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 White Russian

About The White Russian

The Dude abides. The White Russian or known as the “Caucasian” is a 1960s Oakland, CA variation of the IBA Classic Black Russian cocktail. Neither cocktail is actually Russian in origin, but is called Russian due to the primary ingredient being vodka. Originally considered boring and an alcoholic milkshake, the White Russian was almost forgotten had it not been for the movie The Big Lebowski.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Vodka

• .5 oz. Coffee Liqueur

• 1 oz. Fresh Cream

• 1 Maraschino Cherry

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Similar to the Black Russian, pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Float the cream on top and stir slightly. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The Dead Nazi

About The Dead Nazi

The only good Nazi may be a dead one, but this shot straight up sucks. Reserve this one for someone who owes you money or your horrible ex because this shot hurts. The mix of two incredibly strong and distinct spirits goes as well as you might think. It’s hard to say any of this is smooth, but the Jägermeister sort of dulls the taste of Rumpleminze. Great party shot if you’re into the whole blacking out and vomiting thing.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Jägermeister

• 1 part Rumpleminze

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       2 Stars

• Served:       Straight

• Strength:    Ridiculous

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Gross

Method:

Mix both spirits and strain into shot glass. Good Luck.

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 substituted for Crème de Cassis.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur

• 1/4 oz crème de violette

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

• Ice

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 Boilermaker

About The Boilermaker

The epitome of old school and reckless, the Boilermaker has remained a tailgate special and city-wide favorite in Philadelphia, PA. Painfully straightforward and powerful, this cocktail can be varied by changing beer choices or type of spirit used as a depth charge.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 1 Beer of choice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour the whiskey into a shot glass and then drop the shot into a pint glass of beer. Chug (responsibly!) and enjoy.

The Sazerac

About The Sazerac

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 Sazerac 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 Brain Hemorrhage

About The Brain Hemorrhage

Say hello to the best conversation starter in the bar, the Brain Hemorrhage. This creepy cocktail is a fan favorite due to its sweet flavor, low proof ingredients, and its visually pleasing or unpleasing form. Thanks to ionization and density (science!) this cocktail is able to form the namesake cloud of Irish Cream. This shot is thicker in consistency due to the high density Grenadine and Irish Cream used, so use caution and be mentally prepared when throwing these back or it might make a comeback. A great way to start a night out and impress your friends, we highly recommend this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• Float Irish Cream

• Drop of Grenadine

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Medium

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Build shot as listed. First pour Schnapps into shot glass and then float Irish Cream using the back of a bar spoon. Drop a single drop of Grenadine into the shot. This pulls the Irish Cream down, forming the cloud.

The Irish Car Bomb

About The Irish Car Bomb

The Irish Car Bomb is a controversial American cocktail recipe featuring many ingredients of Irish origin. The “explosion” effect of the Baileys into the beer drew the idea for the name of this cocktail. Be warned, ordering this drink in Ireland can be seen as offensive as it refers to a difficult time in Irish history. Overall, the drink is fairly heavy in taste and remains a popular barplace staple in the States.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. Irish Cream

• 1/2 oz. Irish Whiskey

• 1 Pint Irish Stout Beer

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Depth Charge

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Float whiskey on top of Irish cream in a shot glass. Drop shot glass into pint of glass of Irish stout beer. Chug (responsibly!) and accordingly.

Empire Tip: Make a Belfast Car Bomb by adding Kahlua to the shot!

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 Gin & Tonic

About The Gin & Tonic

The cornerstone of the Gin scene, and one of the longest preserved recipes in all of mixology; the Gin and Tonic hails from the country of India and was invented by the British East India Company soldiers. The “original” recipe was founded in the 19th century and was used as a medicine to fight malaria for soldiers. Small amounts of gin were even included in soldier’s ration kits!

The Gin and Tonic is a widely popular recipe due to its own sort of uniqueness surrounding its taste. Although the main ingredients of this recipe are often bitter, the finish of the cocktail is shielded from the bitter taste. Gin is an art form in the East, and is often served much differently than in the United States. Other countries including Spain and India prefer to use a coupe glass that allows the gin to breathe as it is served instead of the oft-used highball glass. Try this method for yourself and see what you think is best!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. (or to taste) Gin

• Fill Tonic Water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:   Simple

• Flavor:       Juniper

Method:

In a glass filled with ice cubes, add gin and tonic. Garnish with lime wedge.

