Alrighty...
The Aviation
2 oz Gin (Aviation, Broker's)
1/2 oz lemon juice, strained
2 teaspoons Maraschino (Luxardo)
2 teaspoons Creme de Violette (Rothmann and Winter)
Combine ingredients in a shaker, shake well (I like shards of ice floating on top of the finished drink), and strain into a Martini glass. Lemon peel garnish
The Fancy Manhattan
2 oz Rye Whiskey (Rittenhouse 100 Proof)
1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica - Punt e Mes otherwise)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine ingredients in a shaker, add ice, and STIR for 30 seconds - you don't want shards of ice diluting this! Strain into a cocktail glass. Cherry (homemade Maraschino cherry) garnish.
and something fun I've been playing with:
The Dark and Groggy
2 oz dark rum (Cruzan Blackstrap or Gosling's)
1/2 lime, muddled
1/2 oz Pimento Dram (Allspice Dram)
1/2 oz Velvet Falernum (John D. Taylor's)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 oz ginger beer (homemade if you've got it)
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lime half well. Add the remaining ingredients and shake well. Double strain into a cocktail glass full of shaved ice. Float ginger beer on top.
Thanks,
Zachary
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Disclosure: I sell wine to people.
"...it's a pity more and more of the wines produced in the world today are beginning to take on a sameness of character..." - Sheldon & Pauline Wasserman, 1985