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Section

Subsections

1

Whiskey Cocktails

Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Manhattan, Mint Julep, Penicillin, Boulevardier, Sazerac, Rob Roy, Irish Coffee, Gold Rush, Paper Plane, Toronto, Whiskey Smash, Hot Toddy

2

Gin Cocktails

Negroni, Dry Martini, Gin & Tonic, Aviation, French 75, Bee's Knees, Tom Collins, Clover Club, Gimlet, Last Word, Singapore Sling, Pegu Club, Ramos Gin Fizz

3

Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails

Margarita, Paloma, Tequila Sunrise, Tommy's Margarita, El Diablo, Ranch Water, Mezcal Margarita, Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Naked and Famous, Spicy Margarita, Matador

4

Rum Cocktails

Mojito, Daiquiri, Piña Colada, Mai Tai, Dark 'n' Stormy, Cuba Libre, Hurricane, Zombie, Hemingway Daiquiri, Banana Daiquiri, Painkiller

5

Vodka Cocktails

Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, White Russian, Sex on the Beach, Caipiroska, Vesper, Harvey Wallbanger, Vodka Gimlet, Lemon Drop Martini

6

Cognac & Brandy Cocktails

Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, Vieux Carré, French Connection, Stinger, Between the Sheets

7

Aperitif & Wine-Based Cocktails

Aperol Spritz, Americano, Bellini, Kir Royale, Mimosa, Rossini, Sbagliato, Hugo Spritz, Porn Star Martini

8

Essential Techniques

Shaking, Stirring, Building, Muddling, Dry Shaking, Floating / Layering, Double Straining, Expressing Citrus Peel, Rolling, Blending

9

Syrups & Sweeteners

Simple Syrup, Honey Syrup, Agave Syrup, Demerara Syrup, Grenadine, Honey-Ginger Syrup, Raspberry Syrup, Orgeat

10

Spirits Reference

Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, Scotch, Irish Whiskey, White Rum, Gold Rum, Dark Rum, Tequila Blanco, Tequila Reposado, Tequila Añejo, Mezcal

11

Liqueurs Reference

Triple Sec, Curaçao, Maraschino, Crème de Violette, Crème de Cassis, Crème de Cacao, Coffee Liqueur, Amaretto, Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Aperol, Campari, Elderflower, Peach Schnapps, Galliano, Amaro Nonino, Fernet-Branca

12

Vermouth & Fortified Wine Reference

Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Blanc Vermouth, Lillet Blanc

13

Bitters Reference

Angostura, Peychaud's, Orange, Chocolate, Mole, Celery

14

Glassware Guide

Coupe, Martini, Rocks, Highball, Collins, Champagne Flute, Wine Glass, Hurricane, Irish Coffee Glass, Copper Mug, Julep Cup, Tiki Mug

15

Ice Guide

Large Cube or Sphere, Standard Cubes, Crushed Ice, Clear Ice

16

Cocktail Families

Sours, Fizzes, Collins, Highballs, Martini, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Negroni, Daisy, Tiki, Flips, Cobblers

17

Seasonal Cocktail Suggestions

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

18

Batch Cocktails

Batch Negroni, Batch Margarita, Batch Old Fashioned, Batch Sangria

19

Alcohol-Free Substitutions

Spirit replacements: Egg White, Vermouth, Simple Syrup, Triple Sec

20

Home Bar Setup Guide

Starter, Intermediate, Advanced

21

Pro Tips

11 essential tips for better cocktails

22

Safety & Responsibility

Standard drink size, pacing, transportation, storage

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned / Rocks

Build

2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, 1 sugar cube (or ¼ oz simple syrup), 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, splash of water, orange twist, and cherry to garnish

Place a sugar cube in a glass and saturate it with bitters. Add a splash of water and muddle until the sugar dissolves. Fill the glass with a large ice cube or fresh ice. Add whiskey and stir gently for 20–30 seconds. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it into the glass. Add cherry and serve.

