeydrinks,145

blendermethod(parties),xvBloodOrangeOleoSaccharuminEveryone’sInvited,172recipefor,204

BlueRibbon,19bourbon

BrickHouse,155ForgingAhead,133GoodOldBoy,131LuckyinKentucky,134,135TheThinker,1523Step,138TwotoTango,148UpAgainsttheWall,129SeealsoCloveBourbonbrandy,157–75about,xx–xxi,157AppleBrandyOldFashioned,168Apples&Oranges,169TheAroostook,170TheBackEdge,167chartfor,160–61CognacinJarnac,160ColtsNeck,174CranberryToddy,161

Everyone’sInvited,172,173HamiltonPunch,166HarvestMoon,170ICan’tFeelMyFace,175Meyer75,163Orchard&Bog,171Ridealong,164,165SummerinCharente,162

BrickHouse,155BroadStreetPunch,186BrugalExtraDryrum

about,xxBackPorchPunch,82HavanaDaiquiri,76PartofaCompleteBreakfast,89Pear-GingerDaiquiri,67PuttheGrogintheCoconut,79ARealDaiquiri,66Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri,68

brunchchart,40–41

Ccachaça.SeeAvuáPratacachaçaTheCaipirinha,69

SeealsoPassionFruitCaipirinhaCampariabout,xxiColdinQuogue,184TheDiplomat,54FriendoftheDevil,115FrozenNegroni,42LuckyinKentucky,134,135MezcalAmargo,1173Step,138

CappellettiAgaveMaria,113BroadStreetPunch,186CappellettiSpritz,181

CardamomCollins,20CardamomSyrup,202CarpanoAnticaFormula,xxiChamomileHoney,201Champagne,xxi

SeealsosparklingwineChartreuseabout,xxiiElJardín,108Gin,Gingerly,47MutinyontheBounty,78Tan-Gin-Rine,48That’llTaketheEdgeOff,130

charts

advanceprep,112foragave,92–93,116–17All-Americanapplejack,159brunch,40–41daydrinking,178drinkquantities,80–81forFrenchcognac,158forgin,28–29holidaydrinks,142partyapproaches,16–17forrum,60–61forsparklingwine,181forspirits,viii–ixforwhiskey,124–27,140

CherryHeeringCherryonTop,10SakuraSeason,136

CherryonTop,10chilipeppers

RingMyBell,106SpicyCucumberMargarita,103SpicyTequila,198ThaiMartini,23SeealsoBittermensHellfireHabaneroShrubcider.Seeappleciderandjuice;hardciderCinnamon-

GingerTeaAndamanIcedTea,51recipefor,207

CinnamonHoney,201citrus

garnishes,xivjuices,xviSeealsoclementinejuice;grapefruitjuice;lemonjuice;limejuice;orangejuice;orangesclementine

juice,inColdinQuogue,184CloveBourbon

BrickHouse,155Clove&Sherry,154recipefor,197

cobblersPineappleOlorosoCobbler,190,191SherryCobbler,188

cocktailbasicsequipment,xglasses,xiingredients,xvi–xxispiritcharts,viii–ixtechnique,xii–xv

cocktailnerdschart,112coconut

liqueur(seeKalanicoconutliqueur)milk,inFrosty’sRevenge,121PuttheGrogintheCoconut,79

water,inrecipes,65,99coffee

FriendoftheDevil,115IrishExit,149

cognacTheBackEdge,167chartfor,158CognacinJarnac,160CranberryToddy,161HamiltonPunch,166Meyer75,163Ridealong,164,165SummerinCharente,162

Cointreauabout,xxiApples&Oranges,169Ikebana,25MaiTai’d,77MargaritasforaCrowd,94–95Shrub-a-Dub,21

ColadeLeon,120ColdinQuogue,184coldweatherdrinks.SeeholidayandwinterdrinksCollinsdrinks

CardamomCollins,20ClassicRosemaryCollins,20EastAsianCollins,46withGreenTeaVodkainfusion,197PineconeCollins,50SumacCollins,13

ColtsNeck,174CombierPamplemousseRose,xxiiCornMilk

Oaxaqueño,122recipefor,206

CôtéMasCrémantdeLimouxBrut,xxicranberryjuiceabout,xviCranberryTingles,194CranberryToddy,161Cranhattan,130DickoryDock,8,9Everyone’sInvited,172,173Orchard&Bog,171

