The Kir

About The Kir

 The Kir is a French cocktail that hails from the 19th century. Formerly known as the Blanc-Cassis, the drink was renamed after Mayor Kir of Dijon, Burgundy who would serve this cocktail at his receptions for visiting delegations after World War II. Part of the reason why this cocktail become so popular was that during World War II, the German military removed a large amount of red wine from the country, leaving large reserves of white wine behind. This cocktail was used as a way to use what was available and in excess.  

Ingredients:

• 5 oz. White Wine

• 1 oz. Crème de Cassis

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 3.5 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Spirit Forward

Method:

Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of the glass and add the white wine above it.

The Irish Coffee

About The Irish Coffee

The Irish Coffee has a bit of a muddled history. Since the mid-1800s the French would serve a cocktail known as a Gloria, which was any mixture of coffee and spirits. So it’s not off-base to say the Irish Coffee is just a Whiskey Gloria, however when’s the last time you’ve heard of a Gloria cocktail? The modern Irish Coffee is mostly agreed to have originated in County Limerick, Ireland. In the mid 1950s, the cocktail began appearing in the United States on the West Coast and its popularity took off from there. A staple of after-dinner cocktail menus everywhere, the Irish Coffee and its iterations have survived and continue to thrive.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Irish Whiskey

• 1 oz. Cream

• 4 oz. Hot Coffee

• 1 tsp Brown Sugar

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.0 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Coffee

Method:

Heat the coffee, whiskey, and sugar but do not bring to a boil. Pour into glass and top with cream.

The Cuba Libre

About The Cuba Libre

 Is it technically just a rum and coke? Well sort of. The cocktail is very simple and inexpensive, but it does remain as one the world’s most popular cocktails. The cocktail comes from post Spanish-American War Cuba and its name is from the motto of the Cuban Independence movement of the time. Typically at Empire Mixology we don’t like to push specific brands in our cocktails, but this classic recipe technically calls for Bacardi Superior Silver Rum and Coca Cola. Note a Cuba Libre is not made with Spiced Rum, more commonly known as a Captain and Coke.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum (Bacardi Superior)

• Fill Coca Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 5.0 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Light

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Build ingredients with ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

The Long Island Iced Tea

About The Long Island Iced Tea

 Disclaimer: The following recipe is not the IBA Official Long Island Iced Tea. The following recipe is a custom Empire Mixology Long Island Iced Tea that has been a family hand-down recipe from our multi-generational team of bartenders and mixologists. In contrast to the “official” recipe, the Empire recipe tones down the tequila and gin, while adding more rum. Also, a splash of rye is introduced to cut the harsh flavor of the tequila and gin and create a much smoother finish. This recipe is an Empire Mixology recipe that has never left an upset customer.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1¼ oz. Rum

• ¾ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• Splash of Rye Whiskey

• 4½ oz. Sour Mix

• Splash of Coca Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 5 Stars

• Served: On the Rocks

• Strength: Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor: Sweet

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice, except for the coca cola. Gently shake a few times to chill ingredients. Pour with ice into highball or pint glass. Add splash of coke and stir gently. Add lemon wedge and cherry as garnish. The color should be pale brown, similar to iced tea. If the drink is too dark then too much coke has been added.

The Moscow Mule

About The Moscow Mule

Meet one of our favorites; the IBA Classic: Moscow Mule. Despite the name, the Moscow Mule did not originate from Moscow or Russia. The recipe was actually created in New York City in the early 1940s. The original recipe calls for Smirnoff Vodka as the crucial ingredient; the Russian styled vodka giving the namesake to this recipe. This drink enjoyed great popularity on the West Coast throughout the mid 1900s and helped propel Smirnoff into the limelight as a brand.

The copper mug has always been the primary serving vessel for the beverage and continues to this day. There is controversy about the copper mug from a recent FDA article stating the copper in the mug slowly poisons the drinker; however this is both true and untrue. A solid copper mug will release toxins into the drink at a very small level. Most modern copper mugs have a stainless steel lining on the interior of the mug rendering the cocktail completely safe.

This is one of our favorite cocktails, hands down. This refreshing recipe is perfect at any time during the day or as a perfect complement to any meal. Try out our recipe for yourself and see what you think.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Fill Ginger Beer

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks – Copper Mug

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Refreshing

Method:

Add the vodka and lime juice to a mule mug or Collins glass filled with fresh ice and a lime wedge. Top with Ginger Beer and mound crushed ice over the top of the drink. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.