Whiskey Sour

Rocks / Coupe

Shake

2 oz Bourbon, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, 1 egg white (optional), lemon wheel, and cherry to garnish

If using egg white, dry shake all ingredients without ice for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, or strain into a coupe with no ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.

Manhattan

Coupe / Martini

Stir

2 oz Rye Whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, brandied cherry to garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30–40 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Mint Julep

Julep Cup / Rocks

Build

2½ oz Bourbon, ½ oz simple syrup, 8 fresh mint leaves, mint bouquet to garnish

Gently muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in the glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Add bourbon and stir gently. Top with more crushed ice to create a dome. Garnish with a generous mint bouquet and serve with a straw.

Penicillin

Rocks

Shake

2 oz blended Scotch, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup, ¼ oz Islay Scotch (float), candied ginger to garnish

Shake blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Float Islay Scotch on top by pouring over the back of a spoon. Garnish with candied ginger.

Boulevardier

Old Fashioned

Stir

1 oz Bourbon or Rye, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, orange twist to garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Express and garnish with an orange twist.

Sazerac

Rocks

Stir

2 oz Rye Whiskey, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters, absinthe (for rinse), lemon peel to garnish

Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe and discard the excess. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water. Add rye and ice, stir for 30 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass with no ice. Express lemon peel over the drink and discard (traditional) or drop it into the glass.

Rob Roy

Coupe / Martini

Stir

2 oz Scotch Whisky, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, cherry to garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30–40 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a cherry.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee Glass

Build

1½ oz Irish Whiskey, 1 tsp brown sugar, 4 oz hot coffee, lightly whipped cream, nutmeg (optional)

Preheat the glass with hot water, then discard it. Add brown sugar and hot coffee, stir to dissolve. Add Irish whiskey and stir. Float lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Optionally dust with nutmeg.

Gold Rush

Rocks

Shake

2 oz Bourbon, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz honey syrup, lemon twist to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Paper Plane

Coupe

Shake

¾ oz Bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe.

Toronto

Coupe

Stir

2 oz Rye Whiskey, ¼ oz Fernet-Branca, ¼ oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, orange twist to garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with an orange twist.

Whiskey Smash

Rocks

Shake

2 oz Bourbon, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, 4–5 fresh mint leaves, lemon wheel to garnish

Muddle mint leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon and ice, shake vigorously. Double strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Hot Toddy

Irish Coffee Glass

Build

1½ oz Whiskey (Bourbon or Scotch), 1 tsp honey, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, 4–5 oz hot water, cinnamon stick, and lemon slice to garnish

Add honey and lemon juice to the glass. Pour in hot water and stir to dissolve. Add whiskey and stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick anda lemon slice.

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Negroni

Old Fashioned

Build / Stir

1 oz Gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, orange slice or twist to garnish

Add all ingredients to a rocks glass with ice. Stir gently for 15–20 seconds. Garnish with an orange slice or twist.

Dry Martini

Martini / Coupe

Stir

2½ oz Gin, ½ oz dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive to garnish

Add gin and vermouth to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30–45 seconds until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive. Note: Adjust vermouth ratio to taste — less equals drier.

Gin & Tonic

Highball

Build

2 oz Gin, 4–6 oz tonic water, lime wedge to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add gin. Top with tonic water and stir gently. Squeeze and drop a lime wedge into the glass.

Aviation

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Gin, ½ oz Maraschino Liqueur, ¼ oz Crème de Violette, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, cherry to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a cherry.

French 75

Champagne Flute

Shake & Top

1 oz Gin, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, Champagne or Prosecco to top, lemon twist to garnish

Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Bee's Knees

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Gin, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz honey syrup, lemon twist to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Tom Collins

Collins / Highball

Shake & Build

2 oz Gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, soda water to top, lemon wheel, and cherry to garnish

Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.

