France is likely the most iconic country in the world in regard to wine production. France’s unique climate, geography, and deeply-rooted cultural attachment to the product makes it one of the most important regions in the world to learn about when delving into this exciting drink. This is by no means an exhaustive guide to …
In terms of sheer surface area Spain is the world’s largest grape growing country, making it an exciting and diverse region for wine. Much like their neighbors the French and the Italians, Spanish values around food and wine are deeply formative to their cultural motifs and national identities. Spain is a large region with great …
Brandy Cocktails Brandy is a term that most commonly refers to a liquor made from distilled wine, the most famous of which are the iconic Cognac and Armagnac from France. Related: Kahlúa Cocktail | Tequila Cocktails | Whiskey Cocktails | Gin Cocktails | Rum Cocktails | Vodka Cocktail | Amaretto Cocktail | Cognac Cocktail | Mezcal Cocktail | Frangelico Cocktails | Grand Marnier Cocktail | Peach Schnapps Cocktail | Vermouth Cocktail | Sherry Cocktail | Triple Sec Cocktail | French Wine | …
Triple sec is a French orange liqueur that is closely tied to cocktail history and the evolution of mixed drinks. It is an infusion of orange peels with a neutral spirit and sweetener to create a delicious liqueur that is present in all different families of cocktails, deeply versatile and elevating any drink it’s found …
Sherry Cocktails Related: Kahlúa Cocktail | Tequila Cocktails | Whiskey Cocktails | Gin Cocktails | Rum Cocktails | Vodka Cocktail | Amaretto Cocktail | Cognac Cocktail | Mezcal Cocktail | Frangelico Cocktails | Grand Marnier Cocktail | Peach Schnapps Cocktail | Vermouth Cocktail | Triple Sec Cocktail | Brandy Cocktail | French Wine | Spanish Wine …
Vermouth Cocktails Vermouth is an Italian fortified wine that is aromatized and has large variation from region to region. While we will get into the history and distillation process of this drink later, first I have compiled 30 of the simplest and most iconic vermouth cocktails, using both dry and sweet vermouth. These drinks require …
Kahlúa is a coffee liqueur that originated in Veracruz, Mexico. It is delicious in many different cocktails and since its creation it can be found all over the world – this is one of my favorite bar ingredients and I’m very excited to dive in. First, I’ve assembled a list of some exciting and easy-to-make …
Schnapps is a large and exciting family of fruit spirits and liqueurs with many iterations and styles. While the traditional fruit brandy known as schnaps is the original (and we’ll explore that later in the article), we’ll be building cocktails out of the schnapps more popular in North America, a loanword for a sweet and …
Frangelico is a brand of hazelnut-herbal liqueur with caramel coloring coming from Canale, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Before we dive into the history of the liqueur and the nuances behind its flavor, let’s talk drinks. Below I’ve compiled and tinkered with a few very easy Frangelico cocktails that require little ingredients and experience. …
Grand Marnier is a brand of liqueurs based out of France, largely out of brandy and distilled with orange essence, bitters, and sugar. Before we dive into the history and production of this liqueur, let’s get into the fun part right away: DRINKS. Below I’ve compiled a handy list of 35 different cocktails with which …
Amaretto is a classic Italian liqueur that is sweet and complex, often characterized by a strong almond and vanilla flavors as well as a distinctive dark amber color. Related: Tequila Cocktails | Whiskey Cocktails | Gin Cocktails | Rum Cocktails | Vodka Cocktail | Mezcal Cocktail | Cognac Cocktail | Grand Marnier Cocktail | Frangelico Cocktails …
Ah, la délice du cognac – this French spirit made by distilling white wine grapes is one of the most iconic worldwide, an eau-de-vie with a reputation long-characterized by luxury and excellence in flavor. Cognac is technically a style of brandy from a specific region in France – the varied characteristics of brandy and its …
Mezcal is a unique, oft-smoky, and always delicious spirit that hails from the Jalisco region of Mexico. Using the agave plants native to this part of the country, mezcal distillation has long-been a central tradition in the culture and consumption of Mexican people as well as those that lived there far before. The word mezcal …
Between Daiquiris, Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain, rum is one of the most commonly-enjoyed spirits on the planet, possessing a wide range of utility and flavors that positions it as a central ingredient in the home bartender’s collection. Equally, it is a spirit with an important history and a dark past. To …
Quicklist: Tequila Cocktails Classic Margarita Cucumber Margarita/Tequila Eastside Jalapeño Margarita Tequila Sunrise Paloma Mint Paloma Tequila Collins Tequila Martini Dirty Tequila Martini Brave Bull Tequila Sour Ranch Water Agave Mule/Mexican Mule El Diablo La Siesta Bloody Maria Tequila Old Fashioned Tequilano/Tequila Negroni The Marble Queen (Fishbowl @ Dream Midtown Bar, NYC) El Agresor (Dorsey at …
