The Raspberry Margarita

About The Raspberry Margarita

The Raspberry Margarita is a vibrant and tangy twist on the classic cocktail, boasting the irresistible allure of ripe, red raspberries. Crafted with care, this delightful libation combines premium tequila with freshly muddled raspberries, a splash of orange liqueur for citrusy brightness, and freshly squeezed lime juice to add the perfect zesty kick. A touch of simple syrup or agave nectar enhances the fruity sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Served over ice and garnished with a few fresh raspberries or a lime wheel, the Raspberry Margarita is a refreshing and visually stunning choice for a sunny afternoon on the patio, a summer soirée, or whenever you crave the luscious tang of raspberries in a margarita form. Each sip is a burst of sweet, tart, and boozy bliss.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• ¼ cup of Fresh Raspberries

• Ice

• Lime Wedge or Raspberries for Garnish

• Sugar (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Muddle raspberries to release juices. Add other ingredients to a shaker and shake until chilled. Double strain into a rimmed Margarita glass with ice. Garnish accordingly.

The Beer-a-Rita

About The Beer-a-Rita

The Beer-a-Rita is a fun and refreshing fusion of two beloved beverages, beer and margaritas, resulting in a delightful and thirst-quenching concoction. To craft this lively drink, start with a classic sour mix, combining tequila, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice. But here's where the magic happens: instead of topping it off with soda or more citrus, you add a crisp and cold bottle of your favorite beer, allowing the effervescence and malty goodness to meld with the zesty margarita flavors. The result is a bubbly, tangy, and slightly hoppy delight that's perfect for those who love a little beer in their cocktails, and it's an ideal companion for casual gatherings, game days, or just a relaxed evening with friends. Cheers to the Beer-a-Rita, a tasty hybrid that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tequila

• 1½ oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 2 oz. Sour Mix

• Salt (for rim of glass)

• 1 Bottle of your favorite Beer

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Beeer

Method:

Rim glass with salt. Mix tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a margarita glass. Turn a bottle of your favorite beer upside down into glass or top off cocktail as needed.

The Watermelon Margarita

About The Watermelon Margarita

The Watermelon Margarita is a refreshing and summery twist on the classic cocktail, offering a burst of juicy, sweet watermelon flavor in every sip. This delightful libation combines premium tequila with freshly pureed watermelon, a splash of orange liqueur for a citrusy kick, and freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten the blend. A touch of simple syrup or agave nectar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Blended with ice until it's frosty and smooth, the Watermelon Margarita is the epitome of a summer breeze in a glass. Serve it in a salt-rimmed glass or garnish with a watermelon slice, and you'll have the perfect drink for poolside lounging, beach parties, or any warm-weather celebration. Each sip is a burst of sunshine and refreshment.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 2 oz. Watermelon Puree

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• Ice

• Lime Wedge or Watermelon for Garnish

• Salt (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Blend ingredients with ice until smooth. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt. Garnish accordingly.

The Pineapple Margarita

About The Pineapple Margarita

The Pineapple Margarita is a sunny and tropical delight, capturing the essence of a beachside paradise in every sip. This enchanting cocktail combines premium tequila with the sweet and tangy notes of freshly pureed pineapple and a splash of zesty lime juice. A touch of triple sec or orange liqueur enhances the citrusy brightness while a hint of simple syrup balances the flavors. Blended with ice until it's refreshingly frosty, the Pineapple Margarita boasts a smooth, luscious texture and a vibrant, tropical taste that's perfect for sipping by the pool, during a summer barbecue, or whenever you desire a sweet and tangy escape. Garnished with a pineapple slice or a lime wedge, it's a vacation in a glass that's sure to brighten any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 2 oz. Pineapple Puree

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• Ice

• Lime Wedge for Garnish

• Salt Mix (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Blend ingredients with ice until smooth. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt. Garnish accordingly.

The Melon Margarita

About The Melon Margarita

The Melon Margarita is a refreshingly sweet and tropical take on the classic margarita, transporting your taste buds to a sunny paradise with every sip. This luscious cocktail combines premium tequila, triple sec, and freshly pureed ripe melon, which infuses it with a vibrant and naturally sweet melon flavor. A splash of freshly squeezed lime juice balances the sweetness with a tangy kick, while a touch of agave syrup adds a smooth finish. Served over ice and garnished with a melon slice or lime wedge, the Melon Margarita is a summertime favorite that's both incredibly thirst-quenching and irresistibly delicious. Enjoy this tropical delight by the pool, at a beachside barbecue, or whenever you crave a taste of sunshine in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Tequila

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• Dash of Agave Syrup

• ½ oz. Melon Liqueur

• ½ Cup of Fresh Melon

• Sugar (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Pour tequila, lime juice, and triple sec into shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass rimmed with sugar. Blend melon and melon liqueur until pureed. Gently pour into glass and stir gently.

The Banana Margarita

About The Banana Margarita

The Banana Margarita is a delightful twist on the classic margarita, offering a creamy and tropical escape that's both refreshing and indulgent. This unique cocktail combines premium tequila with the smooth richness of banana flavor, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a touch of triple sec for a zesty kick. Blended with ice until velvety and frothy, the Banana Margarita boasts a luscious texture and a sweet, tropical flavor profile that's reminiscent of a banana smoothie with a boozy twist. Served in a salt-rimmed glass or garnished with a banana slice, it's a perfect choice for a relaxing day by the pool, a beachside getaway, or whenever you crave a taste of the tropics in a cocktail. Sip and savor the creamy, banana-infused bliss with every sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• 1½ Bananas

• Ice

• Banana for Garnish

• Salt (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Banana

Method:

Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt.

