9 Spirit-forward cocktails you can make in minutes!

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The Artillery cocktail has a bold, robust flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It is strong, slightly sweet, and herbal with a hint of citrus.

Indulge in the world of spirit-forward cocktails, where bold flavors take center stage. Elevate your drinking experience with these sophisticated concoctions, perfect for those who appreciate the art of mixology. Discover the unique characteristics of each drink and find your new favorite!

Spirit-Forward Cocktails: A Symphony of Flavors

For the true cocktail connoisseur, spirit-forward drinks offer a chance to savor and appreciate the intricate balance of flavors. These cocktails are perfect for those who enjoy the taste of spirits, as they highlight the main ingredient without being overpowered by mixers or other flavors. If you're looking for a drink that truly showcases the spirit, look no further than these expertly crafted creations.

The Perfect Occasions for Spirit-Forward Drinks

  • Celebratory Events: Mark a special occasion with a refined and elegant drink that showcases the spirit's character.
  • Nightcaps: Wind down after a long day with a smooth, soothing cocktail that lets the spirit shine.
  • Tasting Parties: Gather friends and sample a variety of spirit-forward concoctions to explore the nuances of each ingredient.

Who Will Love These Cocktails

  • Spirit Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the artistry of distillation and the complexity of flavors in spirits will find these cocktails truly delightful.
  • Cocktail Aficionados: Cocktail lovers who enjoy exploring new tastes and combinations will be captivated by the unique characteristics of these drinks.
  • Adventurous Imbibers: If you're looking to expand your palate and try something different, spirit-forward cocktails offer an exciting journey into the world of mixology.

So, embark on a flavorful adventure and explore the fascinating realm of spirit-forward cocktails. Cheers to discovering new tastes and elevating your drinking experience!

Artillery

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The Artillery cocktail has a bold, robust flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It is strong, slightly sweet, and herbal with a hint of citrus.

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Ingredients

  • Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Sweet vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Orange bitters: 2 dashes

Recipe

  1. Chill the cocktail glass: Place the cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
  3. Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the drink with a lemon twist or an orange peel.

Old Pal

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The Old Pal is a strong, spirit-forward cocktail with a hint of bitterness. It has a dry, slightly spicy taste from the rye whiskey, balanced by the herbal and bitter notes of the Campari and dry vermouth.

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Ingredients

  • Rye whiskey: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Campari: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Dry vermouth: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Orange twist: 1

Recipe

  1. Gather ingredients - Rye whiskey, Campari, dry vermouth, and an orange twist.
  2. Fill a mixing glass - Add ice to a mixing glass.
  3. Measure and pour - Add 1.5 oz of rye whiskey, 0.75 oz of Campari, and 0.75 oz of dry vermouth to the mixing glass.
  4. Stir - Stir the ingredients together until well chilled.
  5. Strain - Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish - Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and place it on the rim of the glass.

Boston Sidecar

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The Boston Sidecar offers a harmonious blend of sour and sweet with a robust spirit backbone. The rum adds a touch of tropical warmth, while the brandy provides a rich, fruity depth. The triple sec delivers a bright citrus note, making the cocktail complex and well-rounded.

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Ingredients

  • Light rum: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Brandy: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)

Recipe

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Pour in 1 oz of light rum, 1 oz of brandy, 1 oz of triple sec, and 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime twist.

Black Tartan

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The Black Tartan is a rich and complex cocktail. It's bold with the smokiness of Scotch and the smooth sweetness of the coffee liqueur. The Irish whiskey adds a layer of warmth, while the Drambuie introduces a touch of honey and herbaceousness. Overall, it's a strong, slightly sweet, and smoky drink that lingers on the palate.

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Ingredients

  • Kahlua coffee liqueur: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Irish whiskey: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Drambuie scotch whisky: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Johnnie walker black label scotch whisky: 1 oz(30ml)

Recipe

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of Kahlua coffee liqueur over the ice.
  3. Add 1 oz of Irish whiskey to the mixing glass.
  4. Measure and pour 1 oz of Drambuie into the mix.
  5. Finally, add 1 oz of Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch whisky.
  6. Stir the ingredients together until well chilled.
  7. Strain the mixture into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
  8. Optionally, garnish with a twist of lemon or an orange peel to add a citrus aroma.