Cranhattan,130crèmedemüre,inTwotoTango,148crèmedepêche,inTheDuckRace,30CroftTawnyReserveport,inThat’sBananas,137cucumber

BackPorchPunch,82RyeCreekCup,146,147SpicyCucumberMargarita,103

CucumberJuice

about,xvirecipefor,205RightSideoftheBed,14

Cynarabout,xxiiAmariParty,195GoodOldBoy,131IlPompelmo,183Keep‘emComing,101Presbo!,141

CynarNegroni,37

Ddaiquiridrinks

HavanaDaiquiri,76Pear-GingerDaiquiri,67ARealDaiquiri,66Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri,68

daydrinkingchart,178DibonCavaBrutReserve,xxiDickoryDock,8,9TheDiplomat,54DiplomaticoReservaExclusivaabout,xx

Rum-Diggity,64DirtyMartini,6DolinDry,xxidoubleshaketechnique,xii–xiiidouble-strainingtechnique,xivdrinkinginthesunchart,80–81TheDuckRace,30

EEastAsianCollins,46EasyDoesIt,189egg(s)

doubleshaketechniquefor,xiiiinrumdrinks,88white,indrinks,xii–xiii,53,54,55,148

ElderflowerVesper,5ElJardín,108ElRebujito,11equipment,xEveryone’sInvited,172,173

Ffalernum.SeevelvetfalernumTheFamousGrouse

about,xxKingStreet,153OneKissatMidnight,143

Fernet-BrancaAmariParty,195Fernet-inez,38TwotoTango,148UpAgainsttheWall,129

FidencioClásicoMezcal,xxFinoMartini,32finosherry

BroadStreetPunch,186ElRebujito,11FinoMartini,32G&T+ThenSome,56HellofromJerez,98TheHillsAreAlive,39TequilaSangria,111

Firebird,144flowcharts.SeechartsForgingAhead,133Frenchcognac.SeecognacFriendoftheDevil,115Frosty’sRevenge,121FrozenNegroni,42fruitincocktails

citrusgarnishes,xivfruitjuices(seejuicesandmore)fruit-ydrinks(seespecificfruits)G

G&T+ThenSome,56Galliano,inUpAgainsttheWall,129garnishingcocktails,xiv–xvGiffardBananeduBrésil,inThat’sBananas,137gin,27–57

about,xx,27AboutThatTime,36AndamanIcedTea,51AppleSpice,55BasilGimlet,33Berries&Bubbles,57chartsfor,28–29,40–41CynarNegroni,37TheDiplomat,54TheDuckRace,30EastAsianCollins,46Fernet-inez,38FinoMartini,32FrozenNegroni,42Gin,Gingerly,47Gin“Sonic,”56G&T+ThenSome,56TheHillsAreAlive,39Pimm’sAway,43PineconeCollins,50Raz-Monte,44,45Rosemary76,49RosewaterFizz,53Savoy75,34,35

SumacAttack,52TaleofTwoCities,31Tan-Gin-Rine,48SeealsoElderflowerVesperGin,Gingerly,47

gingeraleCognacinJarnac,160RumShrub,84RyeCreekCup,146,147

gingerbeerMustang,83Noreaster,62Pimm’sAway!,43

GingerJuiceabout,xviElJardín,198HarvestMoon,170KickedintheHeadbyThatDamnMule,18KingStreet,153Mustang,83recipefor,206

gingerrootCinnamon-GingerTea,207Gin,Gingerly,47Pear-GingerDaiquiri,67Pimm’sAway!,43TheScheme,118,119

glassware,xiGoodOldBoy,131grapefruitjuice

about,xviinagavedrinks,98,99,100,110,117ingindrinks,52inlow-proofcocktails,186inrumdrinks,71,77,79

grapefruitliqueur.SeeCombierPamplemousseRose;PamplemousseGrapeThyme,22GreenTeaVodka,197Grenadine

ColadeLeon,120ColtsNeck,174ManOverboard,85recipefor,203TheSantaAnas,120SeealsopomegranatejuiceH

HamiltonPunch,166TheHangover,65hardcider

KicktheSafe,140LuckyinKentucky,134,135Noreaster,62Rye&Cider,128

HarvestMoon,170HavanaDaiquiri,76HbyHineCognac,xiHellofromJerez,98herbgarnishes,xiv–xvHibiscusMargarita,109HibiscusSyrup,200TheHillsAreAlive,39holidayandwinterdrinks

chartfor,142ColdinQuogue,184CranberryToddy,161Cranhattan,130DickoryDock,8,9Everyone’sInvited,172,173HotCider-edRum,63OneKissatMidnight,143Orchard&Bog,171OuttoPasture,13Portmanteau,182Rosemary76,49Rum-Diggity,64SumacCollins,13