We’ve come a long way from the straw-filled mattresses of yesteryear: today, the surfaces we sleep on are highly-engineered and personalized to provide people with the best rest possible. In this article, we’re going to dive into the various types of mattresses out there, exploring their various fillings and the ways they provide comfort for …
In our modern world of globally-interconnected economic systems, where goods travel the globe to reach consumers, the pallet is a critical and oft-overlooked element of the transportation process. Let’s dive into learning a little more about these structures and what they’re made of. Equally, it might provide a little inspiration for their reuse in places …
The coaster is a utilitarian and decorative necessity in any bar and home with an interesting history. Whether disposable for commercial use or highly-stylized to match your living room décor, the ‘bar mat’ is an excellent way to protect your wood and add flair to your space. Let’s dive in Coaster Nightmare! You’re at a …
In Russian it means ‘little water’, but this name can be deceiving. Vodka is far from water, with a large range of cocktails and effects. On the surface, it is unassuming yet far-reaching, transparent yet full of possibility. In a way, this nebulous spirit is unique among the other aqua vitae we’ve explored thus far. …
No such thing as a girly drink. Bright, refreshing, and a lovely shade of pink, the Cosmo is perfect drink to get the night started or as a tart liquid dessert after a good meal. Double-straining is a must – you don’t want any ice chunks in this drink. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating …
An interesting riff on the French 75 I came up with. Using vodka and some Lillet gave the drink a completely different structure, but it still worked really well as a combination. The drink is a little rounder, a little sweeter, and a little more downplayed. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Moscow 77 …
Sparkling wine and amaro always go together. Add a little bit of vodka to your spritz and turn the 5-7 happy hour on the patio to a full-blown night on the town. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Spiked Spritz Vodka Cocktail Recipes Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
One of my personal favorite vodka drinks. Mellow, not too strong, and easy to drink in any situation. Simplicity is key. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Vodka Gimlet Cocktail Recipes Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
A bit more personality than the Vodka Soda. For when you’ve had a couple of drinks and you want something tasty but not feeling a beer or a full-on cocktail. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Vodka Tonic Cocktail Recipes Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
A much simpler and pragmatic take to the White Russian. It has its place and is a delicious digestif cocktail. It’s also incredibly easy to make. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Black Russian Vodka Cocktail Recipes Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
These are sneaky drinks so don’t underestimate them. Peach Schnapps does this thing to the texture of a drink that is so good and I find myself chugging drinks when they have that ingredient. The Hairy Navel adds a bit of vodka to the Fuzzy Navel and gives it a bit of bite. This is …
A delicious ginger and vodka drink. If you have the chance to make a ginger syrup, I strongly recommend it. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Moscow Mule Vodka Cocktail Recipes Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
Easy to make and if you have frozen fruit that can work really well. I like using a blend of different berries if I have the ability to. The Peach Schnapps and some crushed ice can really serve to elevate this drink. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Vodka Berry Smash Cocktail Recipe Related …
The classic. The inimitable. The Vodka Martini. I like mine with a splash of vermouth and a twist. How to make and the ingredients of the Vodka Martini Cocktail Recipe Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
Like a milkshake with some pep to it. I personally like the texture of the heavy cream, which is diluted in the shaker and gives the drink an ice-cream consistency. Like Christmas in a Collins glass. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the White Russian Vodka Cocktail Recipes Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
Out of respect for the sours I love so much I vow to put one on every list I make. The vodka sour is a little more downplayed than other sour drinks you might make. Whereas the central taste of the base liquor isn’t the focus, the experience becomes much more textural. A good foam …
This is the best highball combination for vodka (in my humble opinion). The cranberry juice has all the components of a successful cocktail in one ingredient – enjoy it for the sour sweetness that pairs so well with vodka. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Cranberry Vodka Cocktail Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
A delicious and bright vodka cocktail that mimics the structure of a daiquiri or a margarita. It has a bit more bite than the gimlet and is perfect on a cool summer evening. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Kamikaze Vodka Cocktail. Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
