Perfect Manhattan
The "perfect" modifier indicates a combination of dry and sweet vermouths as opposed to the original Manhattan's full measure of sweet vermouth.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo: Daniel Krieger
Daiquiri
Though the name “daiquiri” may be inexorably linked to the frozen drink menu at strip mall chain restaurants these days, the true recipe is a classic.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo: Daniel Krieger
Blood and Sand
This recipe first popped up in the Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930, with the title thought to be a nod to Rudolf Valentino’s 1922 silent film of the same name…
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo: Daniel Krieger
Margarita
The true Margarita—a blend of fresh lime juice, tequila and orange liqueur with an optional sweetener—is a potent, well-built entry in the cocktail canon.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo: Daniel Krieger
Old Pal
Harry MacElhone credited his “old pal” and barfly William “Sparrow” Robertson with the inspiration for this drink.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo: Daniel Krieger
Cloud 9
When bartender Toby Maloney visited Jeremy Oertel at Mayahuel looking for a White Negroni, Oertel created this tequila-based riff with Lillet and gentian liqueur.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo:
Breakfast
Akin to a Negroni or a Boulevardier, this cocktail is essentially "breakfast encapsulated," says the drink’s creator, Aaron Polsky of NYC's Amor y Amargo.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo:
LCD Soundsystem’s Espresso Martini
LCD Soundsystem's espresso machine was often co-opted for cocktail hour, resulting in a drink Nancy Whang calls "a network TV version of a speedball.”
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo:
Between the Sheets
This potent sour is a rum-laced riff on the Sidecar christened by Harry MacElhone of Harry's New York Bar in Paris.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo:
The Long Hello
Damon Boelte, the bar director at Brooklyn’s Prime Meats, has an affinity for naming his original drinks after songs, albums and musicians including this autumnal Champagne cocktail.
- story: Leslie Pariseau
- photo: Ed Anderson