The Black Diamond

About The Black Diamond

The Black Diamond Margarita is the epitome of elegance and sophistication in cocktail form, offering a unique and luxurious twist on the classic margarita. Crafted with the finest ingredients, this exquisite libation combines top-shelf tequila, blackberry simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice, but what truly sets it apart is the addition of Hawaiian volcanic salt, which gives it its striking black hue garnish. Garnish with a lime wheel for contrast, and you have a cocktail that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect choice for a chic soirée or a memorable evening of cocktail indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1½ oz. Blackberry Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Hawaiian Black Salt (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Spirit/Sweet

Method:

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

The Texas Margarita

About The Texas Margarita

The Texas Margarita is a bold and zesty twist on the classic cocktail, infusing the spirit of the Lone Star State into every sip. To create this Lone Star gem, rim your glass with chili salt for an extra kick, then mix the tequila, orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur over ice. The result is a harmonious blend of citrusy and slightly spicy notes that perfectly capture the spirit of Texas in a glass. Sip it slowly and savor the Texan charm with each refreshing sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Gold Tequila

• 1½ oz. Orange Liqueur

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• Dash Agave Syrup

• Salt (for rim of glass)

• Lime Wedge 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 glass rimmed with salt.

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 Salty Dog

About The Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is thought to have originated during or just after the Prohibition Era. Without the salt, a Salty Dog is known as a Greyhound Cocktail. Like many drinks from this era, the Salty Dog is traditionally made with gin, however more modern recipes have replaced gin with vodka. Fruity yet bitter, the Salty Dog is a decent brunch or late afternoon cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin

• Fill Grapefruit Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:       Straight

• Strength:    Medium

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Fruity/Salty

Method:

Shake Gin and Grapefruit Juice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into salt-rimmed highball glass.

The Whiskey Smash

About The Whiskey Smash

The Whiskey Smash is a variation on the classic Whiskey Sour; in a sense, it retains a similar flavor profile to the original, with the slight addition of a few accouterments. This recipe is both visually pleasing and palate-pleasing; and makes an excellent addition to any cocktail menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon

• 1 oz. Simple Syrup

• ½ Lemon, cut into quarters

• Dash of granulated sugar

• Few fresh mint leaves

• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Muddle the lemon, mint leaves, sugar, and simple syrup in the bottom of the glass. Add fresh ice and bourbon and stir well. Garnish appropriately.

The Dreamsicle

About The Dreamsicle

The dreamy cousin of the Ocean City favorite; the Crush. The Dreamsicle is very similar but has a flavor reminiscent of that old-time ice cream treat. The Dreamsicle is incredibly smooth and is one of the easiest cocktails to consume in terms of bite. This heavenly recipe is perfect as a desert or a simple go-to when out on the town.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Whipped Cream Vodka

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• 2 oz. Orange Juice

• Fill Lemon-Lime Soda

• Orange Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Creamsicle

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice except for soda. Strain into glass with fresh ice. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with an orange slice.

The Negroni

About The Negroni

This IBA Official Cocktail is an Italian native, and packs quite a strong and bitter punch. The Negroni is believed to hail from Florence, Italy around the year 1919. The recipe is a take on the fellow IBA Official Cocktail; the Americano. The Negroni is certainly a drink to impress your friends and bartender when ordered.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Gin

• 1 part Sweet Vermouth

• 1 part Campari

• 1 Half Wheel Orange Slice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:  Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Bitter

Method:

Add the ingredients to an old fashioned glass and stir until well mixed. Garnish with half an orange wheel.

The Army & Navy

About The Army & Navy

First published in 1948 by David Embury’s The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, the Army & Navy is a classically styled cocktail that presents a floral and fragrant taste. This cocktail is reputed to be named after the rivalry between West Point and the Naval Academy in college sports.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. London Dry Gin

• ½ oz. Orgeat Syrup

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• Dash of Angostura Bitters

• Garnish with a Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     Up

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

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 Death in the Afternoon

About The Death in the Afternoon

Also known as the Hemingway Champagne, the Death in the Afternoon is a powerful and decadent cocktail that crosses Champagne with Absinthe. Said to be invented in Left Bank, Paris by Hemingway himself along with a few sailors; this recipe first appeared in the 1930s in Hemingway’s books. The goal of the cocktail is to mix the spirits enough that the mixture becomes opalescent and milky.

"Pour one jigger absinthe into a Champagne glass. Add iced Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Drink three to five of these slowly." -Ernest Hemingway

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Absinthe

• Fill Champagne

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour 1 oz. Absinthe into a Champagne glass. Add chilled Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness.

The Gunfire

About The Gunfire

This British cocktail hails from the British Army in the late 1800s. The Gunfire is traditionally served to the lower ranks of soldiers before an attack as a form of liquid courage. The cocktail is also drunk in celebration as well and on holidays. This simple cocktail is made by adding a shot of rum to a cup of black tea.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. Black Tea

• 1 oz. Rum

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     Hot

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Tea

Method:

Pour the tea into a cup. Pour the rum in and stir.

The Incredible Hulk

About The Incredible Hulk

To be fair, there’s a few different versions of the Incredible Hulk depending on which region of the country you’re from. The most widely accepted version is used combining Hennessey© and Hypnotiq© to create a very strong and flavorful cocktail that is green in color. Named after the famous green brutish superhero, this cocktail lives up the strong aspect of the name and is a sipping drink served cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Cognac

• 1 part Hypnotiq ©

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Stir together and pour over ice.