Featured

The Martini is, along with the Manhattan, probably the epitome of late 1800s classic cocktail-making. Wild myths of origins, simple preparation that highlights the bartender's craft, wonderful flavor and a healthy kick. Maybe it has its origin in a Martinez, maybe it has roots in a marketing campaign by vermouth company Martini. But it is certain it starts out being made with Italian (sweet) vermouth, and gin. In the early 1900s, it changes to French (dry) vermouth, which gets known as a dry martini. Then comes Churchill, Bond, and suddenly the 80's. The recipe stands for itself, but let us stress here that Espresso Martinis, Pornstar Martinis, and Breakfast Martinis are not martinis at all.

A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, as the bard said. In the 1980s anything served in a stemmed triangular glass was a martini, and no one had the stomach for actual martinis. Hence comes Pornstar-, Breakfast and French martinis, and of course, the star of the show, the Espresso Martini. Technically a dessert cocktail more related to a shaken Black Russian, it has become a staple at any bar worth its salt for the last 30 years.

The Old Fashioned, sturdy and sophisticated, just like the leather-bound books that sit comfortably on your shelf. Enjoy it slowly, as you would a good tale, and let the flavors unfold at their own pace. This ageless classic made with bourbon, a hint of sugar, a few dashes of bitters, and garnished with a twist of citrus zest, seems almost too simple, but therein lies its magic. The bourbon, assertive yet mellow, plays the starring role, while the bitters bring a layer of complexity to the narrative. A touch of sugar just to sweeten the plot, and you're almost there. Yet, this Old Fashioned isn't quite like the others. No, this one calls for a single, large ice cube. An iceberg in a sea of bourbon, it cools the drink while keeping dilution to an absolute minimum.

The staple highball of the gin craze of the past decade. A gin and tonic is a classic mixed drink that consists of gin, tonic water, and a wedge of lime. To make the cocktail, gin is poured over ice, followed by tonic water. The drink is then garnished with a wedge of lemon, although the garnish should be selected to best fit the botanicals of the gin used. Squeezing lemon or lime into the drink enhances some of the fruity notes from the tonic and enhances the juniper of any gin for extra flavor. The gin and tonic is a popular cocktail that has been enjoyed since the 1800s, and its popularity has endured over the years due to its simple yet refreshing taste. It's a perfect choice for those who enjoy the bitter and herbal flavors of gin and the sweet, bubbly taste of tonic water.