3 Classic Cocktails

Cocktail story: One of my favorite bars in town has a special for classic cocktails on Monday nights. (Yes, I've been out for drinks on a Monday night—judge if you must!) And that was how I tried a Sidecar for the first time (I picked it for it's name—classy!). And loved it! Now it's kind of my go-to drink. But I loved the idea of having a classic cocktail night, so I decided to learn how to make a few of our favorites.Manhattan: This cocktail is very Don Draper. I like to make my Manhattan's a little sweeter by adding some of the maraschino cherry juice, but if you want to make them the more classic way then feel free to leave it out.

One serving: 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth, 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters, 3-4 maraschino cherries with a dash or two of their juices too (if you want, no pressure—I like it sweet!). Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar, seal, shake and pour over ice.Sidecar: This one is my favorite, and I love this at-home version. I think they are usually made with brandy, cognac or other more sweet liquers, but I decided to try it with bourbon whiskey and loved it!

One serving: 3/4 ounce triple sec, 3/4 ounce bourbon whiskey, 1/2 ounce sweetened lime juice (make your own or buy one—I used Rose's brand), a small squeaze of lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge. Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar, seal, shake and pour over ice.Mint Julep: This one reminds me of my sister, as Elsie is a huge mint fan. Probably the biggest, actually. I had never used powdered sugar in a cocktail before, but I was surprised by how well it dissolved into the drink.

One serving: 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 3-4 mint leaves (torn into small pieces), 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons filtered water. Place the torn mint leaves, sugar and water in the bottom of your serving glass. Use a small spoon to muddle them, basically smashing them together. Fill your glass with some crushed ice, pour in the bourbon whiskey and garnish with a mint sprig.All recipes were adapted from Drinks Mixer and The Bar. Have fun finding your favorite classic cocktail! xo. emma

Comments

[Purple Deer]

I love me some mint julep in the summer on a hot night.

[Sarah]

I've never had a sidebar, but that sounds right up my alley. Thanks!

[Audrey - This Little Street]

You had to mention Don Draper....now I'm gonna HAVE to try the Manhattan! :)

[Booth Sartain]

My cousin just released an app called pourtaste, and its all about where to find old fashion cocktails in larger cities, (we are in Nashville), but it also has a drink of the week and the ingredients for you to make at home. He has made some of the best old fashion cocktails I have ever had, so you can definitely trust whatever is put up there! You should definitely check it out if you are enjoying learning these classics.

[Tinacious.Me]

these look delicious!
http://www.tinacious.me/

[Amy Powell]

Manhattan is my go-to. We made a few shakers-worth for the Mad Men premier :)

[Lindsey @ arkadian belle woods]

Yum! The sidecar sounds like it's right up my alley! I'm a whiskey sour girl and it sounds so tasty! I can't wait to try these!

[Amy]

Oh, goodness! That's not a classic sidecar at all! Whiskey is made with grain, cognac with grapes, so very different flavors. And there is some kind of orange liquor, like Cointreau, and lemon (not lime) juice!

When you're talking about 3 ingredients, each one is integral to the drink. No substitutions without changing the beast, really. It's like making a marinara sauce but then explaining that you don't like tomatoes, so you used pureed spinach instead.

Cocktails are great to experiment with and make to your own liking...but then it's fun to make up a new name! Or just call it a whiskey and lime, which Earnest Hemingway was allegedly partial to!

[Laura @ The Joyful Fox]

Oh my goodness, these look heavenly...now I'm craving one! I've always wanted to try a mint julep, ever since reading the Great Gatsby :)

http://thejoyfulfox.blogspot.com

[Rachel]

I love the mint julip, so tasty.

Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

[The Stranger]

It's so painful to be reading this when I'm sick! Those drinks are making me drool... Please tell me this is the magical cure to the flu.

♥ The Stranger

[Shannon]

Mmm... I love classic drinks. I've had a Sidecar before and loved it. I would love to try the Manhattan. I think the cherry would be yummy.

http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com

[tiffany of camp1899]

i've never had a sidecar, i'll definitely have to try it.. have you had a porcupine? it's whiskey, ginger beer (we use diet) and fresh squeezed lime slices, if you can, they are to be served in a copper cup and are wonderful! xo, t.

[Cherie]

Mmmm . . . the sidecar is my go to drink too. Have you tried this version? It's AMAZING. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/citrus-sidecar-50400000109789/

[Joanne]

Ever had a Sea Monster? It's made of grapefruit juice, ginger beer(I use maine root because its the absolute best!), and Kraken rum (hence the name). Sooooooo good. i dunno the measurements, i just mix it until it tastes good.

[wily darling]

in utah "sidecar" has a totally different meaning! since our liquor laws are so strict, you must order a "sidecar" if you would like more than one shot of alcohol in your drink. so your drink will come with one shot mixed in and the additional shot on the "side" in a shot glass. you then must pour the second shot into the drink yourself because it is illegal for the bartender/server to do it. crazy huh?

[Miss K]

Great post and beautiful photos. Cheers!

[Victoria@VictoryPaper]

My step-grandpa would have his Manhattans this way! We like to make them in his honor on the holidays, and they're really quite delish with the cherry juice

[Sarah]

These look great! I think my absolute fav drink is Kaluha and Cream with a big fat cherry in it =)

- Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com

[Domonique]

Ooooh I think I'm with you on the Side-car....sounds like my kind of drink....thanks for sharing lovely!

http://lilylovelock.blogspot.co.uk/

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