The Flight of the Negroni

The Negroni is indomitable. Attack it with skewed ratios, and it rallies. Violate the ingredients, and it stubbornly persists. I can’t think of another drink that you can screw up so thoroughly and still enjoy the result.

This history of the Negroni is disputed, but probably dates to 1919, where the Americano was stiffened by substituting gin for the soda water. Regardless of exactly who created the drink and when, the Negroni is the King of bitter cocktails. If you spy a bottle of Campari on the backbar, the bartender probably knows how to make a Negroni.

Dewey D.

2 oz Rye, Old Overholt
3⁄4 oz Sherry, Lustau East India Solera
1⁄2 oz Aperol
2 ds Bitters, Angostura
Instructions

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with an orange twist

Yields Drink
Year
2008
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Don Lee
Source reference

The PDT Cocktail Book

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(7 ratings)
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  • Cobble Hill — Rye, Dry vermouth, Amaro Montenegro, Cucumber
  • Heathen VC — Rye, Armagnac, Sweet vermouth, Triple sec, Bitters, Absinthe
  • The Old Portland Cocktail — Bourbon, Dry vermouth, Blackberry liqueur, Bitters, Lemon peel, Blackberry
  • Bittersweet Romance — Rye, Sweet vermouth, Ramazzotti, Apricot liqueur, Bitters
  • Ravishing Red Rye — Red wine, Rye, Bourbon, Irish whiskey, Amaro Nardini, Bitters, Orange peel
theglees commented on 8/20/2014:

Enjoyed. Don't overdo the Angostura and the orange twist is a must.

'Ti Leaves

1 oz Rhum Agricole (white)
1 oz Bison grass vodka
1⁄2 oz Bianco Vermouth
1⁄2 oz Ginger syrup (jaggery sugar)
3 oz Green tea (matcha, chilled)
1 wdg Pineapple (as garnish)
Instructions

Build in copper mug or tall glass over ice, stir, serve.

Notes

Variant: 1 oz rhum 1 oz bison grass vodka, and replace blanc vermouth with 3/4 ounce of fresh-pressed apple juice. Keep the teas the same.

History

Inspired by the green tea and pineapple aromas of jaggery sugar, and in turn by the grassy and 'green' aromas of good matcha tea, matched here to green and grassy spirits.

Yields Drink
Year
2013
Authenticity
Your original creation
Creator
Rafa García Febles, NYC.
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
Not yet rated
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  • Saint of Circumstance — Cucumber Vodka, Aromatized wine, Elderflower liqueur, Bitters
  • Gobbler's Knob — Aquavit, Amontillado Sherry, Herbal liqueur, Falernum, Celery bitters, Sage syrup, Orange, Cranberry
  • Spanish Shawl — Gin, Elderflower liqueur, Dry vermouth, Cucumber juice, Lime juice
  • Stone of Destiny — Blended Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Apricot liqueur, Ginger syrup, Orange peel
  • The MacGregor — Blended Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Apricot liqueur, Bitters

Carolina Julep

2 oz Apple brandy, Carolina House
1 oz Rye, Templeton Rye
1⁄2 oz Demerara syrup (2:1)
10 Mint (leaves)
Instructions

In a julep cup lightly muddle the mint and syrup to release the oils. Top with crushed ice and pour over brandy and rye. Stir until cup frosts. Top with more crushed ice. Garnish with a 'slapped' sprig of mint.

History

Altered from the Prescription Julep

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Altered recipe
Creator
El Jefe
Source reference

David Wondrich's Imbibe!

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
5 stars
(7 ratings)
From other users
  • Equal parts of Calvados and Rye. More mint.
  • Used Laird's Applejack (1.25 oz) and Sazerac rye (1.25). Also 13 mint leaves. Great drink. Rate 5.0
  • Would like to try this and a version subbing peach brandy.
Similar cocktails
  • Rusted Julep — Bourbon, Grapes, Simple syrup, Mint, Lemon peel
El Jefe commented on 5/07/2013:

These (along with Wondrich's Prescription Julep) were HUGE hits and the Derby part last weekend.

