Browse Cocktails Articles and Recipes

Cocktails to try this Cinco de Mayo

April 30, 2024/in Cocktails, Cocktail Recipes

Cocktails to Try this Cinco De Mayo!

Looking for some fun cocktails to try this Cinco De Mayo?
Check out these cocktails curated by some of our friends across the country!

MARGARITA
Cocktail by Michael Aredes

1800 Tiendita Margarita scaled | Bartender.com

1.5 oz 1800 Cristalino

.5 oz Lime Juice

.5 oz Agave Syrup

1 oz Mango Puree

Tajin Rim

Garnish with Tamarind Straw

Take a fresh rocks glass and run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip into tajin. Separately, in a shaker tin, combine 1800 Cristalino, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, mango puree and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Take rocks glass with Tajin rim, and strain liquid over fresh ice. Garnish with tamarind straw.

CARAJILLO

Cocktail by Michael Aredes

1 oz 1800 Reposado

.5 oz Spanish Liqueur

.5 oz Cinnamon Syrup

1 oz Cold Brew

Garnish with grated Cinnamon

In a shaker tin, combine 1800 Reposado, Spanish liquor, cinnamon syrup and cold brew. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into rocks glass and grate cinnamon over the top.

Mr Black Margarita Negra

Photo credit Guy Davies

1 oz Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

1 oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco

1 oz Lime Juice

.5 Agave Syrup

Garnish with Lime Wheel

Salt rim of rocks glass. Combine all ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker, hard shake, and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Hot Tamale

Photo and Cocktail credit Shelby Mastro

1.5 oz. Chipotle Tequila

1 Bar spoon The Perfect Puree Caramelized Pineapple Concentrate, thawed

1/2 oz. Cinnamon Syrup

1/2 oz Lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard. Pour into a glass, and enjoy

Whatever you are enjoying this weekend, please do so responsibly and be sure to tip your Bartenders!

Cheers!

Ms. Cherry Baudelaire credit Dima Velyush | Bartender.com

Best Valentine’s Day Cocktail Features

February 13, 2024/in Cocktails

Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Check out these amazing cocktail features in bars across the US for Valentine’s Day!

Mystique Rouge

Feature cocktail at Smith & Mills in NYC

1.5 oz Lalo Blanco Tequila

.5 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth

.5 oz Lychee Green Tea Cordial

.25 oz Hibiscus Cordial

.75 oz Lemon Juice

Rim a large rocks glass with the Cabernet Salt. Combine all in a shaker with ice and shake well. Add cube ice to the glass and strain. Garnish with a sprig of opal basil.

“PRETTY IN PINK”

Created by Inga

Featured at OLEA in Newport Beach, CA

1.5 oz Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum

.75 oz Frais De Bois (Strawberry Liqueur)

.25 oz Grenadine

1.5 oz Coconut Water

Garnish: Whipped cream & Rose Petal

Glassware: Vintage Coupe

Inga’s Story & Inspiration:
This month’s cocktail feature is a cult classic in the Rom-Com genre. Showcasing Papa’s Pilar blonde rum, “Pretty in Pink”, is inspired by the 1986 American teen romantic comedy-drama film about love and social cliques in American high schools in the 1980s. Papa’s Pilar blonde has delicate notes of vanilla like Andie Walsh’s character in the movie. Like creating her iconic pink prom dress, this cocktail adds layers of femininity with Frais De Bois, coconut water and grenadine, while whipped cream adds a silky texture like the foundation of her dress. And finally, a rose petal to add the final touches like a corsage.

Ms. Cherry Baudelaire:

Featured at The Fancy at Hotel Lucine

Hotel Lucine is in Galveston, Texas

2 oz Roku Gin

1 oz Lime

0.75 oz Buttered Cherry Syrup

0.50 oz Maraschino

Top w/ Topo

Garnish with a picked cherry

Shaken | Up | Served in a chilled coupe

French 75 with a pink twist

Featured at Tillie’s at Camp Lucy

Texas Hill Country in Dripping Springs

1.5 oz. Empress 1908 Gin

1/2 oz lemon juice

2 dashes simple syrup

2 oz Champagne of choice

Combine gun, lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a flute glass and top with 2 oz champagne of choice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cupid’s Arrow

Featured At Karma Asian Fusion, Burlington

Mezcal Joven Tequila
Agave
Passion fruit
Raspberry
Lime
Bergamot
Topped with a zesty yuzu foam

Whatever and whoever you are celebrating Valentine’s with this year, please do so responsibly and if you are out… #TipYourBartenders

Sippin Santa NC SippinSanta Horizontals 3 | Bartender.com

2023 Holiday Cocktails

December 22, 2023/in Cocktails

2023 Holiday Cocktails

From Bars Around the US

We love seeing creative cocktails all year-round but especially during the holidays. The creativity is at an all-time high and this year is no different. Here are some that we have been enjoying from our industry friends around the country!

