The Berry Bomb

About The Berry Bomb

The Berry Bomb is a fruity and refreshing bomb shot that blends the flavors of berry-infused vodka, blue curaçao, and a splash of cranberry juice.

• Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz Berry-Infused Vodka

• 1/2 oz Blue Curaçao

• Splash of Cranberry Juice

• Glass of Lemon-Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.0 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

In a shot glass, pour 1/2 ounce of berry-infused vodka. The berry-infused vodka brings a burst of berry flavors to the shot. Add 1/2 ounce of blue curaçao to the shot glass. Blue curaçao adds a vibrant blue color and a citrusy, orange flavor to the mix. Finish with a splash of cranberry juice. The cranberry juice adds a touch of tartness and complements the overall fruity profile. Drop the shot glass into a larger glass containing a lemon-lime soda.

The Detto Bomb

About The Detto Bomb

The Detto Bomb is a creative and vibrant bomb shot that combines the citrusy notes of orange liqueur with the smoothness of vanilla vodka, all topped with the effervescence of lemon-lime soda. Here's a simple recipe for the Detto Bomb:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz Vanilla Vodka

• 1/2 oz Triple Sec (orange liqueur)

• Lemon-Lime Soda (Sprite or 7UP)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.0 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

In a shot glass, pour 1/2 ounce of vanilla vodka. The vanilla vodka adds a subtle sweetness and smoothness to the shot. Add 1/2 ounce of triple sec (orange liqueur) to the shot glass. The triple sec brings citrusy and orange flavors to the mix. Fill a larger glass with lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP). The shot glass is then dropped into the larger glass, and the combined drink is consumed quickly.

The Tick Tack

About The Tick Tack

The Tick Tack is a sweet, citrusy Depth Charge that is guaranteed to be a people pleaser! This recipe calls for orange-flavored vodka and orange juice, to be combined with the energetic kick of your favorite energy drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Orange Vodka

• 3 oz Orange Juice

• Energy Drink (e.g., Red Bull or your preferred brand)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shot glass, pour 1 ounce of orange vodka. In a separate shaker filled with ice, combine 3 ounces of orange juice. Shake well to chill. Strain the shaken orange juice into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice, leaving some space at the top. Top off the glass with your choice of energy drink. Allow enough space for the shot glass. Carefully drop the shot glass with the orange vodka into the larger glass. The shot glass should be submerged into the mixture.

The Grateful Dead

About The Grateful Dead

As Empire Mixology’s resident Master Mixologist and a self-claimed “Long Island-style Cocktail Expert,” I’d love to tell you that Grateful Deads are a fun recipe that’s packed with flavor, but its not. Unlike the Long Island Iced Tea that attempts to hide alcohol content, the Grateful Dead does very little to mask its intense alcohol profile. The Raspberry Liqueur does little to nothing in the vein of dulling the bite of the spirits.

Popular in most college bars and dives throughout the country, the Grateful Dead is a great night starter cocktail since they are typically cheaply made and can be thrown together quickly. Add Lemon Lime Soda to make the cocktail more palatable if desired. The fun part of this recipe is that the Grateful Dead is typically garnished with fun concepts such as gummy bears, candy, sprinkles, fruit.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Rum

• ½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• Splash of Lemon Juice

• Splash of Simple Syrup

• Splash. Raspberry Liqueur

• Splash Blue Curacao

• FIll Lemon Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Strong

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Spirit Forward

Method:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients. Measure and pour 1/2 ounce each of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec into the shaker. This combination of spirits forms the base of the Grateful Dead. Pour 3/4 ounce of simple syrup into the shaker for sweetness. Pour 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice into the shaker for a citrusy kick. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to ensure proper mixing and chilling. Pour raspberry liqueur and gummy bears into bottom of a highball glass. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the highball glass and fill with ice. Top up the glass with a splash of lemon lime soda for effervescence. Gently add a splash to give it the signature effect. Optionally, give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine the flavors.

The Bloody Mary

About The Bloody Mary

The world famous brunch/hangover cocktail in all its glory; the Bloody Mary. The origins of this famous cocktail are shrouded in various claims. The first version which was just vodka and tomato juice originated in the New York Bar in Paris, France in the 1920s; but it wasn’t until the 1930s in New York City when the more modernized version became popular at the St. Regis Hotel. There are 1,001 versions of this cocktail so be a true mixologist and experiment until you find your perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 3 Cups Tomato Juice

• ⅓ Cup Pickle Juice

• 3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

• 3 Tbsp. Lime Juice

• 1½ Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Tbsp. Horseradish

• ¾ tsp. Tabasco Sauce

• ¾ tsp. Celery Salt

• ½ tsp. Coarse Black Pepper

• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder

• Celery Stalk, Pickle Spear, Olive, Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       A Garden

Method:

In a blender combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pickle juice, and hot sauce and blend until smooth. Add pepper and salt and then chill, preferably for two hours.

