12-17-2024

This cocktail was created by the amazing photographer Jordan Hughes (@highproofpreacher) and is found in his book, “Twist.” This is a riff on the modern classic Penicillin by Sam Ross. He swaps out the honey-ginger syrup for demerara and highlights a touch of Aperol for added complexity. Cheers y’all!

12-16-2024

This modern classic was created in 2005 by the brilliant Sam Ross at Milk & Honey (now closed; NYC). It originated as a riff on the Gold Rush (bourbon, honey, lemon), but he adds a spicy ginger element and smoky scotch for a layered flavor. Think of it as a cozy whiskey sour with a little smoky sophistication. Cheers y’all!

12-15-2024

This version of the Americano was created by Ricky Gomez (owner of Palomar, Portland, OR) as a nod to the classic cocktail and the espresso drink of the same name. Instead of soda water, he uses cold brew alongside Campari and sweet vermouth. The result is a refreshing, low-ABV drink where the bitterness of the coffee and the herbal notes of the Campari shine. Cheers y’all!

12-14-2024

This lighter and herbaceous Negroni riff was created in 2013 by Naren Young. The combo of Génépy and Suze evokes flavors reminiscent of mountain botanicals. This was also my first time making clear ice with something suspended in it. Cheers y’all!

12-13-2024

This unique take on an espresso martini is inspired Kevin Kos (@kevin_kos). He learned a technique from Rich Woods to create coffee oil washed vodka. The appearance is reminiscent of the classic with the addition of a foamer. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the coffee. Cheers y’all!

12-12-2024

This cocktail was created by my good friend Isaiah LaBelle (@onesipclub) in honor of his mom who passed away ten years ago. She was a lover of life and lemon drops, so Isaiah made this one in honor of Her. I have a feeling if you could see him now, you’d be proud. Cheers y’all!

12-11-2024

This is a creamy coconut cocktail from the island of Puerto Rico, where you’ll notice that most Puerto Ricans have their own recipe. This batch serves 12–15, and will last for months in the fridge. Cheers y’all!

12-10-2024

The cocktail was created by Michael Mas of Experimental Cocktail Club (Paris), and inspired by a trip to St. Petersburg. When he and a friend found Angostura bitters too expensive for making Trinidad Sours, they got creative and subbed Salers instead, resulting in a Mai Tai-esque recipe. Cheers y’all!

12-09-2024

This festive twist on the classic Rob Roy cocktail is by Miguel Buencamino (@holycityhandcraft). I’ve been looking for reasons to use my recently acquired bottle of spiced pear liqueur, and this did not disappoint. I’ll definitely be sipping on this again during the holidays. Cheers y’all!

12-08-2024

This cocktail was created by Mindy Kucan (@drinkswmindy) for Hale Pele (Portland, OR). This holiday tiki drink will transport you to the tropics, but give you all the notes of a fruitcake. Cheers y’all!

12-07-2024

This is a cozy, seasonal cocktail that captures the essence of apple pie in a glass. It was created in 2021 Sean Hoard (Portland, OR) as a playful nod to those family debates over the best apple pie recipe. The various ingredients add layers of warmth and spice. Cheers y’all!

12-06-2024

Every so often my feed devolves to people complaining about the creativity and/or price of NA cocktails. I’m not sure if it is engagement bait or simply not understanding. Non-alcoholic cocktails take just as much care to craft as their boozy counterparts, and the ingredients—like quality syrups, fresh juices, or non-alcoholic spirits—can be just as pricey. The goal is to create a thoughtful, well-balanced drink, and that effort is reflected in the price. This is a simple riff on a classic Painkiller I created using a local non-alcoholic botanical gin (Ginnocence).

12-05-2024

This is my winter twist on an Espresso Martini. It’s bold and warm with overproof rum, layered with rich chocolate, refreshing mint, and a touch of salt to balance and accentuate the flavors. The name felt right—it’s dark, boozy, and guaranteed to quiet the holiday chaos. Cheers y’all!

12-04-2024

I found this recipe last year on another cocktail enthusiast's page (@cheerstohappyhour), and had to stir it up again for the season. The name is so clever, the flavors are perfect for the holidays, and who can say no to clear ice in clear drinks?! I hope the week is going well for everyone! Cheers y’all!

12-03-2024

This cocktail was created by Jordan Hughes (@highproofpreacher) and is found in his book, “Twist.” It’s a twist on the classic French 75 that he takes down to the country of Peru. Rather than using gin or cognac, Pisco is used. He then adds some passionfruit and lime for a unique twist. Cheers y’all!

12-02-2024

This old fashioned variation was created in 2020 by Tony Roehr for Raised By Wolves (San Diego, CA). This one is described as being like banana bread in a glass, and that is the perfect description. It is not sweet, rather it is full of warm spices and a slight touch of banana. Enjoy this glass of nutty goodness. Cheers y’all!

12-01-2024

This one is by Danielle Crouch and Allan Katz, who made it for Here's Looking At You (Los Angeles). The split base gives it a balance of warmth and tropical brightness, with a touch of grenadine for sweetness and Fernet for a little bitter edge. “It tastes like drinking your way through Christmas break,” says Katz. Cheers y’all!

11-30-2024

This one comes via Jordan Hughes (@highproofpreacher) and his book, “Twist.” Honestly, if you’re on the search for a gift or want to treat yourself, please get his book. The recipes are amazing, the photos are phenomenal, and he is a genuine guy. Now the drink: pineapple + coffee is a dream duo, just trust me. Cheers y’all!

11-29-2024

This cocktail is my take on a bold and balanced espresso martini. It’s built around the punchy flavors of overproof Jamaican rum. It’s strong, rich, and just the right amount of complex. After one of these, your heart might skip a beat (in a good way). Cheers y’all!

11-28-2024

This lovely highball was created by my friend Isaiah LaBelle (@onesipclub). He suggests using Smith and Cross if you have it, though Planteray OFTD is what he went with. This highball is perfect for the winter season when you want a tropical drink full of warm spices. Cheers y’all!