Spirits Recipe

Choose and measure

Select one spirit from the base spirit list according to desired flavor profile (vodka for neutrality, gin for botanicals, aged rum for caramel/molasses notes, bourbon for oak/vanilla, tequila for agave brightness, mezcal for smoke). Measure 2 oz (approx. 60 ml) per serving from your chosen bottle. The ingredient list provides 6 oz per spirit to allow for 3 servings each.

Store the unopened bottles upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them tightly capped. High-proof spirits do not require refrigeration; lighter liqueurs or opened products with additives may benefit from refrigeration.

Chill glassware and prepare ice

Place cocktail glasses (martini, rocks, or highball) in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to chill. Use large ice cubes or spheres for spirit-forward drinks (reduce dilution) and smaller cubes for mixed long drinks (more dilution). Have at least 2 large cubes per rocks glass or 1 sphere.

Prepare garnishes

Cut citrus into wedges or twists. For an orange twist, peel a 2–3 inch strip avoiding pith. For salt or sugar rimming, rub a citrus wedge around the glass rim and dip into salt or sugar spread on a plate. Skewer olives for martinis.

Add water or soda (optional)

If you prefer a slightly softer spirit, add 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) of water per serving to open up aromas (particularly useful with whisky/bourbon). For a longer drink, top with 60–120 ml club soda to taste.

Construct classic cocktails (examples)

Use your chosen base spirit with suggested modifiers to make classic serves. Recipes below assume 1 serving (2 oz spirit) unless otherwise noted.

Vodka Soda: In a highball glass with ice, add 2 oz vodka, 120 ml club soda, a squeeze of lime wedge, stir gently, garnish with lime.

Gin & Tonic / Gimlet variation: Gin & Tonic — 2 oz gin, 120 ml tonic or club soda, lime wedge. Gimlet — 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz (22 ml) simple syrup; shake with ice and strain into chilled glass.

Old Fashioned (bourbon/rye): In a rocks glass, place 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp simple syrup, add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and a splash (5 ml) water. Muddle briefly, add 2 oz bourbon, large ice cube, stir 20–30 seconds, garnish with orange twist.

Manhattan (bourbon/rye): Stir 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters with ice until chilled (20–30 seconds), strain into chilled coupe, garnish with cherry or orange twist.

Negroni (gin): Build in a mixing glass: 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth; add ice, stir 20–30 seconds, strain over large ice cube in rocks glass, garnish with orange twist.

Margarita (tequila): Shake 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ice; strain into salt-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice, garnish with lime wheel.

Rum Old Fashioned / Daiquiri variations: Rum Old Fashioned — 2 oz aged rum, 1/4 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura, stir with ice, strain over large ice cube, garnish with orange twist. Classic Daiquiri — 2 oz white rum, 3/4 oz lime juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup; shake and strain into chilled coupe.

Mezcal drinks: Use mezcal (2 oz) in place of tequila in smoked variations like a Mezcal Margarita or Mezcal Negroni; adjust sweetness and citrus as above.

Adjust to taste: For sweeter drinks, increase simple syrup by 1/4 oz (7–8 ml). For longer drinks, increase mixer volumes. For less alcohol intensity, reduce spirit by 1/4–1/2 oz per serving.

Assemble the drink you chose following the exact ingredient proportions above. Taste and adjust sweetener, acidity, or dilution as needed. Serve immediately with the recommended garnish and appropriate glassware.

Clean up: Rinse jiggers, shakers, and utensils promptly. Return unused spirits to storage.