Clover Club

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Gin, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz raspberry syrup, 1 egg white, fresh raspberries to garnish

Dry shake all ingredients without ice for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Gimlet

Coupe / Rocks

Shake

2 oz Gin, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz simple syrup, lime wheel to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe or over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Last Word

Coupe

Shake

¾ oz Gin, ¾ oz Green Chartreuse, ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, cherry to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a cherry.

Singapore Sling

Highball

Shake & Build

1½ oz Gin, ½ oz Cherry Heering, ¼ oz Cointreau, ¼ oz Bénédictine, 2 oz pineapple juice, ½ oz fresh lime juice, 1 dash Angostura Bitters, soda water to top, cherry and pineapple slice to garnish

Shake all ingredients except soda with ice. Strain into a highball glass over ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple slice.

Pegu Club

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Gin, ¾ oz orange curaçao, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, 1 dash Angostura Bitters, 1 dash orange bitters, lime twist to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime twist.

Ramos Gin Fizz

Collins

Shake & Build

2 oz Gin, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz simple syrup, 1 oz heavy cream, 1 egg white, 3 drops orange flower water, soda water to top

Dry shake all ingredients except soda for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake vigorously for another 60 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass with no ice. Slowly top with soda water.

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Margarita

Margarita / Coupe

Shake

2 oz Tequila (Blanco or Reposado), 1 oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz Triple Sec or Cointreau, salt rim, and lime wheel to garnish

Rim half of the glass with salt by wetting the rim with lime, then dipping it in salt. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice or straight up. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Paloma

Highball

Build

2 oz Tequila, ½ oz fresh lime juice, 4 oz grapefruit soda (or grapefruit juice with soda), salt rim, and grapefruit wedge to garnish

Rim the glass with salt. Fill with ice. Add tequila and lime juice. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Tequila Sunrise

Highball

Build

2 oz Tequila, 4 oz fresh orange juice, ½ oz grenadine, orange slice,e and cherry to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and orange juice and stir. Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass — it will sink to create the sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice anda cherry. Serve unstirred.

Tommy's Margarita

Rocks

Shake

2 oz Tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz agave syrup, lime wheel to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

El Diablo

Highball

Build

2 oz Tequila, ½ oz Crème de Cassis, ½ oz fresh lime juice, ginger beer to top, lime wheel to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Ranch Water

Highball

Build

2 oz Blanco Tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, sparkling water to top, lime wedge to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Mezcal Margarita

Rocks

Shake

2 oz Mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz orange liqueur, ¼ oz agave syrup, salt rim, and lime wheel to garnish

Rim the glass with salt. Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Rocks

Stir

1½ oz Reposado Tequila, ½ oz Mezcal, 1 tsp agave syrup, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, orange twist to garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express and garnish with an orange twist.

Naked and Famous

Coupe

Shake

¾ oz Mezcal, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Yellow Chartreuse, ¾ oz fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe.

Spicy Margarita

Rocks

Shake

2 oz Tequila Blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz Cointreau, ½ oz agave syrup, 2–3 slices fresh jalapeño, salt rim, and jalapeño slice to garnish

Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Double strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a jalapeño slice.

Matador

Highball

Shake & Build

1½ oz Tequila Blanco, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, ½ oz fresh lime juice, lime wheel to garnish

Shake tequila, pineapple juice, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Mojito

Highball

Build

2 oz White Rum, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup, 8–10 fresh mint leaves, soda water to top, mint sprig, and lime wheel to garnish

Gently muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in the glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Add rum and stir. Top with soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel and serve with a straw.

Daiquiri

Coupe

Shake

2 oz White Rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz simple syrup, lime wheel to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Piña Colada

Hurricane

Blend

2 oz White Rum, 1 oz coconut cream, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, pineapple wedge, and cherry to garnish

Blend all ingredients with 1 cup of ice until smooth. Pour into a hurricane glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.

