The Brain Buster

About The Brain Buster

Meet the Empire Signature, the Brain Buster cocktail. This cocktail creates a powerful combination of flavors and blends them into a palatable cocktail that is sure to please. This cocktail will leave your head spinning and brain busted. Drinker beware, this cocktail packs a serious punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Absinthe

• 1 oz. Rye Whiskey

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• Dash of Angostura Bitters

• Dash of Lemon Juice

• Lemon Twist for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Up

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Combine all ingredients with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

The Chocolate Martini

About The Chocolate Martini

A dessert in a martini glass. The Chocolate Martini is a decadent cocktail that combines vodka & chocolate to create an excellent after-dinner option. This cocktail may not be as versatile as the Appletini and Cosmopolitan, but it some ways (especially in flavor) outdoes them completely.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Vodka

• 1½ oz. Chocolate Liqueur

• 1½ oz. Creme de Cacao

• 2½ Heavy Cream

• Chocolate Syrup for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Chocolate

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass for garnish.

The Paradise

About The Paradise

The Paradise cocktail is the O.G. Gin and Juice cocktail made famous again by rapper Snoop Dogg. The cocktail originated in 1930 and was invented by famous mixologist Harry Craddock. The recipe has remained largely unchanged with the exception of variations on the amount of “juice” and brandy.

Ingredients:

• 1¼ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Apricot Brandy

• ½ oz. Orange Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Shake together over ice. Strain into cocktail glass and serve chilled.

The Espresso Martini

About The Espresso Martini

This IBA Classic hails from London, England and it is mostly agreed that the official version debuted sometime in the 1980s. There are few variations to this recipe, some including lemon zest or differing proportions of ingredients as well. We recommend using a quality espresso to reach the true flavor profile of this cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1¾ oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• ½ oz. Strong Espresso

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Coffee

Method:

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass.

The Golden Dream

About The Golden Dream

The Golden Dream is an IBA Official Cocktail that originated at the Old King Bar in Miami, Florida in the 1960s and 70s. The cocktail was named after period actress Joan Crawford and experienced a surge in popularity in the late 60s specifically.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• ⅔ oz. Galliano© Liqueur

• ⅔ oz. Triple Sec

• ⅔ oz. Orange Juice

• ⅓ oz. Heavy Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

The Corpse Reviver №2

About The Corpse Reviver №2

The Corpse Reviver №2 as described in the Savoy Cocktail Book is the most commonly drunk of the corpse revivers. The dash of absinthe can either be added to the mix before shaking, or added to the cocktail glass and moved around until the glass has been coated with a layer of absinthe to give a subtle absinthe aroma and flavor to the drink. The Savoy №2 recipe noted that “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lillet Blanc

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Dash of Absinthe

• Orange Zest for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Shake ingredients together in a mixer with ice. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with orange zest.

The American Beauty

About The American Beauty

Another Washington D.C. original cocktail, the American Beauty is an eclectic cocktail creation named after the District’s Official Flower; the American Beauty Rose. This cocktail combines Cognac and Port Wine along with Creme de Menthe. The resulting flavor profile is strong willed, yet smooth as well. Certainly, a sipping drink, the American Beauty is best served in good company.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Cognac

• ¼ oz. Creme de Menthe

• ¼ oz. Port Wine

• ¼ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• Mint Sprig for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the port and mint. Shake well; strain into a chilled martini glass. Stir in the port. Garnish with the mint.

The Grasshopper

About The Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is a sweet, mint-flavored, dessert cocktail. The name of the drink derives from its green color, which comes from creme de menthe. A bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, claims the drink was invented in 1918 by its owner, Philip Guichet. The drink gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s throughout the American South.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Creme de Cacao

• 1 part Creme de Menthe

• 1 part Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Minty

Method:

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briskly and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Alexander

About The Alexander

A cocktail named the Alexander debuted in 1910 but the version listed below and recognized by the IBA as an official cocktail wasn’t published in print until 1915. A famous after-dinner cocktail, the Alexander is still a popular cocktail in the current mixology scene and is often seen in upscale establishments.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Cognac

• 1 oz. Creme de Cacao

• 1 oz. Light Cream

• Nutmeg for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain contents into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.

The Brandy Crusta

About The Brandy Crusta

First published in 1862, the Brandy Crusta is a throwback to a bygone era of cocktails. The Brandy Crusta all but vanished from the cocktail scene near the Prohibition period but has recently began a revival in New Orleans. The Crusta is an aromatic cocktail that is strongly spirit forward, so make sure to use a brand you enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Brandy

• ¼ oz. Maraschino Liqueur

• 1 Barspoon Curacao

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• 1 Barspoon Simple Syrup

• 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

• Orange/Lemon Peel for Garnish

• Sugar for Glass Rim

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Mix all ingredients with ice cubes in a mixing glass. Strain into slim cocktail glass rimmed with sugar.