DrunkLab commented on 7/17/2013:

Enjoyable. Thanks.

Under the Volcano

2 oz Añejo tequila, El Tesoro Añejo
3⁄4 oz Lime juice
1⁄2 oz Cynar (fat half)
1⁄4 oz Herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse (fat quarter)
1⁄4 oz Agave syrup
Instructions

Shake, strain, coupe.

Yields Drink
Year
2011
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Kyle Davidson, The Violet Hour, Chicago, IL.
Source reference

http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com/2011/08/under-volcano.html

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
4 stars
(24 ratings)
From other users
  • Had to sub reposado. Really good, almost a 5 from both of us. Herbs, cinnamon, grapefruit. — ★★★★
  • This drink is so complex my mind will explode. It is difficult to balance. My first try the lime seems a little too forward and but the cocktail seems a little too dry overall.
  • Nice flavors although the whole felt a little awkward and unbalanced. Note: I put in a bit too much Chartreuse.
  • Beta Cocktails has minus signs before the measurements for Cynar and Yellow Chartreuse, which I assume means "scant" rather than "fat". Even so I might like more fat!
Similar cocktails
MOJO1229 commented on 6/30/2017:

For a "hot" drink, try "Under the Volcano." It's really a cool drink (so to speak). For tequila lovers, this is a drink to enjoy; the Cynar adds a hint of bitterness, as does the Yellow Chartreuse, and the lime adds a touch of tartness. The Agave syrup puts a dab of sweetness; and the El Tesoro is the treasure.

What more can I say? Nothing, except that I rated this drink at 4.0; one more of these and I would've rated it 4.5--it's that good. I did make two minor changes, to suit my taste: (1) I made the Cynar a fat "fat" 1/2 oz, and (2) I added only 1/2 oz lime juice. Others may want to follow the recipe as is. Personally, I tend to add less lemon or lime juice than specified, and add more if I think it needs it. And as for the Cynar...well, I just had a hunch, and for me, it paid off...this time.

flickerdart commented on 7/26/2020:

Used an even 1/2 Cynar and 1/4 Chartreuse alongside Espolon Anejo Tequila. Overall this drink leans sweet - far measurements would push it over the top. I would recommend scant ones if you prefer a drier drink.  

marquisexb commented on 8/07/2020:

This is an excellent drink, and I'm not sure why. Maybe the combo of the yellow chartreuse with the bitter cynar work well together , or this is just one of those that needs all the ingredients. Superb! 

bkemp1984 commented on 5/05/2022:

Subbed Averna, used Espolon Añejo tequila, very good

smparkes commented on 10/25/2022:

We liked: more 4.5 than 4 but not quite 5. We wanted a little edgier. We're thinking of subbing some/all mezcal for tequila.

But thanks!

Django Reinhardt

3 oz Dry vermouth
3⁄4 oz Lemon juice
3⁄4 oz Simple syrup (1:1)
2 sli Orange
Instructions

Place the orange slices in the shaker and gently mash with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice cubes; shake until chilled, about 10 seconds. Fine-strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice; garnish.

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Erick Castro, Polite Provisions, San Diego
Source reference

http://imbibemagazine.com/Simple-4-Ingredient-Cocktails

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(7 ratings)
From other users
  • Okay, tasted a bit like a mimosa that has gone flat.
  • Added orange bitters Cut simple syrup to 1/2oz
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  • Adonis Cocktail (Dale Degroff Variation) — Dry vermouth, Fino sherry, Orange bitters, Orange juice, Orange peel, Nutmeg

High Noon

1 1⁄2 oz Blanco tequila
1⁄2 oz Triple sec
1⁄2 oz Campari
1 oz Grapefruit juice (Pink grapefruit recommended)
Instructions

Combine ingredients in a shaker and fill with ice cubes; shake until chilled, about 10 seconds. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with grapefruit twist.