When serving add an ounce of vodka and garnish appropriately.

The Quaalude

About The Quaalude

For the those born after the 1980s who have no idea what a Quaalude is, it was a sedative drug that was heavily abused in the 1960s through the 80s. A “downer" drug” it would cause your heart rate to drop, cause you to get lethargic, and give you a “high.” SO going back to the recipe here, the shot is relaxing and is meant to make you feel as if you were abnormally relaxed.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Vodka

• 1 part Coffee Liqueur

• 1 part Hazelnut Liqueur

• Splash of Milk

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Shooter

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into shot glass.

The Russian Spring Punch

About The Russian Spring Punch

The Russian Spring Punch was created in London, England by Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. He claims not to remember which bar he was working at at the time, but tells the story of how he created the recipe for personal friends wishing to hold a cocktail party while minimizing the amount of money they had to spend on alcohol. Participants were provided with the vodka, cassis, simple syrup and lemon juice, and were asked to bring their own sparkling wine.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1½ oz. Creme de Cassis

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Fill Sparkling Wine

• Garnish with Blackberries or Lemon Slice.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker except the sparkling wine, shake well with ice, strain into chilled tall tumbler glass filled with ice and top up with sparkling wine.

The Sgroppino

About The Sgroppino

This Italian cocktail that is bizarrely close to my own last name is a popular dessert cocktail that hails from the Venice region of Italy. A picturesque cocktail that is light and crisp, this recipe has grown past the borders of Italy and can be found throughout the world. Prosseco would be the ideal sparkling wine to use as it would be authentic to the region of Italy rather than using the French spirit of Champagne. (Although it’s up to you).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Champagne/Prosecco

• 1 oz. Chilled Vodka

• Scoop of Lemon Sorbet

• Fresh Mint for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour the champagne/prosecco and vodka into two champagne flutes, dividing equally. Spoon a scoop of sorbet into each flute. Sprinkle with mint and serve.

The Paralyzer

About The Paralyzer

The Paralyzer is a cocktail that’s meant to make you stop in your tracks and think about the ingredients. A rare category of drinks combine milk and soda, and this is one of those cocktails. The flavor profile is quite diverse, combining coffee, cola, milk, and vodka flavors. The cocktail goes down fairly smooth and is certainly an eye opener at the bar.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 2½ oz. Cola

• Splash of Milk

• Lemon Wedge & Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Coffee

Method:

Stir Cola, Coffee Liqueur, and Vodka together. Add splash of milk and garnish.

The Sloe Comfortable Screw

About The Sloe Comfortable Screw

A fun and awkward cocktail to order at a crowded bar, the Sloe Comfortable Screw is an offshoot of the former IBA Classic, The Screwdriver. The addition of Southern Comfort© and Sloe Gin create a sweeter finish with a bit of extra kick. This cocktail is a perfect brunch or early afternoon drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Southern Comfort©

• ½ oz. Sloe Gin

• Fill Fresh Orange Juice

• Orange Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Build ingredients in serving glass with ice. Stir until well mixed.

The Trash Can

About The Trash Can

Meet the party starter and the party ender. The Trash Can is essentially as it sounds; a concoction that combines seven spirits and an energy drink. The combination of alcohol and the energy drink basically puts your body into overdrive whilst also slowing it down, creating a fairly nightmarish situation inside of you. This recipe is a Long Island Iced Tea on steroids, we recommend not wasting your time creating the Long Island component from scratch since the schnapps and energy drink will mask the alcohol anyway. (Pre-Mix Long Island is the way to go on this one).

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Long Island Iced Tea (Pre-Made)

• 1½ oz. Blue Curacao

• 1 oz. Peach Schnapps

• 1 Red Bull© Energy Drink

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Death

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Like Everything

Method:

Build ingredients in serving glass with ice. Pour Red Bull© to mix. Technically, you should crush the can into the drink and keep it there (so it fills the glass as it empties).

