The Cocktail Lovers

JANUARY 27, 2025

Over the past few years we’ve tasted an incredible array of mixed drinks some from bartenders and industry insiders who really know their flavours, others from specialist and big name brands who want to get in on some of that canned-shaped action. There was a time when canned cocktails weren’t taken very seriously.

Alcohol 101

Alcohol Zero-Proof Bitters Infusions 101

Moody Mixologist

MARCH 11, 2025

Most classic gin cocktails can be categorized into spirit-forward sips (like Martinis and Negronis), sours (like the Gimlet), and highballs (Gin and Tonic). This ultra boozy martini was invented not by a bartender, but by Ian Fleming, in his famed James Bond novel, Casino Royale. The most famous gin highball is the Gin and Tonic.

Gin 52

Gin Simple Syrup Highball Tiki 52

VinePair

MAY 22, 2024

Served in a coarse salt-rimmed highball glass and topped off with a splash of sparkling water, Tequila Ocho’s dedication to producing unique, agave-forward spirits takes center stage in this summertime sipper. La Paloma Ocho’s Roots Pronounced “ Pah-lo-ma, ” the word means “dove” in Spanish.

Tequila 98

Tequila Simple Syrup Aperitif Highball 98

VinePair

JULY 1, 2024

Depending what bartender you’re ordering from, it might have kombucha! Some bartenders run it back to the drink’s original core elements as a White Wine Spritzer, where wine with a splash of soda and a citrus garnish suffice. Beer, even! Spritz means everything and nothing at all, and its form shifts from bar to bar.

Digestif 92

Digestif Bartender Bartending Bitters 92

Cheers

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

The nature of gin, being a complex blend of herbs, spices and fruits, makes it one of the most playful and versatile spirits in our bartenders’ toolkit. The bar’s Fleur de Lis cocktail (shown atop) “is a light and refreshing aperitif that combines the crispness of Bombay Sapphire gin with the delicate sweetness of elderflower,” he adds.

Gin 116

Gin Infusions Bar Manager Bar Management 116

Bartender.com

APRIL 8, 2024

The challenge invites bartenders from around the world to create an original and unique aperitivo cocktail inspired by any form of art and crafted using the irreplaceable ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto. The U.S. He continues, “Umeshu, my hometown aperitif drink, represents the warmth of the home that I miss.

Aperitif 52

Aperitif VIP Highball Hospitality 52

Spiritz

AUGUST 13, 2024

This enhances the mouth-feel and presentation of cocktails, offering a fresh and exciting sensory experience, as for example, making a simple yet easy pickled soda out of grapefruit and celery shrub for a delicious riff on a Paloma or herbal soda for a highball. This intensifies the flavours and creates unique textures.

Aperitif 64

Aperitif Infusions Muddling Bartender 64

Cocktails with Suderman

AUGUST 30, 2024

Cocktails With Suderman is the home bartender’s guide, with tips, tricks, techniques, anecdotes, opinions, and recipes. I got it from Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour in his excellent book The Bartender’s Manifesto. It’s just a Negroni , or a Mezcal Negroni , but with the addition of tonic water. So many recipes!

Gin 64

Gin Bitters Aperitif Highball 64

Bartender.com

JANUARY 9, 2024

We celebrated my dad’s birthday every year at Trader Vic’s and I developed an even deeper personal affinity for tropical-style drinks during my time as the head bartender at The Polynesian.

Bar 52

Bar Bar Manager Bar Management Alcohol 52

VinePair

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

See Recipe The Perfect Pear While Scotch may not be the first spirit you think of when you think “daytime cocktail,” this seasonal highball bursting with autumnal aromas of cinnamon and pear is sure to prove you wrong. Consider pairing the gin in this tangy beverage with a seasonal ingredient like pomegranate in a fruit-forward Martini.

Simple Syrup 98

Simple Syrup Bitters Gin Brandy 98

Imbibe Magazine

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Your next drink lives in the minds of the two brilliant bartenders behind the bar. In a mere 90 minutes, you’ll enjoy a refreshing aperitif cocktail, a spirited second course, and a dessert drink. Don’t look for a menu to skim while you sip on your welcome glass of Champagne. It’s mixology magic.

Mixology 244

Mixology Tequila Infusions High Volume 244

Mixologists

APRIL 11, 2025

The satisfying clink of ice, the invigorating hiss of a perfectly shaken drink, the vibrant artistry of layered ingredients – home bartending is a rewarding blend of creativity, precision, and pure enjoyment. Ever dreamt of crafting bar-quality cocktails from the comfort of your own home?

Bar Tools 52

Bar Tools Bartender Bartending Bar 52

Bartender.com

APRIL 10, 2025

Beyond basic equipment, aspiring home bartenders should consider specialized tools to expand their repertoire. Bartenders at bartenderschool emphasize the importance of using high-quality components like fresh citrus, herbs, and spices to enhance the taste profile of drinks.

Mixology 52

Mixology Molecular Mixology Mixologist Bartender 52

VinePair

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Average price: $33 St-Germain Described as bartenders ketchup, this elderflower liqueur has the ability to improve countless drinks, especially those made with clear spirits. A Spanish, wine-based bitter red aperitivo, this liqueur is fruity and light, and ideal for simple summer highballs. Enjoy as an aperitif or in highballs.

Liqueur 111

Liqueur Bar Digestif Highball 111