Dandelion

This variation on the classic Chrysanthemum cocktail uses a Yellow and Green Chartreuse combination in place of Benedictine, and subs in bitter Malört in place of the more traditional absinthe.

Vermouth Cocktail

The Vermouth Cocktail illustrates the flavorful beauty of good vermouth, with just a little adornment. If you're prone to dismiss this drink out of hand because it's based on vermouth, then you're denying yourself the opportunity to see what the original fuss from the nineteenth century was all about.

The Rose

Rescued from a vintage bar menu by cocktail historian David Wondrich, the Rose enjoyed a brief flash of popularity at the Chatham Hotel in Paris in the 1920s. Good luck finding it since then, which is a shame; soft, floral, lightly sweet and with a titillating aroma from the cherry eau de vie, the Rose is an exercise in delicate decadence, a drink that, like the Widow's Kiss, can put the imbiber in a mindset from a completely different era.

The Gypsy

Unlike many vodka-based drinks that simply use the spirit to lend alcoholic oomph to a mixture of soda and fruit juice, the Gypsy uses vodka's neutral character to soften the powerful flavor of the drink's other main ingredient, the French herbal liqueur Benedictine.

Plume

This light, refreshing twist on the Quill takes its cues from the Americano and Negroni Spagliato. A little absinthe is excellent with bubbly.

Beretta's Pamplemousse

We're always a bit wary of elderflower liqueur, but it doesn't take over in this supremely balanced and fresh-tasting gin cocktail, a signature brunch drink at Beretta in San Francisco.

Quill

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

Chamomile and Tangerine Sparkling Cocktail for Two

The base for this cocktail gets premixed in a bottle that can be packed away for a surprise picnic or easy pre-dinner drink. Just pop open some bubbly to top it all off!

Violet Beauregarde Part 2

A floral and sweet variation of the classic Champagne cocktail from Josh Berner of Ripple in Washington, DC.

DIY Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth has a delicate balance of rich, spicy, sweet, and bitter flavors, and is an essential ingredient in dozens of classic cocktails.