Empire Tip: The Gin and Tonic is a interesting recipe when it comes to garnish; as different brands often suggest different fruits. For example, when using Hendrick’s Gin© the garnish is normally a cucumber; when using Beefeater© the garnish is normally an orange slice; and when using some other brands its even lemon. If you use both lemon and limes as a garnish the recipe is called an “Evans.”

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!

The Bellini

About The Bellini

Hailing from Venice, Italy; the Bellini is a simple, light, and elegant cocktail perfect for a quiet evening or a formal event. Founded by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini became a worldwide sensation after a Frenchman started using white peaches for the purée. There are many multiple versions of this recipe, but we prefer to show you the original to its purest form. Give the Bellini a chance, it may even replace the modern love affair of the Mimosa. Both serve as perfect breakfast drinks, or as an after-dinner cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Prosecco (or Champagne)

• 1 part Peach Purée

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Pour peach purée into chilled flute, add sparkling wine. Stir gently.

Empire Tip: Traditionally, the IBA Official version of this recipe calls for white peaches as the fruit of choice.

The Bacardi

About The Bacardi

This cousin of the Daiquiri is a pre-prohibition cocktail and a former IBA Classic. Although the original version of this drink originates from Cuba, the grenadine addition is a United States variation and creates a more sweet flavor. This cocktail is still fairly spirit-forward so sip responsibly and slowly.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Bacardi® Superior Rum

• 2 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Grenadine

• 1/4 oz. Sugar

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients to shaker glass with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into martini glass.

Empire Tip: Try an orange peel as a garnish!

The Red Headed Slut

About The Red Headed Slut

The Red Headed Slut is a fan favorite hailing from the 1980s era of X-Rated Name Drinks. The taste of the Jägermeister is easily hidden by the sweet and fruity flavors of the Schnapps and cranberry juice. The drink is an easy crowed pleaser but too much Jäger mixed with the fruity additions will cause you to get sick fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Jägermeister

• 1 part Peach Schnapps

• 1 part Cranberry Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks (cocktail)/Neat (shot)

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Shot Version: Combine all ingredients in shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into shot glass.

Cocktail Version: Combine Jägermeister and schnapps in glass full of ice. Add cranberry juice to fill to top. Stir as necessary.

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.

The Corona Bomb

About The Corona Bomb

We here at Empire Mixology love Corona, and the classic way to enjoy a Corona Extra Cerveza is with a lime wedge. However, we consider this a bit of an upgrade and a way to add an extra punch to your afternoon. As our first Depth Charge recipe, we hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Ingredients:

• 1 Corona Extra Cerveza

• 1 oz. Bacardi Limon Rum

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Depth Charge

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor:       Citrus

Method:

Fill a highball with Corona and drop the shot into the highball, chug (responsibly) accordingly.

Alternately, you can avoid the depth charge option by pouring the shot into a bottle of Corona directly and then thumbing the bottle and turning it over.

Empire Tip: Use a lime wedge for garnish and/or as a finish.

The Martini

About The Martini

Once called the greatest American invention of all time, the actual origins of this cocktail are shrouded in mystery; credited to both Italy and San Francisco, CA. The Martini became the signature cocktail of the United States during prohibition and has endured as a true symbol of elegance and class. The Martini is an essential in every bartender’s toolkit and no self-respecting mixologist may use the title without mastering this cocktail. Also, note the Martini is made with GIN not vodka, and is STIRRED, and not shaken.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 oz. Gin

• .5 oz. Dry Vermouth

• 1 Cocktail Olive/Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Unlike James Bond, stir this one until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.

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

The Buttery Nipple

About The Buttery Nipple

This shot is a relative of the 80’s famous Slippery Nipple shot made similarly with Sambuca. The Buttery Nipple is a sweet shot that goes down smooth. This is always a popular choice to start the night as it lacks a serious punch and can ease you into a strong night.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Butterscotch Schnapps/Liqueur

• 1 part Irish Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Pour the Butterscotch Schnapps/Liqueur into shot glass. Carefully layer Irish Cream on top of the Butterscotch.

The Monkey Gland

About The Monkey Gland

Yeah what’s with the name right? It’s a long story about plastic surgery and monkey testicles so we’re just not going to go there. This cocktail is an IBA Classic; and probably the oddest titled one on the list. hailing from Paris, France at Harry’s New York Bar This cocktail can hit you hard with its powerful recipe and the addition of Absinthe. Have fun ordering this one at the bar and not sounding like a weirdo.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Gin

• 1.5 Orange Juice

• Dash of Absinthe

• Dash of Grenadine

• Sugar to preference/taste.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty: Complex

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.