1910

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The 1910 cocktail offers a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and bitter flavors. The mezcal provides a smoky base, while the Cognac adds depth and warmth. The maraschino liqueur imparts a subtle cherry sweetness, and the Punt e Mes contributes a bitter vermouth complexity. The Peychaud's bitters tie everything together with its anise and floral notes, resulting in a well-rounded and sophisticated drink.

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Ingredients

  • Mezcal: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Cognac: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Maraschino liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Punt e mes: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Peychaud's bitters: 2 dashes
  • Orange twist: 1 garnish

Recipe

  1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass.
  2. Combine 3/4 ounce of mezcal, 3/4 ounce of Cognac, 1/2 ounce of maraschino liqueur, 1 ounce of Punt e Mes, and 2 dashes of Peychaud's bitters in a mixing glass.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Conference

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The Conference is a rich, full-bodied cocktail with a harmonious blend of sweetness from the Demerara syrup, the warmth of rye and bourbon, and the fruitiness of apple brandy. The cognac adds depth, while the aromatic and chocolate bitters provide a complex, spiced undertone. The citrus twists contribute a bright, zesty finish.

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Ingredients

  • Rye: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Bourbon: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Apple brandy: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Cognac: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Demerara syrup: 0.25 oz(8ml)
  • Aromatic bitters: 2 dashes
  • Chocolate bitters: 1 dash
  • Orange twist: 1
  • Lemon twist: 1

Recipe

  1. Add rye, bourbon, apple brandy, cognac, Demerara syrup, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
  2. Stir for 30-45 seconds.
  3. Strain into a lowball glass over a clear ice cube.
  4. Garnish with an orange twist and a lemon twist.

Green Glazier

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The Green Glazier offers a symphony of flavors. It's a robust and spirit-forward cocktail with a velvety texture. The cognac provides a warm, rich base, complemented by the aromatic herbal liqueur. The white creme de cacao adds a subtle sweetness and chocolatey undertone, while the bitters bring a complex, spicy edge that balances the drink.

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Ingredients

  • Cognac: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Herbal liqueur: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • White creme de cacao: 0.25 oz(8ml)
  • Bitters: 2dashes
  • Lime twist: Garnish

Recipe

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour 2 oz of cognac into the glass.
  3. Add 3/4 oz of herbal liqueur.
  4. Measure and add 1/4 oz of white creme de cacao.
  5. Dash in 2 dashes of bitters.
  6. Stir the mixture gently until well-chilled.
  7. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
  8. Garnish with a twist of lime, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

Port Old Fashioned

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The Port Old Fashioned offers a harmonious blend of sweet and oaky flavors, with the marmalade providing a subtle citrus note. The aged port and bourbon deliver a robust and warming mouthfeel, while the soda adds a light effervescence that balances the drink's richness.

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Ingredients

  • Taylor's 10 year old tawny: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Whisky bourbon or aged rum: 0.85 oz(26ml)
  • Marmalade: 1 barspoon
  • Soda: 0.68 oz(20ml)
  • Ice: as needed

Recipe

  1. Fill a glass with ice to chill.
  2. In a shaker, combine the Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny, bourbon or aged rum, and marmalade.
  3. Shake the mixture vigorously.
  4. Double strain into the chilled glass over fresh ice.
  5. Top with soda and stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with an orange twist or a cherry, if desired.

Black Tea Shot

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The Black Tea Shot offers a harmonious blend of the deep, malty flavors of black tea with the caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon, complemented by the natural sweetness and smoothness of honey. The lemon garnish adds a refreshing zest that brightens the overall experience.

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Ingredients

  • Bourbon whiskey: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Honey syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Black tea: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Lemon twist: 1 garnish

Recipe

  1. Brew a cup of black tea and allow it to cool, or place in the refrigerator for quicker cooling.
  2. Prepare honey syrup by mixing equal parts hot water and honey until fully dissolved.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, cooled black tea, and honey syrup.
  4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
  5. Strain into a shot glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.

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