Specialty Cocktails Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill an old-fashioned glass by filling it with ice and water while you mix the cocktail.

Dry shake (if using egg white)

In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). Seal and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds without ice to emulsify and build froth.

Shake with ice

Add ice to the shaker, then shake again for 10–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain and serve

Discard ice from the chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the glass over one large serving ice cube (or serve neat, as preferred).

Garnish & finish

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam (if egg white used) and garnish with a lemon wheel or twist. Serve immediately.

Prep the glass rim

Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip into salt to coat. Set aside.

Muddle jalapeño

In a shaker, place 3 slices of fresh jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Gently muddle 2–3 times to release oils—don't pulverize.

Build and shake

Add reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, agave syrup, and ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until chilled.

Strain and serve

Double-strain into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice. Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more agave if needed.

Garnish

Float a jalapeño slice or place a lime wheel on the rim as garnish. Serve immediately.

Chill served glass

Chill a highball or Collins glass by filling with ice and water while preparing the cocktail.

Shake

In a shaker, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds.

Strain and top

Discard ice from the chilled glass. Strain the mixture into the glass filled with fresh ice, then top with 2 oz club soda. Stir gently once to integrate.

Garnish

Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve immediately.

Brew espresso

Pull a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz) and let it sit for 10–15 seconds so it's hot but not piping, or use very hot freshly brewed strong coffee.

Shake

In a shaker, add vodka, coffee liqueur, hot espresso, simple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds—this chills the drink and creates a rich crema.

Strain and serve

Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove any ice shards and ensure a smooth surface.

Garnish

Carefully place three coffee beans on top of the crema as a classic garnish. Serve immediately.