Introduction

Dive into the world of Mezcal, a spirit as rich in flavor as it is in history. Unlike any other, mezcal brings a distinctive smokiness, intricacy, and depth that deserves its own spotlight. In this guide, we’ll help you set the stage for an immersive mezcal cocktail party, focusing on ambiance, taste, and experience.

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Introduction

Before the Martini became the iconic cocktail we know today, there was the Martinez. Revered as one of the predecessors to the Martini, the Martinez is a rich and robust cocktail that evokes the grandeur of the old world. Let’s delve into its history and learn how to craft this timeless classic.

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Introduction

Embarking on a journey into mixology or simply looking to elevate your home bar? Crafting the perfect cocktail is both an art and a science, and like any artist, you need the right tools to perfect your craft. In this series, we’ll delve into the must-have tools that will make your bar the talk of the town (or at least your next gathering). Let’s kick off and stock the bar with the essentials.

Introduction

The Negroni, with its iconic ruby hue and bold flavors, has cemented its place in cocktail history. Its distinctive bitterness, brought about by Campari, is both its strength and its polarizing aspect. In our modern twist the Cyber Negroni, we usher the classic into the digital age, introducing smokier and less bitter elements, fit for the era of cyber mixology.

The Negroni’s Origins

The story goes that the Negroni was born in the early 20th century when Count Camillo Negroni, an Italian nobleman, wanted a stronger alternative to his usual cocktail, the Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water). The bartender obliged, replacing the soda with gin, and the Negroni was born. With its robust and complex flavors, the cocktail quickly became a hit in Italy and subsequently, the world.

Introduction

Ah, the Margarita – an emblematic cocktail that conjures images of sunny beach days and vibrant parties. While the traditional recipe is cherished by many, my personal favorite rendition features the smoky allure of Mezcal, coupled with the tang of lime and the sweetness of dry curaçao. Let’s delve into the history, flavors, and magic of the Mezcal Margarita.

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There’s an undeniable allure to the Manhattan. As a cocktail, it’s the embodiment of refined simplicity. Rooted in the 19th-century, it stands out as a testament to the timeless charm of whiskey cocktails. Born in the Manhattan Club of New York City, its creation is often credited to Dr. Iain Marshall for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome, the mother of Sir Winston Churchill. However, like many vintage cocktails, its true origins remain a mystery.

For a period of time, and perhaps even still to a dedicated few, a cocktail known as the Sky Breeze reigned supreme in the rarefied atmosphere of Delta Airlines flights. This was not your average in-flight drink; the Sky Breeze was an esoteric libation with its own dedicated following, a cocktail cult, if you will.

While the Sky Breeze is based on a terrestrial cocktail, something about sipping it at 30,000 feet made it extraordinary. A blend of Sky Vodka, Mott’s Cranberry Apple Juice, and a can of Fresca, it was a deceptively simple mix that delivered a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink – a perfect companion for the long haul.

I created the Inclement Weather when I was commissioned to make a signature drink for a relative. They were pretty open to whatever ingredients I wanted to use so I tried to focus the flavor of the drink on their personality.

Picture yourself in a private lounge– but it’s also a library– built in an old building, you walk through the stacks and select a book, walk to the bartender and they hand you this drink in a cut crystal rocks glass. You find a deep leather armchair near an old lead glass window. It’s storming outside and the glass is tapping against the glass, you take sip, look at the fireplace across from you, and begin reading your book. That’s what the inclement weather tastes like.

As the sun blazed down on a hot summer afternoon, a gathering of friends and colleagues gathered in a backyard to bid farewell to a beloved individual embarking on a new journey. The mood was a mix of sadness to see them leave and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead. To mark this bittersweet occasion, I crafted the perfect cocktail, the “Sad in the Summertime.” This delightful blend of tropical and smoky flavors, sweetened with a touch of agave nectar, provided a harmonious symphony of emotions that perfectly encapsulated the ambivalence of the moment.

After exploring the cloud-filled heights with the Aviation and enjoying the gentle gusts of the Sky Breeze, we continue our journey through the airy realm of flight-themed cocktails with the Paper Plane. This modern classic cocktail showcases complex flavors in a beautifully balanced symphony, reminiscent of a skillfully folded paper plane gliding effortlessly through the air.

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