A casual conversation about family traditions revealed a hilarious piece of family trivia: while deployed in the Army, my Dad’s go-to bar order was a straight glass of crème de menthe. To honor his military days, I decided to bring that vintage mint profile onto my own bar by mixing up a classic 1890s Stinger with a serious bourbon upgrade. Here is how to make a Bourbon Stinger (and the hilarious color mistake to avoid).
Tag: Drinks
The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail
Before sugary mixers dominated the bar, early 20th-century bartenders relied on herbed liqueurs to build complex drinks. Enter the Kentucky Colonel. A brilliant, spirit-forward cousin to the Old Fashioned, this classic cocktail swaps standard sugar for French Bénédictine to give high-proof bourbon a rich, herbal upgrade. Here’s how to stir up a legendary 1914 classic right at home.🥃✨
The Turf Club Cocktail
Before the Martini became a mid-century icon, late 19th-century New York bartenders were mixing drinks with serious teeth. Enter the Turf Club. Unapologetically spirit-forward and complex, this classic gin cocktail gets a historic upgrade on our bar with a heavy dash of New Orleans-born Herbsaint. Here’s how to mix up a legendary, high-proof classic with an intriguing edge. 🍸🌿🔥
Blackberry Old Fashioned
A bold, summer-ready riff on a classic that replaces standard simple syrup with a homemade, velvet-textured blackberry bourbon gastrique. The gentle acidity of unseasoned rice wine vinegar balances the deep, jammy sweetness of the dark berries, allowing the rich vanilla and charred oak notes of a high-proof bourbon to take center stage for a perfectly unified, sophisticated. 🥃🍇
The Napoleon Cocktail
A bourbon-forward twist on the classic Napoleon cocktail, this version blends bright lemon, fresh raspberries and a touch of Campari for balance. Smooth, vibrant and finished with a silky foam, it’s a modern classic that proves bourbon can shine in elegant, citrus-driven cocktails.
Flying Dutchman Cocktail (with Gin)
Master the Flying Dutchman cocktail. A sophisticated gin drink featuring the herbal complexity of Yellow Chartreuse and Bénédictine. Perfect for fans of herbal spirits.⚓️🍸
The Palmetto Cocktail
A refined, spirit-forward riff on the classic “Rum Manhattan.” This version features 2 oz of aged Dominican rum, providing a robust, oaky foundation that stands up beautifully to the botanical sweetness of premium vermouth. Stirred to silky perfection and brightened with orange bitters, it’s a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate the depth of an aged spirit.
The Final Ward Cocktail
The Final Ward is a sophisticated “rye-forward” riff on the classic Last Word, swapping gin for whiskey and lime for lemon to create a darker, warmer profile. Inspired by the legendary Death & Co bar, this version intentionally breaks the traditional equal-parts rule by bumping the barrel-strength rye to a full ounce. This technical adjustment ensures the spicy spirit holds its own against the heavy-hitting herbal punch of Green Chartreuse and the funky sweetness of Maraschino liqueur.
The Monte Cassino Cocktail
Discover the Monte Cassino, a modern classic that perfectly balances the spice of American rye whiskey with the herbal complexity of Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse. Whether you’re a fan of the Last Word or looking for a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail, this recipe delivers a masterclass in mixology balance. Learn the history, the technique and the secret to a crystal-clear pour.
The Spice Trader Cocktail
Inspired by a cocktail I had at Core 450, this spiced Old Fashioned layers barrel-proof bourbon with cinnamon-ginger simple syrup and chocolate bitters for a bold, warming sip. It’s familiar in structure, but richer, deeper and built for slow sipping.