HoneydewJuiceabout,xviHoneydewBellini,194PartofaCompleteBreakfast,89recipefor,205

HoneySyrup,199HotCider-edRum,63

ITheIbex,26ICan’tFeelMyFace,175IcedTea,Andaman,51iceingredient,xiIkebana,25IlPompelmo,183infusions

recipesfor,197–99andsyrups,xviii

ingredientsbitters,xixfavoritethings,xxiijuices,xviotheressentials,xxispirits,xx–xxisugar,xvii

syrupsandinfusions,xviiiIntheDoghouse,114introductiontococktails.SeecocktailbasicsIrishExit,149Irishwhiskey

IrishExit,149Irlandese,145OldIrishman,150SweaterWeather,151

Irlandese,145It’s4:00Somewhere,24,25

JJackDaniel’s

KicktheSafe,140That’sBananas,137

JapanesewhiskySakuraSeason,136

juicesandmore,205–7about,xviCinnamon-GingerTea,207CornMilk,206CucumberJuice,205GingerJuice,206HoneydewJuice,205StrawberryShrub,207WatermelonJuice,205SeealsospecificjuicesK

Kahlüa,inIrishExit,149Kalanicoconutliqueur

Frosty’sRevenge,121ThaiMartini,23

Keep‘emComing,101KickedintheHeadbyThatDamnMule,18KicktheSafe,140TheKing’sGinger

Backbiter,99EastAsianCollins,46TrueCourse,72

KingStreet,153TheKrakenBlackSpicedRum,78Kümmel,inTheThinker,152

LLaird’sBottledinBondStraightAppleBrandyabout,xxi

AppleBrandyOldFashioned,168Apples&Oranges,169TheAroostook,170ColtsNeck,174

Everyone’sInvited,172,173HarvestMoon,170ICan’tFeelMyFace,175Orchard&Bog,171

LeavesofGrass,12lemongrass,inThaiMartini,23lemonjuice,xviLemonOleoSaccharum

recipefor,203inTequilaSangria,111

TheLiggett,97LilletandLilletRose

about,xxiiAboutThatTime,36EasyDoesIt,189ElderflowerVesper,5RosewaterFizz,53SummerinCharente,162TaleofTwoCities,31

limejuiceabout,xviinbrandydrinks,174ingindrinks,33,56inlow-proofcocktails,186inmezcaldrinks,116,120,122inrumdrinks,66,68,71,76,77,79,82,83,85,86intequiladrinks,94,95,96,97,98,99,103,106,107,109,110invodkadrinks,15,18,23

LimeOleoSaccharuminG&T+ThenSome,56recipefor,204

liqueursessential,xxifavorite,xxiiinrecipes(seespecificliqueurs)low-proofcocktails,177–95about,177AlpineAscent,187AmariParty,195BroadStreetPunch,186CappellettiSpritz,181chartfor,178ColdinQuogue,184CranberryTingles,194EasyDoesIt,189HoneydewBellini,194IlPompelmo,183MontenegroSbagliato,183PineappleOlorosoCobbler,190,191PinkDrink,179Portmanteau,182

RosemaryMonte,192SherryCobbler,189Shrub&Soda,193VermutO’Clock,185Z-to-ASpritz,180

LuckyinKentucky,134,135LuxardoMaraschino

about,xxiiFernet-inez,38HavanaDaiquiri,76LeavesofGrass,12SundownSpritz,4

MMaiTai’d,77Malagueña,74,75MangoFrozenMargarita,96Manhattandrinks

IntheDoghouse,114SummerinCharente,162SeealsoCranhattan;ForgingAhead;SakuraSeason;SmoothOperatorManOverboard,85

maplesyrupinbrandydrinks,168,170inwhiskeydrinks,134–35,140

margaritasHibiscusMargarita,109MangoFrozenMargarita,96MargaritasforaCrowd,94–95MezcalMargarita,116PassionFruitFrozenMargarita,96SpicyCucumberMargarita,103TrulyGreatFrozenMargarita,95WatermelonMargarita,107

martinisDirtyMartini,6ElderflowerVesper,5FinoMartini,32ThaiMartini,23

Maximilian,104,105Meyer75,163mezcal

about,xxchartfor,116–17ColadeLeon,120Frosty’sRevenge,121MezcalAmargo,117MezcalMargarita,116Oaxaqueño,122