The Mountain Dew

About The Mountain Dew

We get how you feel about Mountain Dew, because we feel the same way. Now you can enjoy that flavor (sort of) in a dedicated Depth Charge Cocktail known as the Mountain Dew. Although this recipe is called a Mountain Dew because of the color and the fact the primary base is soda, it still does have a very sweet taste and is reminiscent of a soda type drink.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Melon Liqueur

• 1 oz. Vodka

• Fill Lemon Lime Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4 Stars

• Served: Depth Charge

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Prepare highball or pint glass with 1 oz. Vodka and fill with lemon-lime soda. Drop the shot of Melon Liqueur into the glass and chug (responsibly)!

The Manmosa

About The Manmosa

So you have a dilemma; you hate tomato juice so the Bloody Mary is out but you think the Mimosa is too girly. We can help, try the MANmosa; a kicked up version of the Mimosa that is sure to make people forget about questioning your masculinity. This version of the breakfast traditional features the addition of vodka and beer instead of champagne.

Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle of Blue Moon®

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 8 oz. Orange Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Brunchy

Method:

Split the ingredients into two highball glasses. Gently stir and enjoy breakfast.

The Purple Hooter Shooter

About The Purple Hooter

This super simple recipe is a must know for all you aspiring bartenders out there. This super simple recipe is easy to make and involves a relatively unused flavor profile. This recipe is easy to make and take, meaning your guests and customers will consistently come back for more. We recommend using a flavorless vodka in order to prevent the flavor profile from being harshly adjusted.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Vodka

• 1 part Raspberry Liqueur

• Splash of Lemon LIme Soda

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:       Straight

• Strength:    Mild

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:         Raspberry

Method:

Pour ingredients into a stainless steel shaker over ice. Shake until ice cold. Strain into a large shot glass, and serve.

The Rooftop Lemonade

The Rooftop Lemonade

The Rooftop Lemonade is an old classic of Empire Mixology, modernized and revisited. This is an absolutely refreshing creation, that is simple and quick to make and is best enjoyed in the warm weather and sunshine. Just in time to herald the arriving summer, we strongly suggest giving this lemonade a chance to make your summer essentials list.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 2 oz. Lemonade

• Cucumber Slices

• Lemon Wheels

• Soda Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      on the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shaker add ice, vodka, lemonade, and cucumber slices. Shake until well chilled and pour into highball glass and top with soda water. garnish with cucumber slices and lemon wheels.

The Floradora

The Floradora

Meet your new favorite springtime cocktail. This highball is sure to make your list of delectable delights and was previously featured here at Empire Mixology for the 2019 Oscar’s as a nominee cocktail. This light and crisp cocktail also has a delightful sweetness to it. The combination of raspberrys and ginger ale helps to mask the bite of the vodka, creating a finish that will be sure to please your palate and those of your guests as well. Trust us, try this one.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 4 oz. Ginger Ale

• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

• 3-5 Fresh Raspberries

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      on the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a shaker add raspberrys and vodka and muddle thoroughly. Add vodka and ice and shake until chilled. Strain into highball glass with fresh ice and raspberries. Top with ginger ale.

The Lemon Drop (Shot)

About The Lemon Drop

The simple and classic Lemon Drop Shot. Note, this is not the IBA Official Lemon Drop Cocktail which is made with Triple Sec and Sour Mix as well. This simple one ingredient shot is light and crisp in flavor. We recommend using Lemon Vodka as the primary ingredient, or a perfectly acceptable variation is to use standard vodka and a few drops of lemon juice. Traditionally a sugar coated lemon is sucked afterwards to kill the harsh bite of vodka!

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Lemon Vodka

• Lemon Wedge

• Sugar (optional)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Citrus

Method:

Rub the inside of the shot glass with the lemon wedge. Pour in lemon vodka and shoot back.

Empire Tip: Rim the edge of the glass with granulated sugar to give the shot a lemonade-like feel!

The Kangaroo

About The Kangaroo

Meet the Vodka Martini. It’s technically a Kangaroo Cocktail by trade, however vodka has nominally replaced Gin in the classic recipe seen here. The favorite of James Bond and others, the Vodka Martini is not a traditional Martini according to most purists. The cocktail is meant to be stirred and not shaken, contrary to the popular quote. This recipe is very popular in the modern US cocktail scene and is likely to always remain a symbol of class and elegance.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• .5 oz. Dry Vermouth

• 1 Cocktail Olive/Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:   Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Just like the Martini, stir this one until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.

Empire Tip: Garnish with a lemon twist or olives to your preference.