04-26-2024

This is an original of mine I came up with last night. The name is a nod to the fusion of Mexican and Brazilian spirits and flavors. Mezcal brings a slight smoke, cachaça is grassy, banana and cinnamon are sweeteners that work well with coffee. Mole for a bite. Cheers y’all!

04-25-2024

This drink is by Matthias Soberon and was created for a Soundtrack My Drink challenge. He was given the song “Express Yourself” by N.W.A., from their 1988 album, “Straight Outta Compton.” As a nod to Dr. Dre and California, he uses cognac and tropical flavors. Cheers y’all!

04-24-2024

This Mai Tai variation was created in 2019 by Jeremy Oertel at Donna Bar (Brooklyn, NYC). The name very much tells you what you’re going to get. The red bitter liqueur is front and center here, though you still get all the components of the Mai Tai you love: orange, lime, and almonds (orgeat). Cheers y’all!

04-23-2024

This drink was created by the brilliant Anders Erickson (@anderserickson). The story goes that a regular of Erickson asked him to make a tiki-esque mezcal drink, which led to this creation. The name was given by the regular as See No Evil by Television was playing at the time. It’s smoky, spicy, and juicy. Cheers y’all!

04-22-2024

This cocktail was created by my friend Isaiah (@onesipclub). I like to consider this the love child between a Last Word and a Naked & Famous. In this riff, your tongue will be dancing from all the herbal nuance here. The added benefit is that this is equal parts. Cheers y’all!

04-21-2024

This classic has an interesting history, though some of it may be a bar legend. The name is said to be derived from the Southside of Chicago, where mobsters drank this as it made bootleg liquor palatable during prohibition. In fact, it is said this was Al Capone’s favorite cocktail. Others say this drink emerged in the 1890s and a riff of a mint julep. Cheers y’all!

04-20-2024

This espresso martini riff comes from Jordan Hughes. This is yet another example of taking the standard espresso martini and giving it more depth and complexity. An aged tequila gives it body, while the chile liqueur and mole give it a bite. Cheers y’all!

04-19-2024

This drink was created in 2015 by Ran Duan (@cocktail_lens) for the Baldwin Bar at Sichuan Garden (Massachusetts). This tropical drink is named after one of the states in Brazil, which is fitting given the base spirit is the National Spirit of Brazil. The grassy and funky cachaça works so well with passionfruit and chocolate. Cheers y’all!

04-18-2024

This cocktail was created in 2008 by the brilliant Phil Ward for Death & Co in New York. This is a dry martini with a light touch of orange and hint of anise from the absinthe. The origin of the name likely plays homage to the English rock band. If martini riffs are your thing, this is a must try. Make sure you chill that glass! Cheers y’all!

04-17-2024

This rum Negroni riff is from Courtney McKamey (@qrtny), who created it for NYC’s Weather Up. This drink was featured in Imbibe in 2023, which is how I came across it. How can I say no to rum and banana?! This tropical take is a good option for a stirred drink as the warmer weather approaches. Cheers y’all!

04-16-2024

This drink was created by fellow cocktail creator and photographer Claire (@shaker_and_twist). This is a fun margarita riff where the forbidden juice, Yellow Chartreuse, helps as a sweetener in addition to providing that herbal complexity. The chile adds a little bite that isn’t too overpowering. This is a good one! Cheers y’all!

04-15-2024

This cocktail was created in the 1950s and is one of the most popular drinks in Brazil. When translated, it means “tail of the rooster,” or cocktail 😁 The origin is that an Italian vermouth factory (Cinzano) opened in São Paulo, which led to folks mixing the Brazilian spirit (cachaça) with sweet vermouth. This used to be served as a shot in dive bars. Cheers y’all!

04-14-2024

This drink, invented in 2007 by Phil Ward at Death & Co., is one of the most well known riffs on the Last Word. Here, gin and lime are swapped out for rye and lemon. I forget how much I love the spice of rye, which works wonders with the herbal Chartreuse. Maraschino adds some sweetness and boldness that the lemon balances out. Cheers y’all!

04-13-2024

Meet the unofficial cocktail of the Masters tournament. This cocktail is huge in Augusta, GA this time of year for golf lovers. This recipe has been modified to make it a bit more balanced and complex (thanks to @bitter_barkeep). This one goes down easily! Cheers y’all!

04-12-2024

This Last Word riff is by Matthias Soberon. The lower ABV DOM Bénèdictine is used instead of Chartreuse. To balance, use a navy strength (higher ABV) gin. Use a little less maraschino so it doesn't overpower the Bénédictine. As Matthias says, "The existence of DOM Bénédictine implies the existence of SUB Bénédictine.” Cheers y’all!

04-11-2024

This elevated aquavit sour was made by Connor Stehr (@shake_and_stehr). Stehr incorporates wonderful flavors here: orange, lemon, almonds, fresh herbs, and spices. Aquavit is a delightful Scandinavian spirit that varies in flavor profiles, but must contain caraway. Make sure you fine strain this one! Cheers y’all!

04-10-2024

This drink was made by Michael Berry for Death & Co. (Denver). This cocktail is described as being bright, tropical, and summery. I love the split of tequila and rum here. Gum syrup adds a nice texture and mouthfeel. Cheers y’all!

04-09-2024

This is an original cocktail Oven and Shaker in Portland, OR. Their recipe calls for vodka, but gin can easily be used (and how I make them). This is the cocktail you need to be sipping on when the sun is shining; lemon, honey, and basil are the spring and summer trifecta. Cheers y’all!

04-08-2024

This drink was created by the wonderful Justin Sajda (@thirstywhale_). If you're a fan of equal part recipes, you should definitely add this to your rotation. This cocktail is bursting with complexity and is absolutely delicious. The addition of salt makes all the flavors POP. Cheers y’all!

04-07-2024

The exact origin of this cocktail is unclear, though it did appear in Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide in 1974. However, its popularity in the early 2000s is given to New York bartender Gary “gaz” Regan (RIP). This slightly bitter cocktail reminds me a bright tequila Negroni. So good! Cheers y’all!