TheSantaAnas,120TheScheme,118,119

milk,inIt’s4:00Somewhere,25mint

inbrandydrinks,166ingindrinks,43inrumdrinks,86invodkadrinks,11,14,15

MionettoProseccoBrut,xximixingdrinks.SeetechniqueMontenegroSbagliato,183MountGayBlackBarrel

about,xxHotCider-edRum,63Noreaster,62

muddlingtechnique,xivMustang,83MutinyontheBounty,78

NNegronidrinks

CynarNegroni,37FrozenNegroni,42SeealsoAgaveMaria;GoodOldBoy;3StepNikkaTaketsuraPureMaltWhisky,inSakkuraSeason,

136Noreaster,62

OOaxaqueño,122OldFashioneddrinks

AñejoOldFashioned,102AppleBrandyOldFashioned,168SeealsoBrickHouse;ICan’tFeelMyFace;Malagueña;OldIrishman;Rum-DiggityOldForester,xx

OldIrishman,150oleosaccharums

recipefor,204techniquedefined,56SeealsoBloodOrangeOleoSaccharum;LemonOleoSaccharum;LimeOleoSaccharumolorososherryClove&Sherry,154Everyone’sInvited,172,173

PineappleOlorosoCobbler,190,191SmoothOperator,73

OneKissatMidnight,143orangejuice

about,xviinbrandydrinks,172–73inlow-proofcocktails,185inwhiskeydrinks,154

orange(s)

bitters,xixBloodOrangeOleoSaccharum,203inEveryone’sInvited,172,173blossomwater,inIkebana,25liqueur(seeCointreau)marmalade,inIt’s4:00Somewhere,24SherryCobbler,188

Orchard&Bog,171orgeatsyrup

MaiTai’d,77MutinyontheBounty,78

OuttoPasture,13

PPalomaPicante,110Pamplemousse

about,xxiiPosmo,7Ridealong,164,165TaleofTwoCities,31

partieschartsfor,16–17,80–81cocktailmethodsfor,xvplanningapproachesfor,16–17

PartofaCompleteBreakfast,89PassionFruitCaipirinha,70

SeealsoTheCaipirinhaPassionFruitFrozenMargarita,96pears

EastAsianCollins,67Pear-GingerDaiquiri,67

peppercornsyrup.SeeSichuanPeppercornSyrupPimm’sAway,43Pimm’sNo.1

PartofaCompleteBreakfast,89Pimm’sAway!,43WhiskeyRebel,139

pineapplejuice,inMutinyontheBounty,78PineappleOlorosoCobbler,190,191

PineconeCollins,50PinkDrink,179pitchermethod(parties),xvPlymouthgin

about,xxAppleSpice,55TheDiplomat,54TheDuckRace,30EastAsianCollins,46FinoMartini,32Raz-Monte,44,45Rosemary76,49

RosewaterFizz,53Savoy75,34,35SumacAttack,52

pomegranatejuiceabout,xviPortmanteau,182Posmo,7SweaterWeather,151

portPortmanteau,182That’sBananas,137

Portmanteau,182Posmo,7Presbo!,141ProfessionalDrinker,71PuebloViejotequila,xxpunches

BackPorchPunch,82BroadStreetPunch,197Everyone’sInvited,172,173HamiltonPunch,166TequilaSangria,111

PunteMes,inAmariParty,195PuttheGrogintheCoconut,79

RRamazzotti,inSmoothOperator,73raspberries,inRaz-Monte,44,45RawSugarSyrup,199Raz-Monte,44,45ARealDaiquiri,66RedHotSyrup,202resposadotequila,101,105,108Ridealong,164,165RightSideoftheBed,15RingMyBell,106Rittenhouse,xxrootbeer,inUpAgainsttheWall,129Rosemary76,49RosemaryCollins,20RosemaryHoney,201RosemaryMonte,192RosewaterFizz,53rum,59–89

about,xx,59BackPorchPunch,82TheCaipirinha,69chartfor,60–61

TheHangover,65HavanaDaiquiri,76HotCider-edRum,63MaiTai’d,77Malagueña,74,75ManOverboard,85Mustang,83MutinyontheBounty,78Noreaster,62PartofaCompleteBreakfast,89PassionFruitCaipirinha,70Pear-GingerDaiquiri,67ProfessionalDrinker,71PuttheGrogintheCoconut,79ARealDaiquiri,66Rum-Diggity,64RumFlip,88RumShrub,84SmoothOperator,73SorrelSirens,86,87Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri,68TrueCourse,72

