Spirits Recipe

Choose and pour

Select one base spirit from the Base spirit choices section depending on the cocktail you want to build: 2 oz per serving of the chosen spirit. Pour the chosen spirit into a mixing glass or shaker (for shaken cocktails) or directly into a rocks glass (for stirred cocktails).

If making a tasting flight of spirits instead of cocktails, pour 1 oz samples of three different spirits into small tasting glasses and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Classic Old Fashioned (using whisky)

In a rocks glass, add 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup and 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters. Add 2 oz whisky, fill glass with a large ice cube, stir gently 20-30 seconds until slightly diluted, garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.

Negroni (using gin)

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

Margarita (using tequila)

Rim a rocks or coupe glass with lime and coarse salt. In a shaker with ice, combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/4 oz simple syrup if you like it sweeter. Shake vigorously 10-15 seconds. Double strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice or serve straight up. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Daiquiri (using dark rum)

In a shaker, combine 2 oz dark rum, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake vigorously 10-15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime twist or wheel.

Martini (using vodka or gin)

Chill a martini glass. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka with 1/2 oz dry vermouth (or to taste). Stir (or shake for a 'dirty' martini) for 20-30 seconds. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

Aperitif spritz (light, bubbly)

In a wine glass filled 2/3 with ice, combine 2 oz Aperol or Campari substitute, 3 oz club soda, and optionally 1 oz sweet vermouth for depth. Stir gently, garnish with an orange slice.

Coconut cocktail (Tropical)

In a shaker, combine 2 oz dark rum, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Add ice, shake vigorously 10-15 seconds, strain into a glass with crushed ice, garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.

Prepare twists: use a peeler or small knife to cut 1/4-inch wide strips of citrus peel, avoiding too much pith. Express oils over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a quick twist, then rub the rim and drop it into the cocktail.

For cocktails requiring a salted rim (e.g., Margarita), wet the glass rim with a lime wedge, then dip into coarse salt spread on a plate. Allow to dry a minute before pouring.

Garnish with cherries and mint as specified in each recipe. Serve cocktails immediately while cold. For spirit tasting flights, provide water and neutral crackers between samples.