Mai Tai

Rocks / Tiki Mug

Shake

1 oz White Rum, 1 oz Dark Rum, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz orange curaçao, ¼ oz orgeat syrup, ¼ oz simple syrup, mint sprig, and lime wheel to garnish

Shake white rum, lime juice, curaçao, orgeat, and simple syrup with ice. Strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass or tiki mug. Float dark rum on top. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Dark 'n' Stormy

Highball

Build

2 oz Dark Rum (traditionally Gosling's), 3 oz ginger beer, ½ oz fresh lime juice, lime wedge to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add lime juice and ginger beer. Float dark rum on top. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cuba Libre

Highball

Build

2 oz White Rum, 4 oz Coca-Cola, ½ oz fresh lime juice, lime wedge to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add rum and lime juice. Top with cola and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Hurricane

Hurricane

Shake

2 oz White Rum, 2 oz Dark Rum, 1 oz passion fruit syrup, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 2 oz orange juice, an  orange slice, and a cherry to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a hurricane glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Zombie

Tiki Mug / Collins

Shake

1½ oz White Rum, 1½ oz Gold Rum, 1 oz Dark Rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz pineapple juice, ½ oz passion fruit syrup, 1 tsp grenadine, a mint sprig, and a pineapple wedge to garnish

Shake the first seven ingredients with ice. Strain over crushed ice in a tiki mug. Float dark rum on top. Garnish with mint and pineapple.

Hemingway Daiquiri

Coupe

Shake

2 oz White Rum, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice, ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur, lime wheel to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Banana Daiquiri

Coupe

Blend or Shake

2 oz White Rum, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup, ½ ripe banana, banana slice to garnish

Blend or shake all ingredients with ice until smooth. Strain or pour into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a banana slice.

Painkiller

Tiki Mug / Highball

Shake

2 oz Dark Rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz orange juice, 1 oz coconut cream, freshly grated nutmeg to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain over crushed ice in a tiki mug or highball glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Espresso Martini

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Vodka, ½ oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa), 1 oz fresh espresso, ¼ oz simple syrup (optional), 3 coffee beans to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice for 15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with 3 coffee beans on the foam.

Moscow Mule

Copper Mug / Highball

Build

2 oz Vodka, ½ oz fresh lime juice, 4 oz ginger beer, lime wheel, and mint sprig to garnish

Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint.

Bloody Mary

Highball

Build / Roll

2 oz Vodka, 4 oz tomato juice, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce, 2 dashes hot sauce, pinch of salt and pepper, celery stalk, and lemon wedge to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add all ingredients. Roll between two glasses or stir well. Garnish with a celery stalk and lemon wedge.

Cosmopolitan

Martini / Coupe

Shake

1½ oz Vodka, 1 oz Cointreau, ½ oz fresh lime juice, splash of cranberry juice, lime wheel or orange peel to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or an expressed orange peel.

White Russian

Rocks

Build

2 oz Vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz heavy cream

Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add vodka and coffee liqueur and stir. Float cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Serve unstirred or gently mixed.

Sex on the Beach

Highball

Shake

1½ oz Vodka, ½ oz peach schnapps, 2 oz orange juice, 2 oz cranberry juice, orange slice to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a highball glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

Caipiroska

Rocks

Build

2 oz Vodka, 1 lime (quartered), 2 tsp sugar, lime wheel to garnish

Place lime quarters and sugar in a rocks glass. Muddle thoroughly. Fill with crushed ice. Add vodka and stir. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Vesper

Martini

Shake

3 oz Gin, 1 oz Vodka, ½ oz Lillet Blanc, lemon twist to garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice (James Bond's preference). Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Harvey Wallbanger

Highball

Build

1½ oz Vodka, 4 oz fresh orange juice, ½ oz Galliano, orange slice, and cherry to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add vodka and orange juice and stir. Float Galliano on top. Garnish with an orange slice anda cherry.