Ski Trip
Featured at Sorellina in Hoboken, NJ

2 oz Zacappa No. 23

8 oz House Hot Chocolate

(top with house made toasted marshmallows)

Book Club
Featured at Sorellina in Hoboken, NJ

2 oz Bourbon

.75 oz lemon juice

.75 oz honey syrup

4 oz Chai Tea

Sippin’ Santa

Nickel City, Austin, TX

Aged Demerara Rum
Amaro
Lemon
Orange
Gingerbread mix

Chillin’ With My Snowmies

1909 Temecula: Temecula, CA

Created by Bartender: : @Iam_Tut

Plantation Pineapple

Pineapple Juice

Coconut Puree

Lime Juice

Apple Spice

House made Ube Taro Syrup

Highway to the Manger Zone

Black Lodge, VA

Created by Bartender: Steve Yang

George Dickel Rye
Aperol
Amaro Nonino
Spices
Acidified cranberry

Snowball Sipper

Distrito Federal in Campbell, CA

Created by Bartender: Jorge Vargas

Gin
Dry vermouth

Spiced pear liqueur
Grenadine
Lemon

Whatever you choose to drink this holiday, please do so responsibly. If you are out and about, please be sure to #TipYourBartenders

Cheers!!

FALL / WINTER COCKTAILS

November 7, 2023/in Cocktails

FALL/WINTER COCKTAILS

Check out these amazing cocktails that are featured in the Fall / Winter Issue of BARTENDER Magazine

These are also posted on our Instagram here!

Shot by our friends at Swizzle Media

SMOKE AND SPICE

1 BOTTLE UNDERBERG

1.5 OZ COMPASS BOX KING STREET “ARTIST BLEND” BLENDED SCOTCH

1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE

.75 OZ HONEY 3:1 SYRUP

.5 OZ LIQUID ALCHEMIST GINGER SYRUP

MIST COMPASS BOX KINGS STREET “GLASGOW BLEND” BLENDED SCOTCH

GARNISH: CANDIED GINGER/LEMON WEDGE

VESSEL: 10.5 OZ ROCKS

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A MIXING TIN. ADD ICE. SHAKE VIGOROUSLY FROM 7-8 SECONDS. STRAIN INTO VESSEL WITH FRESH ICE. MIST WITH SCOTCH. GARNISH.

PUMPKIN SPICE

1 BOTTLE UNDERBERG

1.5 OZ COMPASS BOX KING STREET “ARTIST BLEND” BLENDED SCOTCH

1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE

1 OZ PUMPKIN SYRUP (SEE RECIPE BELOW)

.25 OZ TURBINADO 2:1 SYRUP

1 EGG

1 OZ STOUT

GARNISH: GRATED CINNAMON

VESSEL: 8 OZ COUPE

CHILL VESSEL. COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A MIXING TIN. DRY SHAKE. ADD ICE. SHAKE VIGOROUSLY FROM 10-15 SECONDS. ADD IN STOUT. FINE STRAIN INTO CHILLED VESSEL. GARNISH.

PUMPKIN SYRUP RECIPE:

800 GRAMS SIMPLE SYRUP (2:1)

400 GRAMS CANNED PUMPKIN PUREE

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A BLENDER. RUN UNTIL TRHOUGHLY COMBINED. STORE IN REFRIGERATOR FOR UP TO TWO WEEKS.

YIELD: APPROX. 1 QUART

NOTES:

RECIPE DONE BY WEIGHT FOR CONSISTENCY. RECIPE CAN BE SCALED AS LONG AS IT IS A 2 PARTS SYRUP TO 1 ONE PART PUREE CONVERSION.

APPLE BUSHEL

1 BOTTLE UNDERBERG

1 OZ COQUEREL BOURBON CASK FINISHED CALAVADOS

.5 OZ LIQUID ALCHEMIST APPLE SYRUP

1 DASH APPLE BITTERS

1 DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS

GARNISH: FRESH OR DEHYDRATED APPLE CHIP

VESSEL: 10.5 OZ ROCKS

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A MIXING GLASS. STIR FOR 10-15 SECONDS UNTIL YOU GET A TWO FINGER WASH LINE. STRAIN INTO VESSEL OVER ICE OR A LARGE FORMAT CUBE. GARNISH.