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Naren Young, Saxon & Parole, New York City
Source reference

http://imbibemagazine.com/Simple-4-Ingredient-Cocktails

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
4 stars
(18 ratings)
From other users
  • Campari works well with grapefruit, but maybe a bit sweet. I think I like the 4x1 better.
  • I make it with about 4 oz of grapefruit juice and serve it on ice. Really refreshing and lovely.
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alphanumeric commented on 4/10/2015:

Looks like a riff on a Siesta by Katie Stipe, replacing lime with triple sec and upping the grapefruit to compensate for the lost citrus from the lime.

Brad Ballinger commented on 1/17/2021:

This needs at least double the grapefruit juice.

The Graduate

1 1⁄2 oz Sweet vermouth
1 oz Blended Scotch, Famous Grouse
1⁄2 oz Curaçao
2 oz Tonic water
Instructions

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes and add the first three ingredients; stir to combine. Add the tonic water and lightly stir again; garnish with strip of lemon peel

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Daniel Shoemaker, Teardrop Lounge, Portland, Oregon
Source reference

http://imbibemagazine.com/Simple-4-Ingredient-Cocktails

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3 stars
(9 ratings)
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  • Ambrosia #2 — Champagne, Brandy, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Oloroso sherry, Maraschino Liqueur, Orange bitters, Verjus, Brandied cherry
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MOJO1229 commented on 4/06/2016:

Used Cocchi Americano for the sweet vermouth. The resulting cocktail was light, but tasty due to the Americano.

2 Cups of Blood

3⁄4 oz Mezcal, Del Maguey Vida
3⁄4 oz Suze
3⁄4 oz Sweet vermouth, Carpano Punt e Mes
3⁄4 oz Bitters, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole
1 bsp Agave syrup
1 twst Grapefruit peel (expressed and discarded)
Instructions

Stir, strain, coupe, twist.

History

Featured in Beta Cocktails.

Yields Drink
Year
2009
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Tonia Guffey, NYC.
Source reference

http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-cups-of-blood.html

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(17 ratings)
From other users
  • Intense. Again, is it the mole i'm not a huge fan of? not sure.
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Dan commented on 11/24/2013:

Curated to add the missing agave syrup in the original source cocktail book, which is the second edition, known as Beta Cocktails.

applejack commented on 8/16/2017:

It may be an exaggeration to say this drink changed my life, but not by much.  It certainly changed my approach to using non-potable bitters in cocktails, and has been an inspiration for countless variations of base spirit + amaro + aromatized wine + non-potable bitters for me.  I always thought this was one of the showstoppers from Beta Cocktails when I got a copy in 2012 (and I’ve made every drink from that book), and it’s still revolutionary today.  This is one of my go to drinks at a well stocked bar when I’m looking to showboat and get weird with my drink selection, and I’ve introduced this drink to dozens of bartenders over the years.  Highly recommended.

HallA commented on 2/06/2022:

This is kind of an insane cocktail. Even compared to an ango-colada or a Trinidad sour this is a lot of bitters and a very bitter flavor emerging alongside the brightness of the Suze and the grapefruit oil. It's a little too "dark" in my opinion and next time may try to split the mole bitters portion with ancho reyes.

yarm commented on 2/07/2022:

:This is kind of an insane cocktail. :
Price-wise too. That's $4 of bitters in that 3/4 oz which is the equivalent of pouring from a $140 bottle of spirit or liqueur.

The Trooper

1 oz Reposado Tequila
1⁄2 oz Cynar
1⁄2 oz Aromatized wine, Lillet Blanc
1⁄4 oz Maraschino Liqueur, Luxardo
Instructions

Stir over ice until well chilled, strain into chilled cocktail glass/coupe

Yields Drink
Authenticity
Your original creation
Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(17 ratings)
From other users
  • Triple this! — ★★★★
  • Love it. Could probably just skip the Maraschino. It's completely lost and the drink is a tad sweet in any case.
Similar cocktails
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lesliec commented on 1/18/2021:

Very tasty but tiny. Suggest 11/2oz tequila, 3/4oz each of Cynar and Lillet and leave the maraschino as specified.

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