Vodka Gimlet

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Vodka, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz simple syrup, lime wheel to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Lemon Drop Martini

Martini

Shake

2 oz Citrus Vodka, ¾ oz Cointreau, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, ¼ oz simple syrup, sugar rim, and lemon twist to garnish

Rim the glass with sugar. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Sidecar

Coupe

Shake

2 oz Cognac, 1 oz Triple Sec, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, sugar rim, and lemon twist to garnish

Rim the coupe with sugar. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Brandy Alexander

Coupe

Shake

1½ oz Cognac, 1 oz dark Crème de Cacao, 1 oz heavy cream, grated nutmeg to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Vieux Carré

Rocks

Stir

¾ oz Cognac, ¾ oz Rye Whiskey, ¾ oz sweet vermouth, 1 tsp Bénédictine, 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, lemon twist to garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

French Connection

Rocks

Build

1½ oz Cognac, 1 oz Amaretto

Add ingredients to a rocks glass over ice. Stir gently and serve.

Stinger

Coupe / Rocks

Shake or Stir

2 oz Cognac, ¾ oz white Crème de Menthe, mint leaf to garnish

Shake or stir all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe or over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint leaf.

Between the Sheets

Coupe

Shake

1 oz Cognac, 1 oz White Rum, 1 oz Cointreau, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, lemon twist to garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cocktail

Glass

Method

Ingredients

Preparation

Aperol Spritz

Wine Glass

Build

2 oz Aperol, 3 oz Prosecco, splash of soda water, orange slice to garnish

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add Aperol. Add Prosecco. Top with a splash of soda. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

Americano

Highball

Build

1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, soda water to top, orange slice to garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Campari and vermouth. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice.

Bellini

Champagne Flute

Build

1 oz white peach purée, 4 oz Prosecco

Add peach purée to a champagne flute. Slowly top with prosecco. Stir gently to combine and serve immediately.

Kir Royale

Champagne Flute

Build

½ oz Crème de Cassis, champagne to top, lemon twist to garnish (optional)

Add crème de cassis to a champagne flute. Top with champagne. Stir gently. Add an optional lemon twist to garnish.

Mimosa

Champagne Flute

Build

2 oz fresh orange juice, 3 oz Champagne or Prosecco, orange wheel to garnish (optional)

Add orange juice to a champagne flute. Top with champagne. Stir gently. Add an optional orange wheel to garnish.

Rossini

Champagne Flute

Blend & Build

1½ oz strawberry purée, 4 oz Prosecco, fresh strawberry to garnish

Add strawberry purée to a champagne flute. Top with prosecco. Stir gently. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.

Sbagliato

Wine Glass / Rocks

Build

1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 oz Prosecco, orange twist to garnish

Fill a glass with ice. Add Campari and vermouth. Top with prosecco and stir gently. Garnish with an orange twist.

Hugo Spritz

Wine Glass

Build

2 oz Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain), 3 oz Prosecco, splash of soda water, 4–5 fresh mint leaves, lime slice to garnish

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add elderflower liqueur and mint leaves. Add prosecco and top with a splash of soda. Garnish with a lime slice.

Porn Star Martini

Coupe

Shake

2 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz passion fruit liqueur, ½ oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz passion fruit purée, side shot of Prosecco

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Serve with a shot of prosecco on the side.

Technique

When to Use

How to Do It

Shaking

Cocktails with juice, cream, or eggs; when maximum dilution and aeration are needed

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the tin is frosty cold.

Stirring

Spirit-forward cocktails such as Martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis

Stir gently for 30–40 seconds to chill and dilute while maintaining clarity and a silky texture.

Building

Cocktails are assembled directly in the serving glass

Add ingredients, add ice, stir gently, and serve.

Muddling

Releasing oils and flavors from herbs, fruit, or sugar

Gently press ingredients to release oils and flavors. Do not over-muddle herbs, or they will become bitter.

Dry Shaking

Cocktails with egg white, to create foam

Shake all ingredients without ice first, then add ice and shake again.

Floating / Layering

Creating a layered top on a drink without mixing

Pour liquid slowly over the back of a bar spoon to create a distinct layer on top of the drink.

Double Straining

Removing ice chips and small particles such as seeds, herbs, or pulp

Pour through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer simultaneously.