Please drink responsibly

Cocktails to enjoy this Labor Day

August 29, 2023/in Cocktail Recipes, Cocktails

Labor Day Cocktails

Make Me Blush

Flavored WhiskeyPhoto credit: AJ Shorter Photography

2 oz Duke & Dame

1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 oz Red Wine

1/2 oz Agave

Shake ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and strain into coupe glass.

Pineapple Whiskey Mule

2 oz Duke & Dame

1 oz Pineapple Juice

1/4 oz Lemon Juice

1 1/2 to 2 oz Ginger Beer

Shake ingredients (excl. ginger beer) in cocktail shaker and pour into copper mug over ice. Top off w/ginger beer. Garnish w/pineapple slice (or rosemary sprig).

Pumpkin Paradise

Get ready for Fall with pumpkin treat!

1 ½ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey

¾ oz. Zaya Gran Reserva Rum

½ oz. orange juice

½ oz. pineapple juice

½ oz. pumpkin cream of coconut mix*

3 pineapple top leaves

Pumpkin spice

For the pumpkin cream of coconut, blend all ingredients to taste.

To make the cocktail, shake all ingredients together in a shaker with ice and pour into cocktail glass.

Garnish with three pineapple leaves and powdered pumpkin spice.

Gold Rush

1.5 oz of Ragtown Whiskey
0.5 oz of lemon juice
0.5 oz of honey syrup

Garnish with lemon peel or dried lemon wheel

Wiseman Owl Smash

1.5 oz THE WISEMAN™ Bourbon

1 oz Lemon Juice

0.75 oz Simple Syrup

6-8 Mint Leaves

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, then shake well for 1 minute. Double fine strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

If you are looking for an easy cocktail that is ready-to-serve, Sunshine Punch the new creamsicle cocktail – is now available! Inspired by the iconic, frozen creamsicle treat, Sunshine Punch is the perfect blend of orange and vanilla with a lingering cream finish that continues to develop with each sip.

Whatever you do this Labor Day weekend, please do so responsibly and be sure to #TipYourBartenders!

The TRUE Drink of the Summer??

July 12, 2023/in Cocktails

Is The Pornstar Martini The TRUE Drink of the Summer?

While some are saying either The Hugo Spritz or the Limoncello Spritz are going to be the drink of Summer 2023, we are pushing for The PornStar Martini!

While we do love the idea of The Hugo Spritz, the Porn Star Martini is really having it moment and we think it deserves the crown! Originally said to be created by Douglas Ankrah, owner of LAB London Bar, the Pornstar Martini is a modern classic. Ankrah first dubbed it the Maverick Martini after the Maverick’s Gentleman Club in Cape Town, but he then changed the name to the Pornstar Martini as he thought of it as something a porn star would drink – and of course to get the raised eye-brow reaction! For that reason, along with the flavor profile of the cocktail, is why we love this drink. The Pornstar Martini was so popular that Ankrah even had his own Passion Fruit Liqueur!

The Pornstar Martini has been tremendously popular in the UK for many years, and now has increasingly been appearing on menus across the US this year (helping to push the overall martini craze! This falls in line with the massive trend of bringing back classic cocktails, as we have seen with the Negroni, Spritz and Old Fashioned (and all their variations), and of course the Espresso Martini.

The drink is made with vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup, and served with a sidecar of champagne or sparkling wine. Personally, we love it with a sidecar of champagne BUT we have seen a few recipes that note to “top with champagne,” and even some frozen variations.

The Pornstar Martini:

1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka (such as Absolut)

1/2 oz. Passion Fruit Liqueur (such as Chinola)

1 oz. Passion Fruit Puree

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

1/2 oz. vanilla simple syrup

2 oz. champagne or sparkling wine on the side

It is too early to call any of these drinks the true “drink of the summer” BUT we are looking forward to seeing more of the Pornstar Martini and watching it continue to trend.

*images from Absolut Vodka

PrairieOrganic FloralFrench75 | Bartender.com

Sizzlin’ Summer Cocktails

July 12, 2023/in Cocktails

Sizzlin’ Summer Cocktails

We can’t believe that summer is flying this year but, what we can believe is that bars and restaurants all over the country are putting together some incredible cocktails for their guests to enjoy. Here are a few that we have gathered from around the country!

Strawberry Aperol Spritz

Created By: Bar Manager Kim Taylor

3 oz Prosecco
1.75 oz Strawberry–infused Aperol
.25 oz Orange Gin
1 oz Soda

Soak 1 pint of fresh, sliced strawberries into 1 liter of Aperol for 24 hours. Strain strawberries
out and refrigerate the remaining Aperol (the Infusion will keep for 6 months). Combine Aperol
mixture and Gin, and top with Prosecco and Soda. Enjoy!

