Classics Old and New

The majority of cocktails on this site are either my versions of classics or my original creations. I thought I would list some of my favorite drinks that others have created.

The Last Word

Two margarita cocktails in stemmed glasses with a lime wedge on a wooden surface.

The Last Word The Last Word is a Prohibition era cocktail originally created at the Detroit Athletic Club. Equal parts Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur and lime juice create a well balanced cocktail with bold citrus and herbal flavors. Ingredients: 3/4 oz Gin 3/4 oz Green Chartreuse 3/4 oz Maraschino…

White Russian

Classics Old and New, Drinks that Defy Description, Holiday, Vodka

While this classic cocktail is white, it isn’t from Russia. Nor was it invented by a Russian or even for a Russian! The black Russian was created by a bartender in Brussels for an American Diplomat in 1949. The White Russian first appeared in the 1960’s. Whatever the origins, it…

Brandy Alexander

Classics Old and New, Holiday

Smooth, creamy and delicious. We use Kinsmen Apricot Rakia, an unaged very dry apricot brandy. The flavors are rich creaminess with hints of spice and stone fruit.

White Lily

Classics Old and New, Gin, Martini, Rum, Uncategorized

From the Savoy Cocktail Book first published in London in 1930.

The Conference

Bourbon, Classics Old and New, Coffee Pecan Bitters, Old Fashioned, Tiki, Whiskey, Whiskey

From Death & Company via Epicuriuos. “This is a tiki drink disguised as an old-fashioned, so it’s no surprise that it comes from Brian Miller, Death & Co’s resident scalawag and expert on all things Polynesian. One night a waitress asked Brian to make something stirred and boozy, so he…

Aperol Spritz

Aperitif, Classics Old and New, Drinks that Defy Description

An Aperol Spritz is a popular and refreshing Italian cocktail that has gained widespread popularity, especially during the warm summer months. It is known for its vibrant orange color and light, bubbly taste. It dates back at least to the 1950’s, but became increasing popular in the 2000’s Ingredients: 4…

Cosmopolitan

Classics Old and New, Vodka

Made correctly, this is actually a very nice cocktail. Try to use real cranberry juice and not ‘Cranberry Cocktail.’ 1 ½ oz. citrus vodka 1 oz. cranberry juice ½ oz. Cointreau ¼ oz. fresh lime juice Chill cocktail glass with ice and water Add all ingredients to shaker Shake well…

French 75 Cocktail

Classics Old and New, Gin

This cocktail was invented in 1915 at the New York Bar (later Harry’s Bar), in Paris to honor the soldiers fighting in WWI. It was named for the French 75mm canon which could be heard in Paris as they boomed away at the front.

Alaska Cocktail

Classics Old and New, Gin

Another classic, pre-prohibition cocktail. I have no idea what it has to do with Alaska! As Paul Clarke points out: “The Savoy Cocktail Book, where this drink appeared in 1930, is less than helpful in illuminating the drink’s origins: ‘So far as can be ascertained this delectable potion is NOT…