The Yellow Bird

About The Yellow Bird

As usual, the Yellow Bird’s origins are a bit shrouded. The prevailing argument is that the cocktail named after a Haitian song from the era, although an argument exists it is named after one of its signature ingredients; Galliano© Herbal Liqueur. Variations exist that use golden rum instead of silver, however these variations are not recognized by the IBA.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Galliano© Liqueur

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• ½ Lime Juice

• Lemon Slice and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Herbal

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

The Lemon Drop

About The Lemon Drop

This San Francisco born cocktail originated in the 1970s and is both available in the martini style and shot form. This cocktail is a great balance of sweet and sour and is light, crisp, and refreshing. Highly recommended as a summertime cocktail, the Lemon Drop is a perfect sipping cocktail. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Lemon Vodka

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Citrus

Method:

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with sugar rim around the glass.

The Clover Club

About The Clover Club

The Clover Club dates back to the pre-Prohibition era in Philadelphia. The cocktail itself is named after the Gentlemen’s Club of the same name and first appeared in print around the year 1917. The cocktail has somewhat fallen out of favor due to its use of a raw egg white which has all but vanished from the mainstream cocktail scene today.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Raspberry Syrup

• 1 Egg White

• Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Dry shake ingredients to emulsify, add ice, shake and served straight up.

The Finding Nemo

About The Finding Nemo

This is an Empire Signature Cocktail! This cocktail was invented shortly after the release of the eponymous movie and is credited to originating in San Diego, CA. Multiple versions of this drink were invented on the fly by simply adding a Swedish Fish to any blue colored cocktail. This version adds a bit of a tropical flavor and the signature spirit Hypnotiq© is required for this recipe, the color is essential to the visual product.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Coconut Rum

• 1 oz. Hypnotiq© Cognac

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• ¼ oz. Blue Curacao

• ¼ oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 Swedish Fish for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, add all of the ingredients except the candy; shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass; add the candy.

The Appletini

About The Appletini

The Appletini is arguably the most popular fruit martini in cocktail culture today. Rising to popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Appletini has remained a hallmark cocktail for joyous celebration and is commonly seen in the club scene and high-end restaurant menus alike.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• 1 oz. Green Apple Schnapps

• ¼ oz. Lemon Juice

• Apple Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sour Apple

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice until very well chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

The Beach Comber

About The Beach Comber

This variation of the Daiquiri was invented in 1947 and was included in the Trader Vic Bartender’s Guide. Although erroneously attributed to Don the Beachcomber due to the closeness in name, it was his friendly tiki rival Trader Vic that concocted this recipe. Sweet in flavor and strong in alcohol content, this cocktail is a crowd pleaser and is best served frozen to smooth out the alcohol. Modern iterations have altered the contents and prefer to keep it on the rocks instead of frozen.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Rum

• ¾ oz. Triple Sec

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

• 2 Dashes of Maraschino Liqueur

• ½ tsp. of Simple Syrup

• 1 Cup of Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Add ingredients to a blender and blend until well mixed. Pour into chilled martini glass.

The Bee's Knees

About The Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees hails from the Ritz in Paris in the year 1921. The namesake comes from the Prohibition Era where the term “That’s the Bee’s Knees” meant something was great and/or amazing. Frank Meier, the original head bartender at the Ritz is credited with this creation. There are quite a few variations to this recipe, however, the recipe listed below is the IBA Official recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz. Honey

• Lemon Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Gin but Sweet

Method:

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled large cocktail glass

The Cosmopolitan

About The Cosmopolitan

One of the trendiest cocktails listed on the IBA Official Cocktail list, this perennial A-Lister cocktail has been a staple of major metropolitan bar and club scenes for over two decades. Arising to heavy prominence in the 1990s, the recipe has survived largely unchanged. Cocktail and mixology historians cannot come to a consensus on the founding of this recipe, although an early version of the recipe appears in the 1930s using slightly altered ingredients that would have been more available at the time. Our resident Master Mixologist credits the drink to the East Coast in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

World reknown Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff popularized the use of citrus vodka in the 1990s which has been accepted as the IBA Official recipe, however our team prefers to use unflavored vodka for the recipe as that is how most modern bars serve the Cosmopolitan.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• ¾ oz. Triple Sec

• ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• 1½ oz. Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a large cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon slice/twist.

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 Cidertini

About The Cidertini

Introducing the great fall cocktail. Fall includes some of our favorite flavors like cinnamon, apples, pumpkin and more. So why not celebrate in style with a delicious apple flavored martini? But not just a simple appletini will do, why not give the Cidertini a shot instead.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Caramel Vodka

• 0.5 oz. Apple Brandy

• 3 oz. Apple Cider

• Pinch of Cinnamon

• Apple Slice, Cinnamon Stick, Brown Sugar for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:        5 Stars

• Served:      Cocktail Glass

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Spiced

Method:

Place all ingredients except cinnamon and garnishes in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled sugar and cinnamon rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon, an apple slice, and a cinnamon stick.