Cucumber Martini
Featured at Quintessence Hotel, Relais & Châteaux

The hotel’s award-winning Julian’s restaurant serves this delicious drink, made with cucumber juice, St-Germain, and Tanqueray.

Mrs. Maggy
Featured at Hotel Thompson Zihuatanejo

Mrs Maggy is a traditional margarita enhanced by baby cactus puree and mint leaves – creating an herbal and earthy flavor palate that is seriously refreshing. Located on the fringe of the charming and relaxing fishing village of Zihuatanejo, along the crystal clear waters of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the sophisticated beachfront boutique is the perfect laid back summer vacation destination.

Recently, Prairie Organic Spirits asked three of their mixologist friends in the Twin Cities to help us craft the Sips of Summer: One-of-a-kind sustainable cocktail recipes that will taste great and impress your friends!

Sarah Ashenbrener, Bar Manager at Gus Gus (St. Paul, MN)

Summer Awakening

2 oz Prairie Organic Cucumber Flavored Vodka

3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice

3/4 oz Snap Pea Syrup (see below)

Instructions:

Add all ingredients into shaker tin, shake with ice for 10-15 seconds, and strain into chilled coupe glass.

Snap Pea Syrup Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 cup snap peas, washed and roughly chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then take off heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain out all solids and refrigerate.

Grant Lavrenz, Assistant General Manager and Bar Manager at Khâluna (Minneapolis, MN)

Floral French 75

. PrairieOrganic FloralFrench75 scaled | Bartender.com

2 oz Prairie Organic Gin

1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 oz Dried Flower Simple Syrup (see below)

3 oz Champagne

Instructions:

Shake or stir ingredients for 15 seconds. Strain ingredients into wine or flute glass. Top off with your favorite champagne. Garnish with a lemon coin. Using a paring knife, cut a penny-shaped slice of outer peel.

Dried Flower Simple Syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

Dried flowers

Instructions:

Pour ingredients into a small pot and bring to a boil. Slowly stir sugar until it dissolves. Let cool for 15 minutes. Crush, mix, or blend together. Add flowers to the simple syrup after water comes to a boil. Let the flower mixture steep for 15 minutes. Strain using a coffee filter. Syrup is ready to use.

Screenshot 2023 07 07 at 4.02.44 PM | Bartender.com

What is the Hugo Spritz ?!

July 7, 2023/in Cocktails

The Hugo Spritz

Spritz cocktails have long been a warm-weather favorite due to their fresh taste and lower ABV. The Hugo Spritz is no exception, with a simple recipe and naturally sweet flavor thanks to the addition of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. It has already been dubbed the “drink of the summer” by the New York Times and Google searches for the cocktail have increased by 519% since last year.

But what even is the Hugo Spritz!? It is noted that it was originally invented by Roland Gruber, an Italian bartender in 2005. He wanted to make this fun variation on the Aperol Spritz. In his recipe he used lemon balm syrup which has since been switched to St-Germain, an elderflower liqueur.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 oz St‑Germain
2 oz Martini Prosecco
2 oz Soda Water
8-10 Mint Leaves
Lime Wedge For Garnish
Mint Sprig For Garnish

DIRECTIONS
Add ice into a wine glass.
Pour in St‑Germain and add approximately eight mint leaves.
Top with sparkling wine and soda water.
Stir the drink to combine all of the ingredients.
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge

Interested to see how this continues to grow throughout the summer and will this officially be crowned as the drink of the summer for 2023?!

Let us know your thoughts !

Cocktails to celebrate the 4th of July

June 27, 2023/in Cocktails, At Home Bartending

4th of July Cocktails!

Kick off the 4th of July weekend with these cocktails that are sure to bring spark joy to your friends and family!

Stars & Stripes cocktail at Wynn Las Vegas

Created by Mariena Mercer Boarini, Master Mixologist – North America

Don Julio Blanco Tequila
Watermelon juice
Lime juice
Habanero infused- organic agave nectar
Butterfly pea blossom tisane
Wynn’s signature spiced salt

Coconut Mojito

6-8 fresh mint leaves

1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar

½ ounce fresh lime juice

1 ½ ounces Sammy’s Beach Bar Platinum Rum

2 ounces coconut water

1 ½ ounces of Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut

1 ounce soda water

Rim: Coconut cream and toasted flakes

Fresh Mint Sprig

Dip the rim of a rocks glass in some coconut cream then roll the moistened rim in some coconut flakes. In the prepared glass, add the mint leaves, brown sugar and lime juice. Using a muddler, gently (yet firmly) muddle the ingredients. Then fill with ice and add the rum, coconut water and coconut cream. Stir well and top with soda water. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

The Aama Sutra Cocktail

Created by Ajay Walia, of SAFFRON in Burlingame

Mezcal, mango, cilantro, grilled jalapeño, and lava salt

Spill The Sweet Tea

Featured at San Diego’s Sidebar limited-edition summer cocktails

Maker’s Mark whiskey
Fresh lemon juice
Simple syrup
Peach cobbler jam

Shaken with mint
Double strained
Topped with sweet tea
Garnished with a bruleed peach slice.