Expressing Citrus Peel

Adding citrus oils as aroma and flavor

Hold the peel over the drink with the colored side facing down, then pinch sharply to release the oils. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel, then add to the drink or discard.

Rolling

Gently mixing without aerating

Pour the drink back and forth between two mixing tins. Most commonly used for a Bloody Mary.

Blending

Frozen or tropical cocktails require a smooth, icy texture

Blend ingredients with ice in a blender until completely smooth.

Syrup

Ratio

How to Make

Notes

Simple Syrup

1:1 sugar to water

Stir together 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water until dissolved. No heat required for a standard syrup; gentle heat may be used for a richer 2:1 version.

Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.

Honey Syrup

2:1 honey to water

Stir together 2 cups of honey and 1 cup of warm water until smooth.

Easier to mix into cocktails than straight honey.

Agave Syrup

1:1 or dilute to taste

Use agave nectar directly or dilute with warm water to a pourable consistency.

Natural sweetener from the agave plant.

Demerara Syrup

1:1 or 2:1 sugar to water

Follow the same method as simple syrup using demerara sugar.

Produces a richer, molasses-forward flavor.

Grenadine

1:1 pomegranate juice to sugar

Combine 2 cups pomegranate juice and 2 cups sugar, simmer until dissolved, then add 1 tsp orange blossom water.

Avoid artificial brands. Make fresh or buy a quality product.

Honey-Ginger Syrup

Based on honey syrup

Combine 1 cup honey syrup with a 6-inch piece of sliced fresh ginger, simmer for 10 minutes, then strain.

Essential for the Penicillin cocktail.

Raspberry Syrup

1:1 raspberries to sugar

Muddle 1 cup fresh raspberries with 1 cup sugar, let sit for 30 minutes, then strain and add ¼ cup water.

Used in the Clover Club and other berry cocktails.

Orgeat

Almond-based

Purchase pre-made or make from scratch using blanched almonds, sugar, and orange flower water.

Essential for the Mai Tai and other tiki drinks.

Spirit

Subcategory

Character

Best Used In

Bourbon

American Whiskey (51%+ corn)

Sweet, full-bodied, vanilla, and caramel notes

Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Mint Julep, Boulevardier

Rye Whiskey

American Whiskey (51%+ rye)

Spicy, dry, bold

Manhattan, Sazerac, Vieux Carré

Scotch

Single Malt or Blended

Ranges from light and floral to smoky and peaty

Rob Roy, Penicillin, Rusty Nail

Irish Whiskey

Triple-distilled

Smooth, approachable, lightly sweet

Irish Coffee, Whiskey Sour

White Rum

Unaged

Light, clean, neutral

Mojito, Daiquiri, Cuba Libre

Gold / Aged Rum

Barrel-aged

More character and color than white rum

Mai Tai, Zombie

Dark Rum

Heavily aged

Rich, full-bodied, molasses notes

Dark 'n' Stormy, Hurricane, Painkiller

Tequila Blanco

Unaged

Pure agave flavor, bright and crisp

Margarita, Ranch Water, Tommy's Margarita

Tequila Reposado

Aged 2–12 months

Smooth with subtle wood notes

Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Paloma

Tequila Añejo

Aged 1–3 years

Complex, sipping quality

Best enjoyed neat or lightly mixed

Mezcal

Various agave species

Smoky, earthy, complex

Mezcal Margarita, Naked and Famous, Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Liqueur

Flavor Profile

Common Cocktails

Triple Sec / Cointreau

Orange

Margarita, Sidecar, Cosmopolitan

Curaçao

Orange

Mai Tai, Pegu Club

Marasca Liqueur (Luxardo)

Cherry, complex, dry

Aviation, Last Word, Hemingway Daiquiri

Crème de violette

Violet, floral, lightly sweet

Aviation

Crème de Cassis

Black currant, rich, fruity

Kir Royale, El Diablo

Crème de cacao (dark or white)

