Absinthe Sour 
A cocktail for absinthe and sour cocktails enthusiasts.
If you’re curious about absinthe, you can find more information here, and details about the sour cocktails can be found here.
Combine your love for both into this cocktail from Difford’s Guide.
Ingredients:
– 5/6 oz/ 25 ml Absinthe
– 1/2 oz/ 15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
– 1/2 оz/ 15 ml Egg White
– 1/3 oz/ 10 ml Sugar Syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Process:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain back into the shaker. Shake without ice and strain into an ice-filled glass.
Garnish: Maraschino cherry and lemon zest.
Drinkware:
Old-fashioned glass
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Train’s A Comin’ 
This cocktail is crafted with the discerning palate of Concord grape enthusiasts in mind.
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Spider’s Net 
As All Saint’s Eve draws near, the time for a spine-tingling Halloween cocktail is upon us. Spiders, creatures with long-standing connections to witchcraft, embody the eerie essence of this celebration. They weave intricate, gossamer nets during this autumn season, setting the stage for the drink known as the Spider’s Net.
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Harvest 
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Drunken Zebra 
Life often resembles a zebra, with its alternating dark and light stripes, but it’s a good journey nonetheless, much like the stride of a striped horse. To infuse more joy into this zebra-like existence, I’ve created the Drunken Zebra, a dessert cocktail or jelly cocktail, call it what you will, based on the delightful combination of Panna Cotta and berry jelly.
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Tequila sunrise 
The Tequila Sunrise, a cocktail with a concise recipe but a rich history, reached its zenith of popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, a period that wasn’t necessarily renowned for producing the finest concoctions in American cocktail history. It was an era marked by high cocktail consumption and the birth of many new drinks, but the taste and quality of numerous libations from that time often left much to be desired. Nonetheless, the Tequila Sunrise earned its enduring place on the International Bartenders Association (IBA) list for a good reason.
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Paloma 
If the Margarita stands as the most popular tequila-based cocktail in the USA, the Paloma (meaning “dove” in Spanish) takes the crown as Mexico’s absolute favorite and even holds the title of the national cocktail.
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Gin and tonic, a timeless and uncomplicated gin-based cocktail, has secured its place as one of the world’s oldest and most beloved libations.
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Mimosa 
Aka Back’s Fizz
Ingredients:
3 1/3 oz / 100 ml Brut Sparkling Wine (chilled)
1 2/3 oz / 50 ml Fresh Orange Juice (chilled)
Process:
Mix both ingredients into the chilled glass.
Garnish – orange zest twist
Drinkware:
Flute glass
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On February 27th, we raise our glasses high in celebration of National Kahlua Day. My recommendation for the occasion is the classic White Russian, a cherished coffee liqueur cocktail whose origins are veiled in mystery.
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Her Majesty. The cocktail for World Bartender Day 
Today, on February 24th, we celebrate World Bartender Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who bring creativity and passion to the art of mixology. In tribute to the men and women in this esteemed profession, particularly those who infuse it with their boundless imagination, I am delighted to introduce my own creation: Her Majesty.
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On February 22nd, we celebrate Margarita Day. This cocktail is undoubtedly one of the world’s favorites and holds the title of the most popular tequila-based cocktail.
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January 1st, heralding the dawn of a new year, also brings us World Bloody Mary Day.
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Preakness Manhattan 
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Ad Astra 
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Argentina 
A aromatic and gentle cocktail, perfect for the winter season.
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Rosina Ferrario No. 203 
Rosina Ferrario No. 203 pays homage to aviation and the delicate allure of Crème de violette. This Italian twist on the Aviation, a pioneer in its cocktail category, bears the name of Rosina Ferrario, the trailblazing Italian woman who secured her pilot’s license back in 1913, flying the Caproni monoplane under license number 203.
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The Exotic Teapot 
The Exotic Teapot offers a fusion of Irish whiskey and the aromatic essence of Rooibos. It’s a refreshing experience with an intriguing twist, thanks to the subtle spice notes imparted by Yellow Chartreuse.
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Vancouver 
Vancouver is one of the few cities with its own signature cocktail, a drink that, like the mythical Phoenix, enjoys periods of obscurity only to resurface. Interestingly, this cocktail is just a tad younger than the city itself—almost a century old, or perhaps even older, given the shrouded origins of its first mix. With Vancouver holding such significance in my heart, I couldn’t resist sharing the tale of this connected concoction.
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Blue Lady 
The Blue Lady cocktail emerges as a vibrant member of the colorful Lady lineage, with Victor Cabrin as its creative force. While the origin of the White Lady cocktail remains draped in the veils of history, Victor was undoubtedly enamored with “ladies” in the world of cocktails, birthing several hued variations, including the Blue Lady.
