The Rattlesnake Cocktail

The Rattlesnake Cocktail is my modern twist on a 1930s classic—silky, bright, and just a little dangerous. Barrel-proof rye brings bold depth, ginger simple syrup adds warmth and spice, and a touch of absinthe gives the drink its unmistakable bite. Shaken to a frothy finish and served in a chilled coupe, it’s a perfect balance of vintage elegance and contemporary craft.

The Left Hand Cocktail

🥃 Meet the Left Hand — a modern classic that drinks like the lovechild of a Manhattan and a Negroni. Bold bourbon, bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and a hint of chocolate bitters = rich, complex, unforgettable.

The French Martini (with a twist)

A modern take on the classic French Martini, vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice shaken to frothy perfection. A dash of orange bitters adds balance and complexity to this fruity, elegant cocktail.

Blue Ridge Manhattan Cocktail (Blueberry & Black Pepper)

This cocktail balances the richness of barrel-proof bourbon with the tart brightness of fresh blueberries and a subtle kick of black peppercorn syrup. Bitters tie it all together, creating a drink that is both familiar and refreshingly original, a true taste of the Blue Ridge.

Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned)

Meet the Fig & Barrel — my cheeky take on an Old Fashioned.
Barrel-proof bourbon meets caramelized fig syrup and walnut bitters, finished with fresh fig + orange zest. 🍊🍂

Martinez Cocktail

The Martinez cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Its origins are debated, with claims of influencing modern martinis and having traits of a martini and a Manhattan. The original recipe called for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, but variations exist. A classic recipe includes London Dry Gin, sweet vermouth, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Angostura bitters, and an orange twist garnish. Stir and strain over ice for a delightful, old-school cocktail experience.

Monte Carlo Cocktail

The origin of the Monte Carlo Cocktail remains unclear, appearing in a cocktail recipe book from the late 1940s. It combines rye whisky, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters, resembling both a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. The drink, served over ice, can be garnished with a lemon twist.

The Rolls Royce Cocktail

The Rolls Royce cocktail originated in the 1930s, featuring a blend of gin, dry and sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and optional orange bitters. This for is balance yet boozy, making “I’ll make it again” list.

White Lotus (Lychee Vesper) Martini

I’m finishing up watching White Lotus with the wife, sparked by Walton Goggins’ (she is a fan). I came across the White Lotus Martini cocktail and gave it a try.