Chocolate

Brandy Alexander, Grasshopper

Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa)

Coffee, vanilla

Espresso Martini, White Russian

Amaretto

Almond, Italian

French Connection, Amaretto Sour

Green Chartreuse

Herbal, strong

Last Word, Naked and Famous

Yellow Chartreuse

Herbal, milder

Naked and Famous

Bénédictine

Herbal, honey, spiced

Vieux Carré, Singapore Sling

Aperol

Bitter orange, light

Aperol Spritz, Paper Plane

Campari

Bitter, citrus, herbal

Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano

Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain)

Floral, delicate

Hugo Spritz, Elderflower Gimlet

Peach Schnapps

Sweet peach

Sex on the Beach, Bellini-style drinks

Galliano

Vanilla, anise

Harvey Wallbanger

Amaro Nonino

Bitter, herbal, grappa-based

Paper Plane

Fernet-Branca

Intensely bitter, mentholated

Toronto, Hanky Panky

Type

Character

Best Used In

Storage

Sweet (Red) Vermouth

Sweet, herbal, rich — Carpano, Cocchi, Dolin

Manhattan, Negroni, Boulevardier

Refrigerate after opening. Use within 1–2 months.

Dry Vermouth

Light, crisp, botanical — Dolin, Noilly Prat

Dry Martini, Gibson

Refrigerate after opening. Use within 1–2 months.

Blanc / Bianco Vermouth

Semi-sweet, vanilla notes

Vesper variations, white Negroni

Refrigerate after opening. Use within 1–2 months.

Lillet Blanc

French aperitif wine, citrus, and honey notes

Vesper

Refrigerate after opening. Use within 2–3 weeks.

Bitters

Flavor Profile

Best Used In

Angostura

Warming spices, aromatic, classic

Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour

Peychaud's

Lighter, floral, anise

Sazerac, Vieux Carré

Orange Bitters

Citrusy, bright

Old Fashioned, Dry Martini, Rob Roy

Chocolate Bitters

Rich, complex

Manhattan variations, Old Fashioned

Mole Bitters

Chili, chocolate, spice

Mezcal cocktails, Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Celery Bitters

Savory, herbal

Bloody Mary

Glass

Volume

Best Used For

Coupe

5–7 oz

Classic cocktails served up — Daiquiri, Sidecar, Last Word

Martini Glass

4–8 oz

Martinis, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop

Rocks / Old Fashioned

8–10 oz

Spirit-forward drinks over ice — Old Fashioned, Negroni

Highball

10–12 oz

Mixed drinks with carbonation — Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule