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Spring Revival 
This year, spring has gracefully danced in a month later than its usual schedule, but this tardiness doesn’t diminish the joy of welcoming it with the third cocktail in my spring mini-series.
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Apple Blossom, recipe by R.G. Buckby 
This spring has unfolded with an unusual cadence, but we must embrace its unique rhythm. Nonetheless, the apple trees have burst into blossoms, beckoning us to savor the Apple Blossom cocktail in the latest installment of our spring cocktail mini-series.
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Spring Feeling 
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White Lady 
The White Lady cocktail proudly resides in the coveted category of “The Unforgettables,” as per the IBA classification. This timeless and elegant libation first graced the cocktail scene a century ago and continues to hold a distinguished position among cocktail enthusiasts.
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Lunar Shadow 
As we reminisce about awe-inspiring cosmic phenomena, such as the unforgettable solar eclipse of 2017, it’s only fitting that we pair these wonders of nature with a corresponding drink, or invent one if it doesn’t yet exist.
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Bee’s Knee 
The phrase “Bee’s Knee” made its debut in the 18th century, serving as a whimsical synonym for something exceedingly small. After all, bees do indeed sport rather petite knees, making the expression quite fitting.
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Champagne Cobbler 
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Clover Club 
Behold, another entrancing member of the gin-sour cocktail family, a category that I hold dear. Now, let not its striking pink hue and delicate foamy crown deceive you. This cocktail, originally crafted by and for gentlemen, exudes strength and tartness. Yet, do not be misled, for these qualities do not preclude its appeal to the fairer sex; I, for one, am a fervent admirer.
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Apple Blossom, recipe by Difford’s Guide 
As the sakura blossoms gently fall, marking the culmination of their fleeting beauty, the apple trees burst forth in full bloom, announcing the arrival of spring’s crescendo. It is within this seasonal symphony that we unveil the third act of our spring mini-series: the Apple Blossom cocktail.
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Sakura Martini 
In this very moment, the Sakura trees grace us with a peak of blossoms so mesmerizing, it would be a disservice not to celebrate them. Thus, it is with great pleasure that we introduce the second chapter of our spring mini-series: the Sakura Martini.
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April Shower 
As the age-old English proverb so aptly puts it, “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.” With spring gracing us with its warm sun, blossoms, and myriad pleasures, despite lingering traces of winter’s grip, I thought it the perfect time to embark on a delightful mini-series of spring cocktails. Our journey begins with the refreshingly elegant April Shower.
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Maiden’s Blush 
Maiden’s Blush stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gin-sour cocktails, a category that has captured my heart. This classic libation found its debut in the hallowed pages of Harry Craddock’s timeless 1930 opus, “The Savoy Cocktail Book.”
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Mary Pickford 
Mary Pickford, an icon of the silent film era, graced the silver screen as a renowned actress, producer, and Academy Award winner. She co-founded two movie companies and embodied excellence in every facet of her life.
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Pink Flirtini 
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Orange Blossom 
Today marks the Lunar New Year, a momentous occasion as the steadfast Ox replaces the lively Rat in the zodiac cycle. May this transition bring forth positive changes and abundant blessings.
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Casino 
The Casino cocktail, a delightful variation of the classic Aviation, offers a twist where the enchanting Crème de violette gracefully steps aside to make room for the invigorating presence of Orange Bitters. In this transformation, the fragrant essence of Seville oranges replaces the previously dominant aroma of Parma violets.
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Moose Milk 
Do you possess an affection for milkshakes? If so, you’re already on the path to understanding the culinary culture of the Canadian Armed Forces. Fear not, there’s no need for expertise in milking moose for this one.
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Dry Martini 
“A martini should always be stirred, not shaken, so that the molecules lie sensuously on top of one another.” These words, attributed to Somerset Maugham, encapsulate the timeless allure of the martini, also described as “the elixir of quietude” by E. B. White and “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet” by H. L. Mencken.
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Last Word 
As we prepare to say goodbye to a challenging year, what better way to raise a glass than with the aptly named “Last Word”? But let’s not limit its merits to nomenclature; this cocktail has taken its place among my favorites.
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Ornamentini 
As the holiday season approaches, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect, seasonally inspired cocktail, and that’s when I stumbled upon the Ornamentini. Not only is this cocktail rich in flavor, but its unique and decorative presentation makes it a star at any celebration.
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Rob Roy 
Rob Roy, the eponymous cocktail bearing the name of the Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor, pays homage to a man whose legacy has transcended the realms of literature, music, monuments, and even spirits like Scotch whisky.