Rum-Diggity,64RumFlip,88RumShrub,84ryewhiskey

Cranhattan,130Rye&Cider,128RyeCreekCup,146,147WhiskeyRebel,139

SSakuraSeason,136sangriapunch

TequilaSangria,111SanPellegrinoPompelmosoda,inIlPompelmo,183TheSantaAnas,120Savoy75,34,35TheScheme,118,119Scotchwhiskey

Firebird,144KingStreet,153OneKissatMidnight,143Presbo!,141That’llTaketheEdgeOff,130

shakenandstirredmethods(parties),xvshakingandstirringtechnique,xii–xiiisherries,about,xxiiSeealsoamontilladosherry;finosherry;olorososherrySherryCobbler,188

shrubs

RumShrub,84Shrub-a-Dub,21Shrub&Soda,193SeealsoBittermensHellfireHabaneroShrubShrubs(Dietsch),207

SichuanPeppercornSyrup,200SimpleSyrup,199TheSky’sAflame,100SmoothOperator,73SorrelSirens,86,87sparklingwine

about,xxiinbrandydrinks,163,169,171chartfor,178ingindrinks,30,35,39,47,49inlow-proofcocktails,179,180,181,182,183,184,186,194invodkadrinks,4,12,19inwhiskeydrinks,143

SpicyCucumberMargarita,103SpicyTequila,198spirits

about,xx–xxichartsfor,viii–ix

spritzdrinksCappellettiSpritz,181Portmanteau,182SundownSpritz,4Z-to-ASpritz,180

St-Germainabout,xxiAboutThatTime,36BlueRibbon,19ElderflowerVesper,5TheHillsAreAlive,39Irlandese,145LeavesofGrass,12PinkDrink,179

stirredandshakenmethods(parties),xvstirringandshakingtechnique,xii–xiiiStoligin,xxstrainingcocktails.Seedouble-strainingtechniquestrawberries

RyeCreekCup,146,147Strawberry-BasilDaiquiri,68StrawberryShrub,207

sugaringredient,xviiSumacAttack,52SumacCollins,13SumacSyrup,200SummerinCharente,162SundownSpritz,4Suze,inTheIbex,26SweaterWeather,151syrups,199–204

andinfusions,xviiiAgaveSyrup,199BloodOrangeOleoSaccharum,204CardamomSyrup,202ChamomileHoney,201CinnamonHoney,201Grenadine,203HibiscusSyrup,200HoneySyrup,199LemonOleoSaccharum,204LimeOleoSaccharum,204RawSugarSyrup,199RedHotSyrup,202RosemaryHoney,201SichuanPeppercornSyrup,200SimpleSyrup,199SumacSyrup,200

TTaleofTwoCities,31tangerine,inTan-Gin-Rine,48Tan-Gin-Rine,48tea

AndamanIcedTea,51Cinnamon-GingerTea,207GreenTeaVodka,197

techniquecocktailmethodsforparties,xvdouble-shaketechnique,xii–xiiigarnishing,xiv–xvmuddlinganddouble-straining,xivshakingandstirring,xiitequilaabout,xxAgaveMaria,113AñejoOldFashioned,102Backbiter,99chartfor,92–93IntheDoghouse,114ElJardín,108HellofromJerez,98HibiscusMargarita,109Keep‘emComing,101TheLiggett,97MangoFrozenMargarita,96MargaritasforaCrowd,94Maximilian,104,105PalomaPicante,110PassionFruitFrozenMargarita,96RingMyBell,106TheSky’sAflame,100SpicyCucumberMargarita,103

SpicyTequila,198TequilaSangria,111Tommy’sMargarita,95TrulyGreatFrozenMargarita,95WatermelonMargarita,107

ThaiMartini,23That’llTaketheEdgeOff,130That’sBananas,137TheThinker,1523Step,138thyme,inGrapeThyme,22TioPepe,xxiiTommy’sMargarita,95TrueCourse,72TrulyGreatFrozenMargarita,95TullamoreDew,xxTwotoTango,148

