Abbey

A classic Lillet cocktail, and the very first recipe in the Savoy Cocktail Book.

1 1/2 oz Gin
3/4 oz Lillet
3/4 oz Orange juice (Fresh, please)
2 dashes Angostura

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

Enjoy.

Leap Frog

Invented by the excellent Jim Meehan at PDT and printed in the New York Times, this drink is refreshing and pleasing to both the sophisticated palate and the newcomer to cocktail pleasure. Definitely one to break out when you have fresh mint on your hands, particularly in the summer.

2 oz Gin
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Apricot Brandy
3/4 oz Simple syrup
6 Mint leaves
2 dashes Orange bitters

Combine mint and simple syrup in a glass and muddle the mint until it has released its oils. Add the other ingredients and fill the glass with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds and double strain into a cocktail glass.

Enjoy.

Metamorphosis

This Eastern Standard original is a top 5 drink for me. Becherovka, a Czech bitter, is made with dozens of different herbs and spices, but cinnamon and anise seem to dominate.

2 oz Becherovka
1 oz Honey syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice

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

For the honey syrup - heat equal parts honey and water until the mixture is a consistently thin syrup.

Enjoy.

Alaska

This early martini variation highlights the delicious monk-made liqueur.

1 1/2 oz Gin
3/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
2 dashes Oranges Bitters

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

Bijou

An oldie and a goodie.

1 1/2 oz Gin (Plymouth)
1/2 oz Green Chartreuse
1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Orange Bitters

Combine in an ice-filled glass and stir for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry (optional).

Enjoy.

The Boss

Amaretto is probably the most popular after-dinner drink. I think it's too sweet to drink straight, but it does have a nice aroma and good almond flavor. This drink is akin to an old fashioned, with the amaretto adding the sweetness and flavor in place of sugar and bitters.

1 1/2 oz Bourbon (preferably a higher-proof brand)
1/2 oz Amaretto

Add ingredients to an ice-filled rocks glass. Stir for about 15 seconds.

Enjoy.

Palmyra

This refreshing cocktail pleases almost every palate, especially those n00bs who have little experience with bitter liqueurs. The recipe comes from No. 9 Park, but I am not sure which bartender.

2 oz Vodka
1 1/3 oz Mint simple syrup
2/3 oz Lime juice

Combine in an ice-filled glass and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with two mint leaves stuck into a lime wedge.

For the mint simple syrup, bring equal parts of sugar and water just to a boil. Add a handful of torn mint leaves and let steep for about 10 minutes before straining.

Enjoy.