Recipes 248

While crafting exceptional cocktails at home is always an option, nothing quite compares to stepping into a vibrant bar and ordering a uniquely crafted drink that surprises and delights. Skilled bartenders devote countless hours to perfecting their craft, making their creations truly special. This exploration of flavors often involves unique ingredients sourced from various places, and while it’s exciting to experiment with high-quality components, there’s always the risk of wasting money on something that doesn’t meet expectations.

The best cocktails aren’t always elaborate; sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from an unexpected haven where a simple drink shines. Whether it’s the atmosphere or the feeling it evokes, often, it’s the context of the drink that leaves a lasting impression.

Staff members from Tasting Table have gathered their most mind-blowing cocktail experiences from cities like Venice, New York, Long Beach, and Mexico City. Here’s a look at some of these remarkable drinks:

• Piña Colada at Handshake in Mexico City: This refreshing version uses infused brandy instead of rum and is carbonated for a light, fizzy texture, transforming a classic vacation drink into a metropolitan treat.

• Born & Raised at Sugar Ray: You’ve Just Been Poisoned in Bangkok: This inventive take on Thai iced tea features gin infused with Thai tea, complemented by bright citrus notes and topped with a hint of pandan syrup, creating a multi-layered flavor experience.

• The Rosy Dawn at Library Of Distilled Spirits in Oklahoma City: Combining gin, orange marmalade, and Champagne, this cocktail is a celebration in a glass, enhancing the experience with the luxurious textures of foam and fizzy bubbles.

• Honey Bee at Dante in New York City: A blend of tequila, sherry, chocolate bitters, and salted honey cream, this drink presents a unique balance of flavors that makes it a must-try, perfect for digestif lovers.

• El Guapo at The Ordinarie in Long Beach: A tropical and spicy cocktail that incorporates tequila, mezcal, pineapple juice, and spicy bitters, making it a refreshing twist reminiscent of a smoky margarita.

These cocktails are just a glimpse of the extraordinary concoctions bartenders are creating worldwide, showcasing the artistry and passion that go into crafting the perfect drink.

Bluebird Distilling has launched a new offering: canned Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktails, now available at their Phoenixville bottle shop and online for Pennsylvania residents. These 3-ounce cans contain an 80 proof cocktail (40% ABV) crafted with Bluebird’s Four Grain Bourbon, bitters, and a hint of cane sugar, retailing at $26.99 per four-pack.

The Old Fashioned cocktails boast a rich array of flavors, with aromas of tobacco, toffee, and orange zest, followed by a palate featuring caramel and baking spices. The drink finishes with a velvety blend of orange, vanilla, and spice.

Jared Adkins, the founder of Bluebird Distilling, noted that many of their customers enjoy Bluebird spirits outdoors, prompting them to create a portable, craft cocktail perfect for taking on adventures.

Earlier this year, Bluebird Distilling announced a $2 million expansion of its Phoenixville location, which will introduce various new features including a full-service pizzeria, expanded seating, and an enhanced bottle shop. This marks the first time the distillery will sell food, promising house-made bread, seasonal sandwiches, and salads. Adkins hinted at more exciting changes in the pipeline as the distillery continues to diversify its product offerings.

For more information or to purchase, you can visit their online shop.

When it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail, many people focus heavily on the main spirit and neglect the crucial supporting ingredients. However, the right additions can make a substantial difference in transforming a drink from good to exceptional.

To illustrate this point, let’s explore three essential ingredients that can elevate your cocktails:

1. Abbott’s Aromatic Bitters

• Price: $19.99 for 4 ounces (50% ABV)
• Origin: Marin

Abbott’s Bitters are a historic brand that has made a comeback thanks to Tempus Fugit Spirits. Originally popular in the early 20th century, these bitters offer a complex flavor profile with hints of saffron and cinnamon. They’re perfect for cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans that require a bit of extra punch. Importantly, make sure to avoid calling it Angostura!

More Information on Abbott’s Bitters

2. Rue de Rêve’s Rouge Aperitif Wine

• Price: $42 for 750 milliliters (18% ABV)
• Origin: Sonoma County

Unlike traditional vermouth that utilizes wormwood, Rue de Rêve’s Rouge aperitif combines red wine with gentian, resulting in a more complex and less sweet flavor. It works beautifully in traditional cocktails like a Negroni or Boulevardier, providing a fresh and bright contribution to your drink.

More Information on Rue de Rêve Aperitifs

3. DEBZ Sonoma’s Lavender/Lemon Rimming Sugar

• Price: $10 for 5.5 ounces
• Origin: Sonoma

Rimming sugars and salts can greatly enhance the aesthetic and flavor of cocktails. DEBZ Sonoma, run by Debra DeMartini, creates unique blends using organic sugars and Pacific sea salt. The lavender/lemon sugar adds a balanced floral and citrus touch, perfect for drinks like a Lemon Drop. These rimming options can also be used to create flavorful saline solutions, adding yet another layer to your cocktail experience.