UUpAgainsttheWall,129

Vvelvetfalernum

AndamanIcedTea,51ProfessionalDrinker,71

vermouth,dryabout,xxiDirtyMartini,6IntheDoghouse,114Savoy75,34,35Shrub&Soda,193Seealsobiancovermouth;PunteMes;vermouth,sweetvermouth,sweetabout,xxiAlpineAscent,187Cranhattan,130Fernet-inez,38ForgingAhead,133FrozenNegroni,42GoodOldBoy,131Keep‘emComing,101MontenegroSbagliato,183SakuraSeason,136That’llTaketheEdgeOff,1303Step,138VermutO’Clock,185

VermutO’Clock,185VinhoVerde,inTequilaSangria,111

vodka,1–26about,xx,1BlueRibbon,19CardamomCollins,20CherryonTop,10DickoryDock,8,9DirtyMartini,6ElderflowerVesper,5ElRebujito,11GrapeThyme,22TheIbex,26Ikebana,25It’s4:00Somewhere,24KickedintheHeadbyThatDamnMule,18LeavesofGrass,12OuttoPasture,13Posmo,7RightSideoftheBed,15Shrub-a-Dub,21SumacCollins,13SundownSpritz,4ThaiMartini,23WhataMelon,14

WWatermelonJuice

about,xvirecipefor,205WatermelonMargarita,107WhataMelon,13

WhataMelon,14whiskey,123–56

about,xx,123BrickHouse,155chartsfor,124–27,142Clove&Sherry,154Cranhattan,130Firebird,144ForgingAhead,133GoodOldBoy,131IrishExit,149Irlandese,145KicktheSafe,140KingStreet,153LuckyinKentucky,134,135OldIrishman,150OneKissatMidnight,143Presbo!,141

Rye&Cider,128RyeCreekCup,146,147SakuraSeason,136SweaterWeather,151That’llTaketheEdgeOff,130That’sBananas,137TheThinker,1523Step,138TwotoTango,148UpAgainsttheWall,129WhiskeyRebel,139

wine.Seechampagne;sherries;sparklingwine;vinhoverdewinterdrinks.SeeholidayandwinterdrinksZZirbenzStonePineLiqueurAlpineAscent,187

TheIbex,26Maximilian,104,105PineconeCollins,50

Z-to-ASpritz,180Zucca

ForgingAhead,133Z-to-ASpritz,180

ZUVodkaLeavesofGrass,12OuttoPasture,13

ABOUTTHEAUTHORS

CareyJoneshaswrittenaboutfoodandspiritsformorethanadecade,andherworkhasappearedinpublicationsincludingFood&Wine,Travel+Leisure,NewYorkTimes,andVogue.Herfirstcocktailbook,BrooklynBartender,hasbeenfeaturedbySaveur,Forbes,andmanyothers;CareyhasappearedasacocktailexpertonNPR’sDinnerPartyDownload.SheistheformermanagingeditorofJamesBeardAward–winningwebsiteSeriousEats.

JohnMcCarthyisaconsultingmixologistandspiritswriterwhohascreatedmorethanadozenbarprogramsforestablishmentsinNewYorkandbeyond.TogetherwithCareyJones,heisthecoauthorof“LiquorCabinetRoulette,”aspiritscolumnforthehomebartenderontheFood&Winewebsite,whichhasrunweeklyformorethanfouryears.HehasalsostarredinaseriesofcocktailvideosforSaveur.JohnandhiscocktailshavebeenprofiledintheNewYorkTimes,WallStreetJournal,andnumerousothers,andhehasappearedonGoodMorningAmericaandNBC’sTheTodayShowwebsite.

Textcopyright©2018byCarolynJonesandJohnMcCarthyForewordcopyright©2018byJ.KenjiLópez-AltPhotographscopyright©2018byMattTaylor-GrossChartscopyright©2018byTheCountrymanPressIllustrationspagesxi,xvi,xvii,xxbyPopChartLab.AllotherillustrationsfromiStockPhoto.com:pagevii,30(Champagne),69,70,79,121:©Ksenica;pagex,xiv,15(mint),38,42,48:©SvetlanaChernova;page4,130:©Sudowoodo;page10(lemon):©wmiran;page10(cherries),13,30(peach),67,96,137,184:©HeinNouwens;page15(lime):©stevezmina1;page15(cucumber),21:©Jane_Kelly;page18,37:©girafchik123;page22,57,148:©peanutpie;page47,206:©Annarki;page50:©colorcocktail;page52,99:©OlgaAndreevnaShevchenko;page84:©kathykonkle;page89,101,103,107,179,204:©bortonia;page122:©kilroy79;page168:©Octopus182

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