EdHart.meI couldn’t find a cocktail that felt like a natural companion to my Woodland Harvest pizza, so I started experimenting with one. The result is a garden-inspired riff on the French 75 that borrows a little sweetness from fresh carrot juice and a little warmth from ginger syrup. It’s not a classic, but I think it earns a place alongside this pizza.
Some cocktails feel like they’ve been around forever, even when they’re relatively new to the scene. The Paper Plane is one of those drinks.
The Rose Garden is a modern floral sour that leans into aroma, texture, and balance in a way that feels both refined and approachable when done well.
Orgeat is one of those classic cocktail ingredients that many people have tasted without ever quite knowing what it is, yet it plays a surprisingly important role in shaping the flavor and texture of a drink.
Some cocktails taste like they belong on a summer patio. The Bramble is one of them.
This is basically a simple syrup steeped with dried hibiscus flowers. You can find dried hibiscus (often labeled “Flor de Jamaica”) in Hispanic grocery stores. It can also be found in health food stores or in the tea aisle.
When you’re just starting out as a home bartender, it’s tempting to pour everything into the same tumbler or wine glass. And while the liquid itself is what matters most, the glass you choose plays a surprisingly big role in how a cocktail looks, tastes, and feels. The right glass isn’t just about aesthetics. It helps showcase the drink’s aroma, maintain its temperature, and even influence how you sip it.
In this guide, I’ll explore the most common types of cocktail glasses, what they look like, the drinks they’re best for, and even some fun back stories. Along the way, I’ll share practical advice for home bartenders who may be working with limited space or budget.
There’s something about a Manhattan that never goes out of style. It’s bold but refined, balanced yet bracing. It’s as at home at a refined bar as it is served with a smash burger. Whether you’re pouring one to end a long day or serving them up to impress dinner guests, this classic three-ingredient cocktail brings warmth and polish in equal measure.
There’s something undeniably refreshing about a Mojito—the combination of bright mint, zesty lime, and effervescent bubbles makes it feel like sunshine in a glass. And when you swap in a citrusy rum like Bacardi Limón, it adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the drink pop even more. Whether you’re lounging on the patio or hosting friends for a summer evening, this riff on the classic Mojito might just become your go-to warm weather drink.
There are drinks you sip, and drinks that make an entrance. The French 75 falls squarely into the latter category—bracingly fresh, elegantly bubbly, and just strong enough to let you know it means business. It’s the kind of cocktail that wears a dinner jacket at brunch and somehow makes it look effortless.
In summer, I like to serve it as a late morning apéritif or a pre-dinner sparkler. It’s sharp enough to wake up your palate and celebratory enough to feel like you’re toasting to something—even if that something is just a Tuesday afternoon with time to spare.