More Information on DEBZ Sonoma

Incorporating these ingredients can effortlessly elevate your cocktail game, ensuring that every sip is not just good, but exceptional.

For the past five years, the world of cocktails has been explored in depth, guided by bartender Jason O’Bryan, now the lead mixologist at Michelin three-star Addison. This journey has led to an extensive collection of cocktail recipes, especially vodka cocktails, a spirit often thought of as dull or flavorless. Despite this common perception, the right vodka cocktails can be outstanding and deserving of attention.

O’Bryan has curated a selection of 13 vodka cocktails that every home bartender should master. Here are some highlights from those recommendations:

1. Pornstar Martini

A frontrunner in popularity for eight consecutive years, this cocktail combines vodka, vanilla, and passion fruit. It captures a perfect balance of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 0.75 oz. lime juice
• 0.75 oz. vanilla syrup
• 0.75 oz. passion fruit liqueur or syrup

Instructions:Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lime wheel or passion fruit.

2. Kamikaze

A refreshing classic cocktail, reshaped through the use of fresh lime juice and high-quality triple sec.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 0.5 oz. triple sec
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup

Instructions:Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with lime.

3. Cosmopolitan

Made famous by Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan can shine when made with balance and high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Absolut Citron Vodka
• 0.75 oz. Cointreau
• 0.5 to 0.75 oz. lime juice
• 0.75 oz. cranberry juice

Instructions:Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a stemmed glass, and garnish with an orange peel.

4. Moscow Mule

A classic cocktail that propelled vodka’s popularity, combining vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 0.5 oz. lime juice
• 4-5 oz. ginger beer
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:Serve over ice in a mug, stir gently, and garnish with lime.

5. French Martini

Though not a traditional martini, this vodka and pineapple juice cocktail has evolved into a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 0.5–0.75 oz. berry liqueur (like Chambord)
• 2 oz. pineapple juice

Instructions:Shake with ice, strain into a conical glass, and garnish with berries or pineapple.

6. Bloody Mary

A brunch essential believed to be best enjoyed during daylight hours.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 3-4 oz. tomato juice
• 0.5 to 1 tsp. horseradish
• Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Sriracha, black pepper, salt, celery salt

Instructions:Mix ingredients in the serving glass, roll between two glasses, and garnish with a celery stalk.

7. Appletini

Revived with fresh ingredients, this original sweet-and-sour cocktail can surprise you.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 0.75 oz. fresh granny smith apple juice
• 0.75 oz. lemon juice
• 0.75 oz. simple syrup

Instructions:Shake well with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with apple slices.

8. White Russian

A straightforward yet indulgent cocktail made with vodka and coffee liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. coffee liqueur
• 1 oz. half and half

Instructions:Mix ingredients in a glass with ice and enjoy.

9. Lemon Drop

A sweet-and-sour refreshing drink that can be elevated with the right balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 0.75 oz. lemon juice
• 0.5 oz. triple sec
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup

Instructions:Shake well with ice, strain into a sugared glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

10. Long Island Iced Tea

Notorious for its strong profile, this version focuses on improving taste while reducing the alcohol content.

Ingredients:

• 0.5 oz. vodka
• 0.5 oz. gin
• 0.5 oz. silver rum
• 0.5 oz. tequila
• 0.5 oz. Cointreau
• 0.75 oz. lemon juice
• Top with Coca-Cola

Instructions:Shake all but the Coke with ice, strain into a glass, and top with Coca-Cola. Garnish with lemon.

11. Poet’s Dream

A twist on the vodka martini, incorporating Bénédictine for a unique complexity.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 0.75 oz. dry vermouth
• 0.25 oz. Bénédictine

Instructions:Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass, garnished with a lemon peel.

12. Harvey Wallbanger

A retro favorite that gets a modern twist with lemon juice for added brightness.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 0.5 oz. Galliano
• 3 oz. orange juice
• 0.25 oz. lemon juice

Instructions:Shake with ice and strain into a glass with ice, garnished with an orange slice.

13. Amelia

An inventive cocktail aimed at those looking to elevate their flavors with vodka.

Ingredients:

• 1.75 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 0.75 oz. lemon juice
• 0.75 oz. blackberry puree

Instructions:Shake well with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with mint.

These cocktails showcase the versatility of vodka and prove that this spirit can offer more than just a neutral base for drinks. With the right recipes, home bartenders can elevate their cocktail game significantly.

