Pink Lady

For people who have never had a drink with egg, I think this (or the Pisco Sour) is the best introduction. This recipe comes from the lovely Little Black Book of Cocktails by LUPEC Boston.

1 1/2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Applejack
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
1 Egg White

Add ingredients to an empty shaker, shake for 5 seconds to emulsify ingredients. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 20-25 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass or small wine glass.

Because the proportion of grenadine is pretty big, only use a good homemade version. You should use homemade for all recipes calling for grenadine, but it is particularly important here.

Enjoy.

Scofflaw

Dry vermouth fans are a dying breed, but this classic may help recruit some new ones. This is also a great drink for rye fans looking for a change of pace.

1 oz Rye
1 oz Dry Vermouth
1/4 oz Lemon Juice
1 dash Grenadine (homemade)
1 dash Orange Bitters

Combine ingredients in an ice-filled glass and stir for 15-20 seconds. Strain into an empty, chilled rocks (or cocktail) glass.

Enjoy.

Blinker

Probably the best drink with grapefruit juice, and a good way to introduce rye to people who drink vodka and grapefruit juice. You can replace the raspberry syrup with grenadine, though it's not as satisfying as a drink.

2 oz Rye
1 oz Grapefruit juice
1-2 bar spoons Raspberry Syrup

Combine ingredient in an ice-filled glass and shake for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

Enjoy.

Clover Club

This drink is named after a club in Philadelphia, though an excellent bar in Brooklyn has taken its name. One of the great egg white drinks, and a solid yet gentle introduction to both gin and raw egg for the novice.

2 oz Gin
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Egg White
1/4-1/2 oz Raspberry Syrup (or fresh raspberries when lucky)

Combine 1/4 oz raspberry syrup and all other ingredients in a glass and shake for 5-10 seconds. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds to one minute, or until a nice foam builds up. Taste to see if more syrup or fruit is necessary. Strain into a cocktail glass (if using fresh berries, use a tea strainer).

Note: While a proper Clover Club is made with raspberries, homemade grenadine makes an excellent substitute. If raspberry syrup is unavailable, or if you have a particularly exciting grenadine, do not let tradition get in the way of your enjoyment.

Enjoy.

Jack Rose

The quintessential applejack drink, this is also one of the best uses of homemade grenadine.

1 1/2 oz Applejack
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1 Bar Spoon Homemade Grenadine

Combine in an ice-filled glass and shake for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a lime or lemon peel.

Enjoy.