The Trinidad Sour

About The Trinidad Sour

The Trinidad Sour is a bold and exotic cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of Trinidadian Angostura bitters as the star ingredient. This vibrant drink combines rye whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and a hefty dose of Angostura bitters, resulting in a cocktail that is both aromatic and complex. Despite the unconventional use of bitters in large quantities, the Trinidad Sour has gained a dedicated following for its daring flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey

• 1/2 oz Orgeat Syrup

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Angostura Bitters

• Lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Straightforward

Method:

In a shaker, combine rye whiskey, orgeat syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to incorporate the bitters. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Spicy Fifty

About The Spicy Fifty

The Spicy Fifty is a modern and bold cocktail that adds a spicy twist to the classic French 75. This refreshing and effervescent drink combines gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a kick of jalapeño for a delightful mix of floral, citrusy, and spicy flavors. The Spicy Fifty offers a contemporary take on the timeless elegance of the French 75, making it a dynamic and flavorful cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Gin

• 3/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur (such as St-Germain)

• 1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

• 1-2 slices Jalapeño (adjust to spice preference)

• Sparkling Wine (to top up)

• Jalapeño slice or lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spicy

Method:

In a shaker, muddle 1-2 slices of jalapeño (adjust based on spice preference). Add gin, elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to infuse the spiciness. Strain the contents into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Top up with sparkling wine. Garnish with a jalapeño slice or a lemon twist.

The Paper Plane

About The Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a modern and well-balanced cocktail that gained popularity in the early 21st century. Created by bartender Sam Ross, this drink is known for its equal parts formula, combining bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The Paper Plane offers a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and citrusy notes, making it an approachable and versatile cocktail for various palates.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz Bourbon

• 3/4 oz Aperol

• 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• Lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

In a shaker, combine bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Illegal

About The Illegal

The Illegal is a bold and smoky cocktail that pays homage to the robust flavors of mezcal, a distilled agave spirit with distinctive smoky undertones. This cocktail combines the earthy and smoky notes of mezcal with the richness of Averna, an amaro with herbal and citrusy characteristics. The Illegal is a complex and intriguing drink that caters to those with an appreciation for adventurous and avant-garde cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Mezcal

• 3/4 oz Averna

• 1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur

• 1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

• 1/4 oz Agave Nectar

• Lime wheel or twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

In a shaker, combine mezcal, Averna, maraschino liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture. Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

The Ve.n.to

About The Ve.n.to

The Ve.n.to is a modern and refreshing cocktail that showcases the vibrant flavors of grappa, chamomile liqueur, and citrus, with a touch of sweet from honey. This well-balanced drink offers a delightful interplay of botanicals and citrusy brightness, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a contemporary and aromatic libation.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz White Grappa

• 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Honey Mix

• 1/2 oz Chamomile Cordial

• Grapes or lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Complex

Method:

Add all ingredients to the shaker Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to infuse the flavors Strain the contents into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with grapes or a lemon twist.

The Penicillin

About The Penicillin

This 2005 cocktail hails from New York City and the Milk & Honey Bar. It’s name is an obvious takeaway from the drug Penicillin due to some of the medicinal qualities of its ingredients. The cocktail has drawn comparisons to the Hot Toddy as a “medicinal” cocktail. The Islay Style Scotch Whisky is supposed to be Lagavulin Scotch. Islay Scotch has a smokier profile and has more of a peat taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Blended Scotch Whisky

• ¼ oz. Islay Style Scotch Whisky

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz. Honey Syrup

• 2-3 Quarter-Sized Ginger Slices

• Candied Ginger for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Herbal

Method:

Muddle fresh ginger in a shaker and add the remaining ingredients, except for the Islay Scotch whiskey. Fill the shaker with ice and shake. Double-strain into a chilled old fashioned glass with ice. Float the Islay whiskey on top.

The Fernandito

About The Fernandito

The Fernandito, also known as the Fernet con Coca became an IBA Official Cocktail in 2020 after being Argentina’s favorite cocktail since the 1980s. Fernet-Branca© is a brand of Italian Bitters where 75% of its global output is sent to Argentina. Popular in college towns, this easygoing cocktail is simple to make and very flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Fernet-Branca©

• Fill Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spiced

Method:

Fill a double old-fashioned glass with ice. Pour in the Fernet-Branca©, fill the glass with cola. Stir gently.

The French Martini

About The French Martini

This cocktail debuted in the 1980s but was not properly introduced on drink menus until 1996 in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. The key ingredient in this cocktail is Chambord©, which is a French liqueur created in France since the late 1600s.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Vodka

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord©)

• ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

• Lemon Peel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Squeeze oil from lemon peel onto the drink.