I LOVE YUZU

from Chef Danielle Duran Zecca co-founder of Amiga Amore pop-ups in LA

2 OZ GHIA
1 OZ YUZU
.5 OZ CINNAMON SIMPLE SYRUP
ROSE WATER SPRAY
SPARKLING WATER

Add the ingredients one by one in the shaker
Add ice to fill the shaker and shake

Strain content from shaker into glass, preferably a coupe 5.

Top with Sparkling water
Spray Rose water
Garnish with a flower

Smoke with dry Rose Petal using Stündenglass Beverage Infuser

Whatever you are doing this holiday weekend, stay safe and drink responsibly. If you are headed out, please be sure to #TipYourBartenders

Cocktails for National Gin Day

June 6, 2023/in Cocktails

National Gin Day 2023

June 10th is National Gin Day and is another great excuse to drink this amazing spirit! These cocktails are far from classic Gin cocktails like the Martini and Gin & Tonic but will help you celebrate this holiday in style.

EMPRESS LAVENDER HAZE

2 oz. Empress 1908 Gin

1 oz. Lavender Honey Syrup

2 oz. Lemonade Lavender Sprig

Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Shake lemonade

and syrup on ice and strain into the glass. Layer

Empress 1908 Gin on top and add more crushed ice. Garnish with a

lavender sprig

Terroir Bramble

2 oz St. George Terroir Gin

1/2 oz St. George Raspberry Liqueur

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, then strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice. Drizzle raspberry liqueur over the top and garnish with lemon.

Recipe by: St. George Spirits (riff on Dick Bradsell’s Bramble recipe)

Photo: Nicola Parisi

Miracle Agua

New Amsterdam Gin
ginger beer
muddled strawberries
rhubarb bitters
lime
topped with a skewered strawberry and mint sprig.

West of Eden

This drink is featured at the newly opened Graduate Palo Alto, and created by acclaimed mixologist Bad Birdy.

Vodka
Gin
Watermelon juice
Lime
Cucumber
Monk fruit fennel syrup

Monaco Rush

Photo Crédit: Studio Phenix

The Gardener Gin
Peach coulis and liqueur
Blackcurrant cream
Mint
Lemon juice.

Enjoy your National Gin Day Responsibly and be sure to #TipYourBartender

Browse Cocktails Articles and Recipes

Cocktails to Try this Cinco De Mayo!

Looking for some fun cocktails to try this Cinco De Mayo? Check out these cocktails curated by some of our friends across the country!

Whatever you are enjoying this weekend, please do so responsibly and be sure to tip your Bartenders!

Cheers!

Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Check out these amazing cocktail features in bars across the US for Valentine’s Day!

Mystique Rouge

“PRETTY IN PINK”

Ms. Cherry Baudelaire:

French 75 with a pink twist

Cupid’s Arrow

2023 Holiday Cocktails

From Bars Around the US

FALL/WINTER COCKTAILS

Check out these amazing cocktails that are featured in the Fall / Winter Issue of BARTENDER Magazine

These are also posted on our Instagram here!

Shot by our friends at Swizzle Media

SMOKE AND SPICE

PUMPKIN SPICE

APPLE BUSHEL

Labor Day Cocktails

Make Me Blush

Pineapple Whiskey Mule

Pumpkin Paradise

Gold Rush

Wiseman Owl Smash

Is The Pornstar Martini The TRUE Drink of the Summer?

While some are saying either The Hugo Spritz or the Limoncello Spritz are going to be the drink of Summer 2023, we are pushing for The PornStar Martini!

The Pornstar Martini:

Sizzlin’ Summer Cocktails

We can’t believe that summer is flying this year but, what we can believe is that bars and restaurants all over the country are putting together some incredible cocktails for their guests to enjoy. Here are a few that we have gathered from around the country!

The Hugo Spritz

4th of July Cocktails!

National Gin Day 2023

The Number one Source & Authority on Bartending, On Premise and Beyond!

Bartending

Recipes

Looking for some fun cocktails to try this Cinco De Mayo?
Check out these cocktails curated by some of our friends across the country!