10-23-2024

This cocktail comes from Nandini Khaund who made it for Cindy's Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. It is described as a caffeine-loaded Jungle Bird riff, so how could I not make it? It may not have rum, but it is loaded with amaro. Cheers y’all!

10-22-2024

This is a classic cocktail that dates back to 1929, where it was featured in, “Cocktails de Paris Presents Par RIP.” It originally calls for Amaro Caro, which is no longer available. Meletti provides caramel and saffron notes, which gives depth to this dry Negroni variation. Cheers y’all!

10-21-2024

This was created by Elliott Clark and is found in his book, “Let’s Do Drinks.” The drink’s name translates to Three Days in Cognac, which is how long it took him to fall in love with the region. This cognac old fashioned has added layers of complexity of maple and chocolate. Who can say no to chocolate and cognac? Cheers y’all!

10-20-2024

This cocktail was created in 2007 by Jan Warren at 10 Downing (NYC). The name definitely fits — it continues to get better and better as you sip it. The smoke from the mezcal is present, then you get a clear but not overpowering fruity flavor from the esters in the pot still Jamaican rum. The falernum adds a touch of sweetness and island spices. Cheers y’all!

10-19-2024

This cocktail was created in 2019 by Roger Grüter at Angel’s Share (Basel, Switzerland). At first glance, you may think it’s a lot. Surprisingly, the two ounces of amaro and ounce of Islay scotch is balanced perfectly with the banana liqueur. A little salt makes the flavors POP. Cheers y’all!

10-18-2024

This Last Word riff was created by Phil Ward in 2008 for Death & Company (NYC). Ward says, “It doesn't make sense, but peaty Scotch and lime juice are amazing together, so I used this surprising combo in a variation on the Last Word." This one is herbaceous, smoky, and has a bit of cherry flavor. Cheers y’all!

10-17-2024

This cocktail comes from Attaboy (New York City). I found it on Frederic Yarn’s page (@fredericyarm) and had to reshake it. This one very much reads like a passionfruit Infante sans rose water. Every sip is bright and vibrant. The fresh nutmeg releases aromatic oils, which adds a warm and spicy scent as you sip. Cheers y’all!

10-16-2024

Folks said they wanted an old fashioned series, so here is another riff of mine. Split basing is a great way to introduce new flavors. I thought the spice of the rye would pair well with a funky Jamaican rum (Doctor Bird). I added some more pineapple because it’s very subtle in DB. Cheers y’all!

10-15-2024

This one is an original of mine. It is a rich, layered cocktail with tropical flair. Aged rum provides depth, coconut rum adds smooth sweetness, and coffee liqueur brings a bold, roasty note. A hint of passionfruit adds tartness, balanced with lime and tiki bitters for complexity. Cheers y’all!

10-14-2024

This cocktail was created by the one, the only, tiki-legend Jeff “Beachbum” Berry in 2009 for Smuggler’s Cove (San Francisco). The name of this drink translates to “Lost World” (it has nothing to do with Jurassic Park). This is a good one as we enjoy fall and the winter to come. Cheers y’all!

10-13-2024

A daiquiri might just be my deathbed cocktail. I came across this fall daiquiri by Joaquín Simó, who made it for Death & Co (@deathandcompany). Simó tried various rums before choosing Mount Gay Eclipse, which adds a distinct apple-like character to the drink. Cheers y’all!

10-11-2024

This cocktail was created by a Vancouver bartender for a patron by the name of Joy Pecknold. Unfortunately, Joy recently passed away in a car accident in August. Her nephew, McKinley Bainard, recently shared this drink and her story, sparking folks to reshake this for Joy, a lover of life and mezcal Last Words. Cheers Joy!

10-11-2024

This split base old fashioned is an original of mine. I wanted to make something tropical, but a sipper. I sweeten it up just a touch with a coconut oolong demerara syrup, which brings in a hint of tropical richness. The lime and tiki bitters add a little kick of citrus and spice. Cheers y’all!

10-10-2024

This reverse Manhattan was created by Turk Dietrich for Cure (@curenola; New Orleans, LA). The vanilla and orange notes of the vermouth are complemented by herbaceous Chartreuse and a spicy overproof rye. Aromatic bitters with a Christmas-spice vibe add warmth, creating a richer, smoother twist on the classic. Cheers y’all!

10-09-2024

This cocktail is by Michael Shea, owner of one of my favorite Portland bars, Rum Club (@rumclubpdx). It is a twist on the classic Martinez cocktail. Nothing beats having this in the club, as they use a house blend of rums that you can’t replicate. Cheers y’all!

10-08-2024

This drink was created by Michael Yusko for Cure (New Orleans, LA). Yusko aimed to make use of a neglected bottle of Licor 43, a citrus and vanilla-flavored liqueur popular in Spain, by incorporating it into a rum-based Manhattan variation. He named this after a quote from the 1992 Hal Hartley film Simple Men. Cheers y’all!

10-07-2024

This one is by fellow professor, Martin Foys, creator of The Gin Pennant (@theginpennant), a private speakeasy-style “bar” in Madison, WI. This Scotch Negroni has layers of complexity from the bitter nonino and herbal Bénédictine. The proportions make this one smoother and more nuanced than the traditional. The applewood smoke, though optional, transports you to a dimly lit, vintage bar where the air is filled with the soft glow of brass fixtures, hushed conversation, and the deep, smoky allure of fine spirits. Cheers y’all!

10-06-2024

Who wants an Old Fashioned cocktail series? As fall gets into full swing, the spirit forward cocktails are flowing. The template for an old fashioned is easy to riff on. If you enjoy fall and winter spices, you should get a bottle of allspice dram. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Cheers y’all!

10-05-2024

Fall is in the air, so get ready for all the stirred cocktails. Of course, I had to mix up a maple old fashioned. Here I used a combo of bitters to bring out the fall vibes, and the extra touch of salinity from the meat stick accentuates the flavors and is simply divine. Cheers y’all!

10-04-2024

This cocktail was created by Dominic Alling, who was inspired by childhood memories of taking Angostura bitters for stomachaches. This mezcal variation of the Trinidad Sour balances bold flavors like orgeat and Angostura bitters. Mezcal’s complexity allows these ingredients to blend well together with a hefty pour of bitters. Cheers y’all!