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 Kangaroo Cocktail (Vodka Martini)

I prefer gin over vodka, especially in martinis, but heres a recipe for a Kangaroo cocktail, a vodka martini created in the 1940s in NYC. The recipe includes vodka, Lillet Blanc, and orange bitters, garnished with lemon or an olive.

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 Preakness Cocktail

The Preakness cocktail, inspired by the Preakness Stakes, is a variant of the Manhattan, incorporating Benedictine for a unique flavor. It combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, bitters, and is garnished with a lemon twist.

Archangel Cocktail

The Archangel Cocktail is a modern twist on a classic drink, featuring gin, Aperol, and “bruised” cucumber. The unique combination creates a delicious and refreshing flavor.

The Cure Cocktail

I attended a sales conference, got COVID and bunkered in with my wife. Although The Cure Cocktail didn’t cure us, we enjoyed making and drinking it. The cocktail’s ingredients include vodka, ginger syrup, lemon juice, bitters, and lemon peel.

Paper Plane Cocktail (Take Two)

The Paper Plane cocktail was originally too bitter and lacked booziness. The final version includes extra bourbon, high-proof for a better taste, and reduced Amaro and Aperol to minimize bitterness. The double straining improved the texture. The ingredients are 2.5 oz high proof bourbon, 0.75 oz Amaro, 0.75 oz Aperol, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and a lemon twist for garnish.

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a simple, delicious prohibition-era drink. With gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, it strikes a perfect balance of botanicals, sweetness, and tartness. This classic cocktail suits those who prefer a boozy and not overly sweet drink. A honey simple syrup can be easily made for this refreshing concoction.

Improved (Strawberry) Whiskey Cocktail

In the mid to late 1800s, “a cocktail” primarily consisted of liquor, sugar, and water. The Improved Whiskey cocktail added imports like maraschino liqueur or absinthe. The original recipe does not include strawberry simple syrup but can be substituted with other syrups. Serving it on the rocks balances the strong flavor.

Classic Martini Cocktail

The classic martini cocktail is a departure from extravagant concoctions, embracing simplicity and tradition. With gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters, it offers a refreshing twist. Shaken and served with a lemon twist, this timeless drink is a must-try for those seeking a clean, classic martini experience.