Any skilled bartender will confess that crafting superb cocktails doesn’t have to be a complex process. Distiller Sasha Petraske famously compared bartending to a craft rather than a creative art, suggesting that the best drinks often consist of only a few ingredients. This simplicity allows for more accessibility in crafting cocktails at home, relying on fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes rather than advanced tools or techniques.

Here’s a collection of easy-to-make cocktails, each requiring no more than four ingredients, that will impress guests without overwhelming the home bartender.

The John Daly

With roots in golf, this vodka-infused variation of the classic Arnold Palmer combines lemonade and iced tea for a refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka or bourbon
• 2 oz lemonade
• 2 oz iced tea
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Directions:Combine vodka, lemonade, and iced tea in a Collins glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Gin and Tonic

This timeless classic has been a staple for over 160 years, originally designed to combat malaria.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz London Dry Gin
• 4 oz premium tonic water
• Three lime wedges

Directions:In a highball glass filled with ice, add gin, squeeze in lime, and top with tonic. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Classic Daiquiri

A simple mix of rum, lime, and sugar, this cocktail shines during summer months.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz light rum
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup

Directions:Shake all ingredients with ice for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

French 75

This elegant cocktail combines gin with Champagne for a refined drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• Splash of Champagne

Directions:Shake gin, lemon, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass and top with Champagne, garnishing with a lemon twist.

Moscow Mule

This fizzy drink, served in a classic copper mug, combines vodka and spicy ginger beer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Lime wheel for garnish

Directions:Fill a copper mug with crushed ice. Add vodka and lime juice, then top with ginger beer and garnish.

Paloma

A popular Mexican cocktail that blends tequila and grapefruit soda for a refreshing experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz grapefruit soda
• Lime wheel for garnish

Directions:Mix tequila, lime juice, and salt in a highball glass with ice, then top with grapefruit soda.

Aperol Spritz

This vibrant drink is perfect as an aperitif, combining bitter and bubbly.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz sparkling water
• Orange slice for garnish

Directions:Combine Prosecco and Aperol over ice in a wine glass, top with soda, and add an orange slice.

Margarita

A classic cocktail that balances sour and sweet perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Salt for rim

Directions:Rim a glass with salt, then shake tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice with ice. Strain into the prepared glass.

These cocktails are not only easy to prepare but also showcase the beauty of minimalist mixology. With just a handful of ingredients, you can craft delightful drinks that are bound to impress!

You’re cool and confident, ready to indulge in refreshing Labor Day drinks. This summer, the cocktail scene features vibrant flavors and unique twists perfect for your gatherings.

The Sharona

A standout this season is The Sharona from New York City’s Eel Bar. This cocktail puts a unique spin on the classic Negroni by replacing gin with Manzanilla sherry, lowering the alcohol content while amplifying its bittersweet flavor. For a refreshing mix, try a simple one-to-one ratio of Campari, sweet vermouth, and sherry, experimenting with brands like Bodegas Gutiérrez Fino Colosia and Bodegas Dios Baco Amontillado.

Low Alcohol Champagne Cocktails

To maintain flavor while lowering alcohol, consider FRE Sparkling Brut. This versatile drink can be enjoyed on its own or mixed in classic spritzes like the Aperol Spritz or the Hugo Spritz, using lower-calorie alternatives to freshen up your holiday toast.

Gin Time

Gin remains a summer favorite, with Four Corners Gin leading the pack. Its unique blend of various botanicals enhances your G&T. Another excellent choice is Magellan Gin, known for its peppery and floral notes, which creates an enticing twist on the traditional gin and tonic.

Chill Ya Jolo

For red wine lovers, look no further than Chill Ya Jolo from Tuscany’s Badia a Coltibuono. This chilled red wine pairs perfectly with summer grilling, featuring a fresh and juicy taste that complements your festive meals.

Premade Cocktails and Mocktails

If convenience is key, explore premade cocktail options, such as Via Carota Craft Cocktails. These provide a wide array of options, from classic margaritas to imaginative twists like the White Negroni. For those abstaining from alcohol, Mingle offers tasty mocktails like Cucumber Melon Mojito, ensuring you won’t miss out on flavor.

Embrace the spirit of summer with these exciting drinks and get ready to raise a glass this Labor Day!

Wherever you’re spending your Labor Day weekend—whether it’s relaxing on your front porch, at the end of a dock, or under a tailgate tent—there’s a cocktail perfect for the occasion. Here are some delightful cocktail recipes to enjoy the last breaths of summer, ranging from fun non-alcoholic options to vibrant concoctions for adults.