The Spritz Veneziano

About The Spritz Veneziano

Also known as the Aperol Spritz, also called just Spritz, is an Italian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif in Northeast Italy. It consists of prosecco, Aperol and soda water. The original recipe has supposedly remained unchanged over time but it wasn't until the 1950s that Aperol Spritz became a popular alternative to the usual Venetian mix of white wine and soda.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Prosecco

• 2 oz. Aperol

• Splash of Soda Water

• Orange Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Build all ingredients into a wine glass filled with ice. Stir gently.

The Naked and Famous

About The Naked and Famous

The Naked and Famous is a new era cocktail that has been added to the list of IBA Official Cocktails. Although I typically discourage intensely specific cocktails due to their inability to replicate accurately, the Naked and Famous is a throwback to a bygone era of cocktails and has the flavor profile to back it up.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz. Mezcal

• ¾ oz. Aperol

• ¾ oz. Yellow Chartreuse

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

The New York Sour

About The New York Sour

The New York Sour is an IBA Official Cocktail that mirrors the traditional method of creating a sour; using egg whites. The drink itself is thought to be of New York City origin, but various “New York Sours” have been on menus across the country with different ingredients. Make sure to pair with a wine you enjoy to custom craft the recipe to your liking. (Shiraz is just our suggestion).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)

• ½ oz. Shiraz Red Wine

• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Few Drops of Egg White

• Lemon Wedge/Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour the whiskey, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white into shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Float the wine on top. Garnish with lemon or orange zest and cherry.

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 Tipperary

About The Tipperary

Named after a town in Southern Ireland, the Tipperary is an Irish twist on the Bijou cocktail that also adds Green Chartreuse in honor of the Irish color. The exact origin of this recipe is unknown as it is new to the cocktail and mixology scene.

Ingredients:

• 1¾ oz. Irish Whiskey

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• ⅓ oz. Green Chartreuse

• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

• Orange Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of orange.

The Barracuda

About The Barracuda

We searched for the origin of this cocktail but we came up empty on this one. Most bartenders agree the drink became popular during the 1970s and may have something to do with the vehicle also named Barracuda being popular at the same time period. Others point to a classical origin for the cocktail so we kinda just threw our hands up on this one. A deceptively strong cocktail utilizing Italian spirits along with Rum; the cocktail makes a great apertif.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gold Rum

• ⅓ oz. Galliano Liqueur

• 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 Dash of Lime Juice

• Top with Prosecco/Sparkling Wine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into glass, top with sparkling wine and serve in a Margarita glass.

The Suffering Bastard

About The Suffering Bastard

So there are actually two versions of this cocktail but the IBA recognizes the original recipe which is listed below. Trader Vic also created a popular Tiki cocktail using the same name, however it is a tropical juice and rum variant. We chose to mirror the IBA and feature the OG Recipe featuring gin and brandy. This recipe was a “hangover cure” for WWII troops stationed in Egypt.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• 1 oz. Brandy

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

• Top with Ginger Beer

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spiced

Method:

Shake everything but ginger beer with ice, pour unstrained into glass, top with ginger beer.

The Canchanchara

About The Canchanchara

This interestingly named cocktail is a 2020 IBA Official Cocktail from the New Era. Hailing from island nation of Cuba, the Canchanchara is supposed to feature Cuban Aguardiente which is kind of a generic alcoholic drink. We chose to use Rum, since that makes more sense.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Rum

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• ½ oz. Honey

• 1½ oz. Water

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Lime

Method:

Mix honey with water and lime juice and spread the mixture on the bottom and sides of the glass. Add cracked ice, and then the rum. End by energetically stirring from bottom to top.

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 Old Cuban

About The Old Cuban

The Mojito connects with the French 75 in this old school throwback cocktail. This recipe hails from New York in the SoHo neighborhood. This modern cocktail is appetizing and pairs well with any sort of food. This cocktail is designed to be made with passion and requires patience; it’s not meant for speed.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Aged Rum

• 2 oz. Champagne/Prosecco

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

• 6-8 Mint Leaves

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Minty

Method:

Pour all ingredients except the wine into cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled elegant cocktail glass. Top up with the sparkling wine and garnish with mint sprigs

The Bramble

About The Bramble

This English IBA Cocktail hails from London and was invented in the 1980s. The name of the drink comes from the fact that blackberry bushes are called brambles. The Bramble was invented as a springtime cocktail ans is best enjoyed with “red fruits” such as blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries as something to snack on.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Blackberry Liqueur

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• Crushed Ice

• Blackberry & Lemon Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Fill glass with crushed ice. Build gin, lemon juice and simple syrup over. Stir, and then pour blackberry liqueur over in a circular fashion to create marbling effect. Garnish with two blackberries and lemon slice.