Collins

12–14 oz

Tall, carbonated drinks — Tom Collins, Mojito, Ramos Gin Fizz

Champagne Flute

6–8 oz

Sparkling cocktails — Mimosa, Kir Royale, French 75

Wine Glass

10–14 oz

Spritzes and wine-based cocktails — Aperol Spritz, Hugo

Hurricane

15–20 oz

Tropical and tiki cocktails — Piña Colada, Hurricane

Irish Coffee Glass

8–10 oz

Hot cocktails — Irish Coffee, Hot Toddy

Copper Mug

12–16 oz

Moscow Mule — keeps the drink cold

Julep Cup

10–12 oz

Mint Julep — frosts beautifully

Tiki Mug

10–16 oz

Tiki cocktails — Mai Tai, Zombie, Painkiller

Ice Type

Best Used For

Notes

Large Cube or Sphere

Spirit-forward stirred drinks — Old Fashioned, Negroni

Minimizes dilution and looks elegant

Standard Cubes

Most shaken and built cocktails

The everyday workhorse of the bar

Crushed Ice

Tiki drinks, Mint Juleps, Mojitos

Provides faster dilution and maximum chill

Clear Ice

Presentation-focused, high-end drinks

Freeze directionally or use clear ice molds

Family

Formula

Examples

Sours

Base spirit + citrus + sweetener

Whiskey Sour, Margarita, Daiquiri, Sidecar

Fizzes

Sour + soda water

Gin Fizz, Ramos Gin Fizz, Sloe Gin Fizz

Collins

Sour + tall glass + soda water

Tom Collins, Vodka Collins, Rum Collins

Highballs

Spirit + mixer in a tall glass

Gin & Tonic, Cuba Libre, Whiskey & Soda

Martini Family

Spirit + vermouth, stirred

Dry Martini, Vodka Martini, Perfect Martini

Manhattan Family

Whiskey + sweet vermouth + bitters

Manhattan, Rob Roy, Vieux Carré

Old Fashioned Family

Spirit + sugar + bitters

Old Fashioned, Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Ti' Punch

Negroni Family

Equal parts spirit + bitter liqueur + sweet vermouth

Negroni, Boulevardier, Sbagliato

Daisy Family

Spirit + citrus + sweetener + soda

Margarita (a tequila daisy), Brandy Daisy

Tiki Family

Multiple rums + fruit juices + syrups

Mai Tai, Zombie, Painkiller, Hurricane

Flips

Spirit + whole egg + sugar

Porto Flip, Eggnog, Whiskey Flip

Cobblers

Spirit or wine + citrus + sugar + fresh fruit

Sherry Cobbler, Whiskey Cobbler

Season

Recommended Cocktails

Spring

French 75, Bee's Knees, Aperol Spritz, Clover Club

Summer

Mojito, Paloma, Gin & Tonic, Piña Colada, Ranch Water, Hugo Spritz

Fall

Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, Penicillin, Brandy Alexander, Paper Plane

Winter

Irish Coffee, Hot Toddy, Manhattan, Eggnog, Vieux Carré

Cocktail

Ingredients

Preparation

Serving

Batch Negroni

8 oz Gin, 8 oz Campari, 8 oz sweet vermouth

Stir all ingredients together and refrigerate.

Serve 3 oz per person over ice with an orange garnish.

Batch Margarita

16 oz Tequila, 8 oz Cointreau, 8 oz fresh lime juice

Combine and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Serve over ice with a salt rim.

Batch Old Fashioned

16 oz Bourbon, 2 oz simple syrup, 16 dashes Angostura Bitters

Combine and refrigerate.

Serve 2 oz per person over ice with an orange twist.

Batch Sangria

1 bottle red wine, 2 oz brandy, 2 oz orange liqueur, 4 oz fresh orange juice, sliced citrus, and berries

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Serve over ice with fruit garnish.

Substitution

Replace With

Notes

Any Spirit

Non-alcoholic spirits — Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, Lyre's

Widely available and closely mimics the original spirit's character.

Spirits (general)

Tea infusions, shrubs, or flavored sodas

Keep citrus, syrups, and bitters to maintain complexity.

Simple Syrup

Superfine sugar dissolved in water

Dissolves faster than granulated sugar.

Triple Sec

Any orange liqueur — Grand Marnier, Curaçao

Interchangeable in most recipes.

Egg White

Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)

Produces a similar foam; a great vegan alternative.

Vermouth

Dry white wine + pinch of sugar + fresh herbs

An emergency substitute only; use in a pinch.

Level

Spirits

Liqueurs & Modifiers

Tools

Starter

Vodka, Gin, White Rum, Blanco Tequila, Bourbon, or Rye

Triple Sec or Cointreau, Coffee Liqueur, one specialty liqueur of choice

Cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, muddler, citrus juicer

Intermediate

Add Dark Rum, Cognac or Brandy, Scotch

Add Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Campari, Angostura Bitters, and orange bitters

Add a fine mesh strainer, mixing glass, peeler for twists, and large format ice molds

Advanced

Add Mezcal, Rye Whiskey, Aged Rum, Islay Scotch

Add Peychaud's Bitters, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Orgeat

Add a Japanese bar spoon, channel knife, julep strainer, ice pick, and Lewis bag for crushed ice.

Tip

Explanation

Chill your glassware

Place glasses in the freezer 15 minutes before serving, or fill with ice water while preparing the drink.