The Old Hickory Cocktail

In contrast to tough guy Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson, this classic vermouth-based cocktail is a smooth operator.

New Friend

This twist on the classic Old Pal cocktail uses lighter-flavored Aperol instead of Campari, and brings in bitter Cocchi Americano in the place of dry vermouth. It's an easy-drinking combination.

Man About Town

This cocktail from Gramercy Tavern in NYC is a take on a Boulevardier (which is like a Negroni, but with bourbon instead of gin). Here, however, spicy rye is the star, complemented by the bittersweet Sicilian amaro, Cynar.

Tradewinds Negroni (Angostura, Sweet Vermouth, and Cointreau Cocktail)

Justin Elliott of The Townsend in Austin created this spicy variation on the Negroni using equal parts sweet vermouth, Cointreau, and Angostura bitters. That's right: It's a lot of Angostura bitters.

Gramercy Tavern's Old Orleans

Tart and aromatic cider blends with sweet orange curaçao, and spicy bitters to create a warming autumn cocktail.

Cynar Toronto

Cynar is a perfect stand-in for Fernet Branca, another darling of the amari, in a Toronto cocktail. Like Fernet, the bitter, vegetal taste of Cynar is a perfect foil for the sweet rye.

New York Shrub

To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cider Cocktail: Young Buck

The Young Buck combines semi-dry sparking cider and ginger beer for a cocktail that is full of flavor but light in alcohol.

Aviary's Bitter

The Bitter cocktail, from the Aviary in Chicago, is served in a glass that's been smoked over a piece of smoldering bourbon barrel stave, which is custom-cut by the cocktail lounge's industrial designer. Fear not—we love this cocktail with or without the touch of smokiness! But if you're feeling adventurous and want to truly re-create this drink at home, used small-format, seasoned barrels are available for purchase online from New York's Tuthilltown Spirits, makers of Hudson whiskey.

The Trident

The Negroni is a classic cocktail composed of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. The Trident takes the same formula, but swaps out each of the ingredients. In place of the herbaceous character of gin, the Trident uses the cumin-and-caraway flavors of aquavit ; sweet vermouth is replaced with the nuttiness of dry sherry; and for the bitter edge, Cynar takes the place of Campari.