The Sex on the Beach

About The Sex on the Beach

The IBA Contemporary Classic, the Sex on the Beach. This cocktail has been going strong for decades as a summer classic and cult favorite. Despite the provocative name, this cocktail is surprisingly smooth and sweet as the juices combine to eliminate the sharp bite of vodka. Easily enjoyed during a hot summer day or a night out with friends, this versatile recipe is an essential to keep in your toolkit and should be able to be ordered anywhere you go. We’ve also thrown in a shot-version recipe just for fun!

Ingredients:

For Cocktail Version:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Peach Schnapps

• Equal parts Orange Juice & Cranberry Juice

For Shot Version:

• 1 part Vodka

• ½ part Peach Schnapps

• Splash of Orange Juice

• Splash of Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Build all ingredients in highball glass with fresh ice. Pour vodka and schnapps first, then orange juice and then cranberry juice. Garnish with choice of orange slice or lemon with maraschino cherries.

For the shot version, shake ingredients lightly in shaker with ice and then strain into shot glass.

The Derby

About The Derby

The Derby is a southern style IBA Official Cocktail. This recipe is best enjoyed on a cool summer evening or with a light dinner. The refreshing juniper flavor of gin and mint combined with peach bitters creates a sweet yet smooth taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• 1/2 oz. Peach Bitters

• 2 Mint Leaves for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour Gin and Peach Bitters into mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into martini glass. Garnish with fresh mint.

The Americano

About The Americano

Fun Fact: What was the first drink ever ordered by James Bond? It’s the Americano. Originating from Caffe Campari in the 1860s, the Americano is named due to the fact many American citizens in the region at the time seemed to enjoy the cocktail, and the nickname stuck. The Americano is a rather bitter cocktail that is enjoyed casually as an afternoon drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Campari

• 1 oz. Red Vermouth

• Fill Soda Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour Campari and vermouth into old fashioned glass with ice. Add soda water to taste and garnish with orange slice.

The Stinger

About The Stinger

You may not be familiar this one, but back in its heyday the Stinger was a popular evening beverage. Famous drinkers include Cary Grant and your idol and mine; James Bond. The Stinger used to be known as an evening drink or even as a hangover cure (yuck!). The Stinger is a fairly powerful cocktail that is typically drank slowly to avoid it, well, stinging you.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Cognac

• 1/2 oz. White Crème de Menthe

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour ingredients into mixing glass with ice and stir gently. Strain into martini glass or into rocks glass with ice if preferable.

The Godfather

About The Godfather

Featuring our good friends at the Lost Distillery Company, we bring you something you cannot refuse; the Godfather Cocktail. This IBA Official Cocktail is thought to be one of Marlon Brando’s a.k.a. Don Vito Corleone favorite cocktails. The combination of strong Scotch Whisky and Italian Amaretto creates a smoother taste than you might expect. The sweetness of the Amaretto cuts the bite of the Scotch and as the ice melts, the innate flavors of the spirits are brought to light. A perfect sipping drink, this is a great beginner Scotch drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Scotch Whisky

• 1.5 oz. Amaretto

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:     4.5 Stars

• Served:     On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:      Sweetly Strong

Method:

Pour both spirits into old fashioned glass with ice. Stir gently.

The Gin Fizz

About The Gin Fizz

The New Orleans original has been in fashion since the 1800s, with its peak during the early to mid 1900s before it became an international sensation. Mostly seen now as a retro-classic cocktail, the Gin Fizz remains a pillar of modern mixology and can be changed to suit the individual drinker by substituting gin with whiskey or rum.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Gin

• 1 Lemon Juice

• Dash of Gomme Syrup

• 3 oz. Club Soda

• 1 Lemon Slice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, except the Club Soda. Strain into highball glass with fresh ice. Top with Club Soda and garnish with a lemon slice.

The Whiskey Sour

About The Whiskey Sour

The 1800s created a lot of cocktails that are considered classic, the Whiskey Sour is one of them. Unlike other drinks such as the Old Fashioned, this recipe has withstood the test of time and has never fallen too out of favor. The sweet and sour taste of this drink is pleasing to the palate and makes for a perfect evening drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz. Gomme Syrup

• Dash of egg white (optional)

• 1 Lemon Wedge for garnish

• 1 Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with lemon wedge and maraschino cherry.

Empire Tip: The egg white ingredient is often skipped due to food allergies.

The Between The Sheets

About The Between The Sheets

The cousin of the Sidecar, the IBA Classic Between the Sheets is a product of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France. There’s also claims it was invented in French brothels or rival hotels. This is a spirit forward cocktail that exudes class and a taste for vintage drinks. Order this at your local bar to impress the mixologist and the friends in your company.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• 1 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• .5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

The Kamikaze

About The Kamikaze

This contemporary classic hails from the fabled 1970s Disco Days, and is an easy to make and effective party starter. There are numerous variations to this cocktail, however we think it best to present this classic recipe which grants a citrus flavor. The name of this drink translates to the word “Divine Wind.”