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Aviation 
Aviation is a forgotten and reborn American classic.
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Bicicletta 
After racking up thousands of kilometers on my bike odometer (I must clarify I’m not a cycling enthusiast, and spinning pedals isn’t my go-to sport), there’s a cocktail I simply can’t ignore: the Bicicletta, which fittingly means “bicycle” in Italian.
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Nosferatu 
As promised, here’s the second vampire-inspired cocktail for the night of the macabre. The first can be found here, along with my musings on vampires as a whole, with a particular focus on Nosferatu.
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Nosferatu blood 
As the darkest night falls upon the Earth, shrouding it in a veil of horror and the undead’s feast, we find ourselves at the convergence of various traditions: Samhain, All Saints’ Eve, The Day of the Dead, and Halloween—all part of one spectacular worldwide celebration. I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to contribute to the revelry.
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Glacier Sunset and Glacier Sunrise 
While the allure of classic cocktails is eternal and invigorating, there are moments when you yearn to usher in something fresh and novel. It was during my summer sojourn amidst the magnificent glaciers that inspiration struck, birthing a new cocktail concept. As the recipe fine-tuning progressed, this newfound libation spontaneously bifurcated into two distinct yet harmonious creations: the Glacier Sunrise and the Glacier Sunset.
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Mojito 
Perhaps, it’s fitting to place this article after the one about the Daiquiri and accompany it with Hemingway’s iconic phrase, “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita,” bearing the great author’s signature. This famous inscription in Hemingway’s alleged handwriting adorns the walls of La Bodeguita bar in Havana, drawing in tourists and their currency. Intriguingly, Hemingway was indeed known to while away his hours with a glass of Daiquiri at El Floridita, but he did not partake in Mojitos at La Bodeguita. You see, the Mojito didn’t align with Hemingway’s penchant for potent, less sugary libations. The inscription is a deceptive ruse conjured up by the bar’s owner, making it a fitting epigraph for an article on the art of successful promotional trickery. What a pity.
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Daiquiri 
December marked my third visit to the enchanting Key West, the farthest populated island within the Florida Keys archipelago. I’ve always had an affinity for Florida, having graced its sun-kissed shores many times, and each sojourn never seems enough. But a third venture to Key West? It’s a petite island, wholly encompassed by a charming town. The sunsets are magnificent, the ambiance delightful, so why a third visit? The answer lies in an unfinished chapter from my previous trips—I had missed the opportunity to share a libation with the ghost of Hemingway.
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Aperol Spritz 
As summer approaches, and in some regions, arrives with its full blaze, it’s time to turn our thoughts toward something as light, refreshing, and radiant as the season itself. Consider the Aperol Spritz, the quintessential summer cocktail of Northern Italy. It’s often said that Italians possess an innate understanding of summer’s essence, and this drink, with its cheerful orange hue, is a testament to that claim.
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Pisco Sour 
My first encounter with the Pisco Sour occurred in the vibrant country of Chile, where this cocktail is ubiquitously served, and it still evokes fond memories of my South American adventures. The Pisco Sour reigns as the most beloved cocktail in South America, yet it stands at the center of a spirited debate between Peru and Chile, just like its core spirit – Pisco (for more insights on Pisco, delve into this article).
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Grog 
Grog, a libation that emerged from the annals of the Royal Navy, stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between alcohol and maritime history.
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Feuerzangenbowle, fire-tongs punch 
As winter stubbornly clings to our shores, I continue my exploration of the delightful realm of hot mulled wines and other soul-warming beverages. Feuerzangenbowle stands as a captivating jewel among traditional German drinks, stemming from the heartwarming concept of gluhwein, the beloved hot mulled wine.
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Mulled Wine 
As winter suddenly blankets our West Coast with its pristine snow and icy fingers, it’s the perfect time to delve into the world of mulled wine – and more importantly, to savor this aromatic elixir that promises to stave off the chill. Known as mulled wine, gluhwein, glogg, bisschopswijn, izvar, vin chaud, and bearing numerous other names, it’s the heartwarming nectar enjoyed in almost every corner of the world where wine flows and the weather sometimes commands a comforting, heated libation.
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Eggnog 
As December envelops the world in festive decorations, illuminates countless homes with the twinkle of holiday lights, and drives shoppers into a whirlwind of excitement, it heralds the return of a beloved tradition in countries touched by the British Empire’s influence – eggnog.
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Sangria 
In the embrace of summer, under the radiant sun and amidst the warmth, our cravings lean towards the vibrant, the rich, and the refreshing. It’s the season for Sangria.
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