Welcome to the world of cocktail innovation and classic favorites. I am a seasoned bartender with a passion for creating unique and memorable drinks at The Burn Pub. This article delves into the art of cocktail creation, offering recipes for original creations as well as revisiting some of the classic cocktails that never fail to impress.

Sideboard: A Walnut and Cherry Fusion

Here is a special creation that blends the classic flavors of an old-fashioned with the intriguing kick of black walnuts and Maraschinos. This drink is called the Sideboard:

Double shot of good quality bourbon Few dashes of black walnut bitters A teaspoon of Luxardo Maraschino Cherry syrup One Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Stir and serve with ice

This twist on the old-fashioned gives it a slightly sweeter profile with a walnut finish. It’s a perfect blend of comforting and complex, creating a delightful experience for everyone who samples it.

Grey Flannel Suit: A Winter Classic

For a rich and savory cocktail, I created the Grey Flannel Suit. This drink reflects the subtle complexity and warm spices that make a perfect autumn or winter sipper.

1.5 oz Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye 1 oz Fino Sherry (not just any Sherry, this is very very dry) 3/4 oz Bruto Americano 3/4 oz Earl Grey Simple Syrup

Mix and swirl all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist, ensuring the oils spray onto the surface.

To make the Earl Grey Simple Syrup:

Steep 4–6 packet of Earl Grey tea bags in a cup of boiled water mix 1 cup of Earl Grey with 1/2 cup of sugar; it should be less sweet than regular simple syrup Use only quality syrups; it MUST be Earl Grey as it contains oils from the bergamot citrus fruit, which is slightly bitter.

This cocktail offers a hint of the Earl Grey on the nose, followed by a rich combination of rye spice and semi-sweet bitterness. It’s a favorite among my customers, especially during the cooler months.

Grant Koeller: A Japanese Twist on Bourbon

Another original creation, Grant Koeller, is a refreshing take on iced green tea combined with bourbon whiskey and lemon. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or a cool evening:

Green iced tea from Japan Bourbon whiskey Lemon Poured over ice

Original Classic: The Jupiter Cocktail

If you’re interested in revisiting some classic cocktails with a twist, the Jupiter is a fantastic variant of the Dry Martini. It is almost unknown, but certainly worth exploring:

40 ml dry London-style gin 20 ml dry French vermouth preferably Chambery 1/2 teaspoon of white Curacao 1 teaspoon of Parfait Amour 1/2 teaspoon of orange bitters

This is a drink that requires precision. I prefer to stir it rather than shake, and garnish with a lemon twist over the glass but not dropped in. A dried violet can also be added for its unique scent and appearance, highlighting the gun-metal blue-grey color.

The secret ingredient is the Parfait Amour, which should be more blue than red and smell of violets, with a sweet taste and subtle hint of rotting wood. Most brands are insufficient and fail to meet the expected standards. My preferred blend is made from 3 of the 5 sample bottles donated to a tasting event, ensuring a perfect flavor and color.

A Special Drink: Cut Above

Finally, for those who enjoy a more complex blend, I present Cut Above. This cocktail uses malt whisky, a combination that can often be lacking in originality:

50 ml light uncomplicated malt whiskey (e.g., Cutty Sark Malt, Singleton, Sainsbury’s Speyside) 10 ml French vermouth (Chambery) 1 teaspoon Cassis liqueur 1 teaspoon Creme de Cacao liqueur 1 spoon raspberry syrup 1/2 teaspoon Poivre [black pepper] eau de vie A squeeze of lemon and a lemon twist in the glass

The key to this cocktail is the black pepper edv, which brings all the flavors together and enhances the overall taste, acting as a perfect condiment. This drink is a rare treat for my wife, who enjoys trying new flavors.

Whether you're looking to create something new or revisit old favorites, there's always room for creativity and innovation in the realm of cocktails. Enjoy crafting your perfect drink and experimenting with different flavors and techniques.