Quill

This classic twist on a Negroni adds in some absinthe to bring great herbal and light anise flavor that lingers in the background.

The Claridge

But while the Slope keeps me coming back to the magical interaction between rye whiskey, apricot brandy, and bitter vermouth, the Claridge keeps the stone fruit's appeal alive when it's mixed with gin and dry vermouth.

Negroni

Crisp and bitter, the classic cocktail of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth is dependably delicious, and remarkably difficult to foul up.

The Jacobean

McCarthy's take on a Manhattan makes use of green chartreuse; "The Jacobeans always sided with the French, so my chartreuse drink is named for them." AnCnoc is stirred with Carpano Antica ("the more savory of the sweet vermouths"), a half-ounce of green chartreuse, and a good measure of ice.

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.

DIY Aquavit

Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit that dates back to the 1500s. Much like gin, it's a neutral spirit flavored with botanicals—only caraway seed is the primary flavoring instead of juniper berries. Use aquavit instead of vodka in a cocktail recipe to add a bold and savory kick.

Cranberry Negroni

Cranberries—a staple on the Thanksgiving dinner table—are a perfect ingredient for cocktails this time of year. Their ruby red hue brightens up any cocktail party and the juice brings a little life to familiar cocktails.

Norwegian Wood

Jeffrey Morgenthaler's Norwegian Wood tastes like a sophisticated jaunt in the forest. Try this one with salty snacks or as an after-dinner quaff, to socialize in style.

The Arnaud's Special

With the advance of autumn, it's time to break out the dark-spirit drinks suitable to the cooler seasons. The Arnaud's Special is a close cousin to the Rob Roy, and was the house cocktail for Arnaud's Restaurant in New Orleans during the 1940s and '50s.

Unusual Negroni (Aperol, Lillet, and Gin Cocktail)

A lighter, mellower Negroni, made with Aperol and Lillet.