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Vodka

• 1 part Triple Sec

• 1 part Lime Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Add all ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or shot glass.

The Old Fashioned

About The Old Fashioned

One of the foundation recipes for any mixologist, the Old Fashioned is a time tested cocktail that is presently enjoying a revival thanks to the hit show Mad Men. First mentioned in the early 1800s, the true origin of this drink is shrouded in mystery with some sources pointing to the late 1870s as a possible inception date. Any self-respecting bartender/mixologist should master this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 1 Sugar Cube

• few dashes of Plain Water

• 1 Orange Rind

• 1 Orange Wheel for Garnish

• 1 Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

In an Old Fashioned glass add sugar cube, bitters, orange rind, and water. Muddle until well mixed and sugar mostly dissolved. Remove the orange rind and add Rye and ice. Garnish with orange wheel and cherry.

Empire Tip: Bourbon is commonly accepted as a substitute for Rye, and numerous recipes also call for Gin instead of Whiskey.

The Aviation

About The Aviation

This blast from the past hails from the Hotel Wallick in New York City. The following recipe is NOT the original recipe; it is the accepted IBA Classic recipe as recorded in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. The original recipe calls for Crème de Violette, however the ingredient is often overlooked or skipped entirely as it is not usually stocked.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Gin

• .5 oz. Lemon Juice

• .5 oz. Maraschino Liqueur

• Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

The Sazarac

About The Sazarac

The IBA Classic from the Big Easy makes a claim to be the oldest known American cocktail, with possible pre-Civil War origins. Although it can be a little tricky to make, this cocktail is typically a showcase drink for accomplished mixologists and is typically not in favor in the current bar scene. The Sazarac was named as the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008.

Ingredients:

• .5 oz. Absinthe

• 2 oz. Cognac

• .5 oz. Simple Syrup

• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

• 1 Lemon Twist for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Rinse a chilled Old Fashioned glass with Absinthe, then fill with crushed ice. In a mixing glass (separate from the Old Fashioned glass), add all other ingredients and fill with ice. Stir until well chilled. Discard ice and excess absinthe in the Old Fashioned glass, and strain ingredients into glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

The Rusty Nail

About The Rusty Nail

You might think the Rusty Nail hails from Scotland; the world capital of scotch whisky, but the truth is no one really knows where this drink truly hails from. Some attribute the cocktail’s origin to Thailand, where this drink exploded in popularity. However, the NYC bartender scene is also given the same claim. This is a powerful drink not for the faint of heart, and is a popular suggestion for any scotch drinker.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Scotch Whisky

• 2/3 oz. Drambuie

• Lemon Twist for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Strong

Method:

Pour all ingredients into old fashioned glass with ice. Gently stir and garnish with a lemon twist.

The Mojito

About The Mojito

The Mojito is yet another IBA Classic Cocktail originating from Havana, Cuba and is a distinct mixology icon. A long favored summer drink in Europe and all season favorite in the Caribbean and lower US states, the Mojito reached mainstream popularity in the 1930s thanks to celebrities such as Errol Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, and Brigitte Bardot.

The minty-lime flavor of the Mojito is easily substituted or added to in modern mixology; making the Mojito one of the most versatile cocktails in mixology today.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Light Rum

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 2 tsp. Fine Sugar (to taste)

• 2 Sprigs of Mint

• Soda Water

• Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish)

• 4 Lime Wedges (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Mint

Method:

Add a few mint leaves, lime juice, one lime wedge, and sugar to a highball or desired glass. Muddle ingredients until most of the sugar has dissolved and the juices and oils from the mint and lime have been released. Fill the glass with ice, mint spring, and lime wedges, then pour rum over the ice and fill with soda water. Garnish with additional mint spring and lime wedge.

The Margarita

About The Margarita

This 1930s cocktail hails from the land of tequila itself, Mexico. A common staple of the summer season, the Margarita like the Martini, has evolved over the years and many variants have been invented since its inception. At Empire Mixology we typically do not use sour mix in our Classic Margarita recipe, although some do find the taste more enjoyable. Arguments can go all day regarding when and where it was founded exactly; whether or not salt is necessary, or if you have to use Cointreau© or not; but the important part is that we all enjoy a cool and refreshing Margarita once the warm weather days arrive.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tequila

• 1.5 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Salt (for rim of glass)

• Lime for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Spirit

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass rimmed with salt.

Empire Tip: The Margarita has become a base cocktail recipe in similar vein to the Martini or Daiquiri, try experimenting with our recipe and see what you can figure out!