Sweet, fruity, and boozy. It’s an excellent combo that works well in the sun – fair warning these pack a massive hangover (all the sugar). Drink at your own risk. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Sex on the Beach Vodka Cocktail Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
A delicious sweet-sour drink. For some reason the only time I’ve ever made lots of these was when bachelorette parties would come by the bar. Bachelorette parties are 93% fueled by Lemon Drops. Also makes 3-4 great shots if you pour this into shooter glasses. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Lemon Drop Martini …
I may have just said that Vodka Cran was the best highball for vodka, but the screwdriver gives it a run for its money. Orange juice, especially fresh-pressed, works so well with vodka. I know this is weird, but I actually like adding a lemon wedge to my vodka-OJ drink. I’m not sure why, I …
Calgary’s finest. An excellent savory cocktail that has lots of possibilities for personalization. Read the longer article for some of my Caesar Mix tips for at-home bartenders. Below is the bare-bones Caesar and it’s great. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Bloody Caesar Vodka Cocktail. Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
A bitter and herbal drink that shows off vodka’s versatility; it doesn’t need to be covered in acidity and sweetness to hide the flavor completely. Instead, it can be a great base to a nuanced sipper. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Campari Vodka Cocktail Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
Classic and delicious. Perfect for someone who doesn’t like the taste of alcohol. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Soda Vodka Cocktail Related to: All Vodka Cocktails Recipes
This is a really fun riff on a very delicious and well-established cocktail from Brazil. You build in the glass, but it’s a bit more involved. I’d also recommend crushing some ice so you have smaller pieces as you drink. Step-by-step instructions and ingredients for creating the Caipirinha Vodka Cocktail Related to: All Vodka Cocktails …
Aqua Vitae Ahh, whiskey. This broad umbrella of spirits – affectionately known by some as ‘brown’ – is rich, full, strong, and definitely an acquired taste. It is a classic spirit that is as well-suited to being enjoyed neat on its own or also combined with other ingredients as a cocktail base. Every home bartender …
I love Hot Toddies. Whether with rum or whiskey, this warm winter drink is comforting and perfectly suited to a boozy Saturday in the snow. I’d strongly recommend making this with honey and cracking some fresh cinnamon sticks into the mix. How to make and the ingredients of the Whiskey Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe Related: …
A personal favorite of mine and one to offer to the person who swears they don’t like the flavor of whiskey. If food limitations allow, please make it with egg whites. The texture is such an important part of the drink and there is no real imitation for the merengue. Serve it on the rocks …
A delicious and classic cocktail that traces its roots to the prohibition era. The use of grapefruit juice and honey syrup balances an inherently bitter flavor with the richness of the honey, helping cut through some of the intensity of the whiskey. What results is a balanced, mellow cocktail that deserves to be made over …
Another modern cocktail classic that is undeniably good. It shares a similar structure to other sours but with the addition of a red wine float, giving the sweet, citric drink a unique and delicious tannic undertone. I’d strongly recommend making this with egg white to keep to the authenticity of this drink as a riff …
We just saw the classic Manhattan, now lets go for the ‘Perfect’. Despite the suggestion behind the name, this version isn’t intrinsically better – it simply uses both dry and sweet vermouth to create a rounded flavor that mutes some of the whiskey and melds the flavors in a more uniform way. It’s a delicious …
If you read the gin recipes I did a little bit ago, you’ll know I really like ginger drinks. Ginger beer or a homemade ginger syrup can elevate your cocktail game to new dimensions – the Whiskey Buck is a perfect example of this. You want some element of sweetness in this, sometimes the ginger …
An interesting take on the classic Manhattan but made with scotch instead of rye or bourbon. I personally like this drink with a bit of a peaty scotch so that some of the smokiness comes through as a central flavor. Keep in mind that it should pair well with whatever vermouth you choose – something …
Another beautiful take on the inimitable Whiskey Sour. This one makes use of either absinthe or Pernod (pastis) for a rinse beforehand, giving the cocktail an underlying structure of anise flavor that props up the rest of the ingredients. The use of an absinthe/pastis rinse is subtle but effective – it’s the key to the …
Ok, I’ll admit that this it would be a huge stretch to call this a cocktail. That being said, I’m such a huge fan of this combination that I had to find a way to sneak it into this whiskey cocktail list. It’s the shot I order for all my friends when I’m feeling like …