Improved Tequila Cocktail

Actually an improved improved tequila cocktail, as Robert Heugel who created the drink originally had ango in this drink and less mole bitters. But as it is now, it's a great basic tequila cocktail.

2 oz reposado tequila
1 barspoon agave syrup
1 barspoon maraschino
10 dashes mole bitters

Combine ingredients in an ice-filled glass and stir for 20-30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist (optional).

Brooklyn

Originally made with the notorious original Amer Picon, the Brooklyn is really one of the all-timers that has been underrated because one of its main ingredients is now a shadow of itself. One made with the new version is distinctly unmemorable, as the current Amer is a watered down disappointment. Fortunately, we have heroes like David Wondrich who do orange bitters tastings and determine what is the best substitute for the original Amer Picon (which he has tried). The winner was Amaro CioCiaro, and it's pretty delicious.

2 oz Rye
3/4 oz Dry Vermouth
1/4 oz Amaro CioCiaro
1/4 oz Maraschino

Combine all ingredients in an ice filled glass and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Final Ward

Phil Ward of New York's Death and Co. took a Last Word, tagged out the gin, and brought in rye. Like the Last Word, this is a delicious, complex cocktail.

3/4 oz Rye (Rittenhouse)
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz Maraschino Liqueuer
3/4 oz Lime juice

Combine in an ice-filled glass, and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Enjoy.

Red Hook

Name a neighborhood in Brooklyn and you're likely to find a drink of the same name. All are sisters of the Brooklyn (which is just a close relative of the Manhattan). Enzo Errico of New York's Milk and Honey created this dandy.

2 oz. Rye
1/2 oz. Punt e Mes
1/4 to 1/2 oz. Maraschino Liqueur (to taste)

Combine in an ice-filled glass and stir for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Enjoy.

Prospect Park

Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli of Craigie on Main, and formerly of Eastern Standard, created this delicious variation on a Red Hook. It's in the running for my desert island drink.

3/4 oz. Rye (Rittenhouse)
3/4 oz. Aperol
1/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
1/4 oz Punt e Mes

Combine in an ice-filled glass and stir for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass with a Maraschino cherry in the bottom.

I cut this drink in half from its original, enormous recipe.

Enjoy.

Martinez

Some say this was the precursor to the Martini, though it is difficult to know, and is most likely just one of many early prototypes. Regardless, it is a spectacular drink on its own merit. Originally, the ratios of gin and vermouth were reversed, but the modern palate would find this a little too sweet. The hint of Maraschino is particularly pleasing in this version.

2 oz Gin
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1/4 oz Maraschino liqueur
1-2 dashes Orange Bitters (Regan's, or Regan's/Angostura)

Combine in an ice-filled glass and stir for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish will a lemon twist.

Note: some prefer Angostura bitters in this drink (Boker's, now unavailable, were in the original). I like the interplay of the maraschino and the orange, but would never turn down a fine Martinez made with the other.

Enjoy.

Last Word

Murray Stenson at Seattle's Zig Zag Cafe resurrected this unusually balanced drink. This is a must try.

3/4 oz Gin
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
3/4 oz lime juice

Combine in an ice-filled glass, and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass with a maraschino cherry (optional) in the bottom.

Some bartenders prefer Yellow Chartreuse over the green. This substitution creates a slighter sweeter, less herbal drink. Both versions are delicious.

Enjoy.

Aviation

Made these days without the Violette, but that makes it a shadow of itself. This is a true classic, a top ten drink.

2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Maraschino
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1-2 bar spoons Creme de Violette

Combine in an ice-filled glass and shake 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a Maraschino cherry or (if you prefer or do not have acceptable cherries) a lemon twist.

Enjoy.