Barefoot in the Dark

1 oz Blended Scotch, Famous Grouse
1⁄2 oz Islay Scotch, Laphroaig
3⁄4 oz Campari (fat)
3⁄4 oz Swedish Punsch, Kronan (fat)
1⁄2 oz Cynar
1 twst Orange peel
Instructions

Stir, strain, up, twist.

Notes

A riff on the Boulevardier and Maks' own Last Mechanical Art (an equal parts drink of Del Maguey Chichicapa, Cynar, Punt e Mes, and Campari). Maks seems to specialize in drinks whose recipes read like dares.

Yields Drink
Year
2012
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Maksym Pazuniak, Counting Room, Brooklyn, NY.
Source reference

http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com/2012/08/barefoot-in-dark.html

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
3.5 stars
(7 ratings)
From other users
  • Sweet, peety, with Campari's bitterness in the background
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  • Fall From Grace — Irish whiskey, Cynar, Zwack liqueur, Aromatized wine, Rhubarb bitters
  • A Clockwork Orange — Bourbon, Cynar, Aperol, Orange flower water

The Arbitrary Nature of Time

1 1⁄4 oz Rye, Wild Turkey 101
1 oz Campari
3⁄4 oz Cherry Liqueur, Cherry Heering
1 ds Orange bitters, Regans' orange bitters
2 ds Bitters, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole
1 twst Orange peel (as garnish)
Instructions

Stir, strain, rock, twist.

Notes

As Wild Turkey 101 rye is not currently available, substitute Rittenhouse 100 or a mix of Rittenhouse and Wild Turkey 81.

Yields Drink
Year
2009
Authenticity
Authentic recipe
Creator
Maksym Pazuniak, New Orleans, LA.
Source reference

http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com/2012/10/arbitrary-nature-of-time.html

Curator rating
Not yet rated
Average rating
4 stars
(47 ratings)
From other users
  • Cherry chocolate Boulevardier? Yes, please! It is a tad sweet, but so is a cherry chocolate sundae.
  • Upped the rye and decreased the campari for better balance, but a delicious bitter cocktail that I'll definitely enjoy again.
  • Nice color, nice bittersweet flavor. A bit sweet but made it with Bulleit Rye, must try again with a higher proof rye. — ★★★★
  • Sweetness, chocolate, and Campari bitterness dominate. Like a Bombardier with cherry in place of coffee.
  • Bitter, delicious. A bit sweet. Not sure how to make less sweet other than up the rye. — ★★★★
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Dan commented on 1/13/2015:

Very nice. The ingredients seems like naturals on paper, and are in the glass. A touch sweet. 1/2 oz dry vermouth balances nicely.

MOJO1229 commented on 12/02/2016:

A tasty cocktail with a Negroni-like taste, yet it is not a Negroni variant. A comment was made about the drink being somewhat sweet. Personally, I found the sweetness from the Cherry Heering to be off-set by the bitterness of the Campari. All this week, I searched Kindred Cocktails for a new drink that I would find very satisfying--all totaled that came to about five or six drinks, with none satifying my quest for a good cocktail. That is until I stumbled upon "The Arbitrary Nature of Time." This cocktail ended my nearly week-long quest for a satisfying one. I believe imbibers who enjoy a good Negroni, will definitely enjoy this drink. Personally, I rated this drink at 4.

For those who find this drink too sweet, I would not add dry vermouth as one person suggested. I would simply reduce the amount of Heering. Perhaps reducing the amount from 1 oz to 3/4 oz would be a good starting point. Then, if its not sweet enough, you can add a little more, until you attain the level of sweetness you like. It's always easier to add a little more, and not have to start all over; whereas, if you want less, you have to start from the beginning--often times tossing out a batch of expensive ingredients.

I suspect, however, that most people will be satisfied with the cocktail as given, and if not, simply reducing the amount of Cherry Heering will give them a cocktail they will not find too sweet, and will be able to enjoy.

Zachary Pearson commented on 12/03/2016:

A user flagged this - the recipe says shake and the cited link says stir. This looks like a drink that ought to be stirred to me, so I'm going to curate it. Thanks,  Zachary

MOJO1229 commented on 12/08/2016:

No wonder the drink tasted so good--I stirred it, not shook it--and I didn't bruise it either! Thanks for the update on this tasty cocktail.

applejack commented on 1/02/2020:

Looking to use up some Cherry Heering as we had two nearly full bottles of it open; revisited this one as I haven't made one in years since I got the Beta Cocktails book (and it uses 3/4 ounce of Cherry Heering).  Used Rittenhouse instead of the WT 101 Rye; it was very enjoyable, with nicely balanced bitter chocolate notes but maybe lacking that last bit of complexity that would bump it from 4 stars to 5 stars for me.  I'm surprised some thought this was too sweet, I didn't find it that way--it's less sweet than a Negroni or equal parts Boulevardier--and I'd like to think I have a somewhat middle of the road to dry-ish palate (though I've been known to have a heavy hand with my bitters dashes at times).

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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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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  • Spanish Shawl — Gin, Elderflower liqueur, Dry vermouth, Cucumber juice, Lime juice
  • Stone of Destiny — Blended Scotch, Sweet vermouth, Apricot liqueur, Ginger syrup, Orange peel
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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
(8 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.
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El Jefe commented on 5/07/2013:

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

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!
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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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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.

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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MOJO1229 commented on 4/06/2016:

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

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