margarita

Never, never serve one slushed. 2 oz tequila 1½ oz triple sec 2 oz lime juice Combine over ice in an old fashioned glass. Alternate: combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass.

sazerac

I first tried the Sazerac at a packed New Orleans bar in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle called Toulouse Petit. The bartender spent a while slowly building the drink, and the result was unexpected. You can achieve 90% of the effect with much less effort. Just go easy on the absinthe. 1 ½

jersey soda

Because every cocktail list needs a crazy drink. A friend discovered this in eastern Washington. Tastes like an Italian soda. 2 oz Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka 3-4 oz diet cherry 7Up. Maybe more. Combine over ice. Add a straw.

bourbon crusta

Two options for this one. The first is simple, and fruity. The second is more citrusy and complex. Option #1 1 ½ oz bourbon ½ oz triple sec or curacao ¼ oz luxardo maraschino ¼ lemon juice Option #2 2 oz bourbon ½ oz triple sec ½ oz lemon juice 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1

kir normand

We discovered this in Normandy. It replaces the champagne in a Kir Royale with cider as is fitting Normandy’s agricultural specialty. The splash of calvados (apple brandy) gives it a little extra kick. 2¼ oz hard cider ½ oz crème de cassis ½ oz calvados Combine over ice in an old fashioned glass. Alternate: Chill

greyhound

Some people will tell you that greyhounds demand vodka. There’s few vodka drinks that cannot be improved with gin. 2 oz gin 2 oz grapefruit juice splash of triple sec Combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass. Alternate: vodka

fallen guru

Inspired by a friend’s brush with a cultish guru. 2 oz bourbon or whiskey 2 oz chai with milk Combine over ice in an old fashioned glass. Recommendation: 1 oz Morning Glory Chai (or other spicy and not sweet chai) 1 oz vanilla soy milk

sidecar

The most classic of classic cocktails. And, my first. You always remember your first. 2 oz brandy 1 oz triple sec 1 oz lemon juice Combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into cocktail glass.

last word

Classic cocktail, rediscovered at the Zig Zag Café in Seattle. 1 oz gin 1 oz green chartreuse 1 oz Luxardo Maraschino 1 oz lime juice Combine in shaker over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass.

white russian

Because really, who doesn’t like a nice white Russian? 2 oz vodka 1½ oz kahula 2 oz cream Combine over ice in an old fashioned glass.