godfather

The epitome of a simplified drink. Two ingredients, combined in glass. No thought required. Go easy on the amaretto, or you’ll have cough syrup. 2 oz whiskey splash of amaretto Combine over ice in an old fashioned glass. For the godmother, substitute vodka for the whiskey.

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

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

old fashioned

My slightly fruitier (I would say, improved) take on the old fashioned. 1½ oz bourbon or whiskey 1 tsp sugar 4 drops angostura bitters slice of orange 2 maraschino cherries In an old fashioned glass, muddle the sugar, orange slice, and one cherry. Add bourbon and ice. Stir, and garnish with a cherry.

fancy-free

A sweeter view of the old fashioned. Similar to The Modern. 2 oz bourbon or whiskey ¼ oz luxardo maraschino 1 dash orange bitters 1 dash angostura bitters orange peel cherry Combine in shaker over ice, and strain into cocktail glass. Spritz orange peel over glass. Garnish with cherry.