Fill a copper mug or highball glass with crushed ice (about 1 cup). Add 2 oz vodka and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice. Top with 1 cup chilled ginger ale. Stir gently once to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge if available. Serve immediately.

Manhattan

Fill a mixing glass with 6 ice cubes. Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth and 2 dashes angostura bitters. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry. Serve.

Old Fashioned

In an old-fashioned glass, combine 0.25 oz demerara or simple syrup and 2 dashes angostura bitters. Add 2 oz bourbon and a large ice cube. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. Express an orange twist over the glass (pinch peel to release oils) and drop it in as garnish. Serve.

Retro Bar Snacks (for sharing)

Arrange 1 cup roasted salted mixed nuts, 4 dill pickle spears (halved lengthwise if large), 8 toasted rye crostini and 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cubes on a small platter or half-page menu tray. Place crostini and cheddar near each other for easy pairing; pickles and nuts on opposite sides. Provide cocktail napkins and small toothpicks for serving.