The Sidecar is a great introduction to the allure of a well-balanced sour drink.

The sidecar is a delicious, classic cocktail that has maintained its popularity for almost a century. The recipe was published in the 1920s and popularized (and possibly invented) by Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Others place the origin of the drink at the Buck’s Club in London.

The recipe was originally made with either cognac or Armagnac, and either will create an enjoyable brandy cocktail. Contemporary bars often pour bourbon rather than brandy. This technically makes it a bourbon sidecar.

Whichever base liquor you choose, be careful with the sidecar’s other ingredients. It is a delicate balance between sweet and sour and too much of either the lemon or liqueur can throw off the intended flavor. A sugar-rimmed glass can add a sweet contrast to the sour drink.

The Sidecar Cocktail Recipe
Yields one cocktail Read more…

This might just be the perfect summer drink! It is clean and crisp and filled with late summer garden flavors: melon, cucumber, grape, lime, and fresh herbs. It has a light sparkle from the Prosecco and sparkling water. And, the sangria can be given more intensity with the addition of white rum.

We like to use a thin-skinned cucumber (like Persian) and leave the skins on, If you are using a thick-skinned variety, peel the skins before slicing.

Sangria Verde Recipe
Adapted from The Bojon Gourmet
Yields 4 Servings Read more…

The Paloma Mexico’s other favorite tequila cocktail. Rose colored and bittersweet, this grapefruit and tequila highball gets a fizzy finish with a splash of grapefruit soda. It is the perfect accompaniment to Mexican food or simple chips and guac.

Using fresh fruit juice makes all the difference in a Paloma. Technically, all you need is grapefruit soda and tequila, but fresh, citrus changes everything. We are posting two recipes, the first is more complex in both ingredients and flavor, and the second can potentially be made from staples you have on hand. Even if all you have is grapefruit La Croix, go for it—and add some simple syrup to taste.

And finally, save the aged tequila for sipping. The Paloma is best mixed with blanco or silver tequila. Read more…

Lemonade, in all its versatility, allows you to add the flavor of fresh, seasonal fruits for creative drink mixing. (Check out our recipe for the Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail.) Here we blend pureed ripe peaches and balanced the flavor with brewed black tea and vodka for a perfectly refreshing summer cocktail.

Peach Tree Lemon Tea Recipe
Yields 1 cocktail Read more…