Rum Swizzles

Treat yourself with this classic Caribbean cocktail that combines shaved ice, light rum, fresh lime juice, and Angostura bitters. Top it with mint sprigs, orange slices, and lime zest for a beautiful presentation. Get The Recipe

French 76

A quality vodka, like Tito’s, sets a solid foundation for this refreshing drink. Chill glasses for a perfect sip. Get The Recipe

Blackberry Mojito

Add fresh blackberries to the classic mint-and-lime drink for a tart twist. Get The Recipe

Watermelon Sangria

This easy big-batch cocktail replaces traditional red wine with rosé, making it perfect for gatherings. Serve with fresh watermelon slices. Get The Recipe

Strawberry And Peach Sangria

With mint ice cubes and a blend of peach brandy, orange liqueur, and dry white wine, this drink is both fruity and refreshing. Get The Recipe

Tequila Sunrise

Simple to make with just three ingredients—orange juice, tequila, and grenadine—this cocktail is colorful and easy to remember. Get The Recipe

Watermelon Frosé

Capture a nostalgic slushie vibe with this adult drink made from frozen watermelon and chilled rosé. Get The Recipe

Texas Ranch Water

Refreshing and effortless, this cocktail features Topo Chico, a sparkling mineral water from Texas. Get The Recipe

Lucy Buffett’s Bama Breeze

Inspired by Jimmy Buffett, this beachy drink includes grapefruit-flavored vodka, coconut rum, and cranberry juice. Get The Recipe

Classic Transfusion Cocktail

A fizzy mix of vodka, grape juice, and ginger ale makes this drink a favorite, especially served with grapes and lime. Get The Recipe

Strawberry Spritzers

With homemade strawberry shrub topped with sparkling mineral water, this refreshing drink is quick to prepare and lasts for multiple servings. Get The Recipe

Paloma

This tequila cocktail gains zest from grapefruit juice, making it a fruity alternative to the margarita. Get The Recipe

Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktails

Combining honeysuckle vodka and fresh watermelon, this recipe is made for sharing at summer gatherings. Get The Recipe

Azalea Cocktail

Popularized during the Masters Tournament, this drink combines lemon and pineapple juices with grenadine and vodka or gin. Get The Recipe

Hemingway Daiquiri

This less sugary daiquiri variant designed for Ernest Hemingway merges rum, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit, and lime juices. Get The Recipe

Cranberry Margaritas

Bright and tart, this take on a margarita features cranberry juice and a salt rim for added flavor. Get The Recipe

Tiger Tea

An upgraded Arnold Palmer, combining fresh lemonade and sweet tea vodka, this drink is ideal for game-day celebrations. Get The Recipe

The Chilton

Simple yet refreshing, this Texas cocktail includes vodka, lemon juice, and soda water with a salted rim. Get The Recipe

Mississippi Punch

This potent drink blends brandy, bourbon, and dark rum, perfect for a laid-back evening. Get The Recipe

French Blonde Cocktail

Originally mentioned by Taylor Swift recently, this vibrant drink combines gin, Lillet Blanc, and grapefruit juices. Get The Recipe

Bee’s Knees Cocktail

An ideal drink for warm weather, with honey syrup, lime juice, and gin, served cold. Get The Recipe

Strawberry Ranch Water

This bright red cocktail is perfect for strawberry lovers. Get The Recipe

Pitcher Mojitos

Gather your friends with this classic pitcher cocktail made of mint syrup, lime juice, and rum. Get The Recipe

Mint Julep

A refreshing cocktail packed with mint, served chilled in metal glasses for the ultimate summer refreshment. Get The Recipe

Gin Basil Smash

This herbal cocktail mixes gin with muddled fresh basil and lemon juice for a calming sip. Get The Recipe

Read more on Southern Living.

Blackberries are a delightful ingredient for cocktails, adding a sharp and alluring flavor that can elevate various drinks. These resilient berries, found globally, shine whether enjoyed solo or in concoctions. Their dark, berry-like skin and sweet yet tart flavor enhance beverages when paired with the right complement.

A wide array of flavor combinations exists to enhance a blackberry cocktail, ranging from sweet and refreshing to tangy and spicy. For example, incorporating sugar or dairy can counterbalance the fruit’s subtle bitterness. Popular cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, and brambles pair well with various spirits—bourbon, gin, tequila, and vodka—allowing creative exploration with herbs, spices, citrus, and fruits.

Here are some intriguing flavor pairings for blackberry cocktails:

1. Almond (Amaretto): Blend blackberries with amaretto for a sweet twist, enhancing drinks like the classic amaretto sour.

2. Apple: Combine blackberries with apple juice and bourbon for a refreshing apple-blackberry sour, perfect for summer.

3. Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper can spice up a blackberry cocktail, adding a unique earthy flavor when mixed with vodka or gin.

4. Cinnamon: Use cinnamon to warm up a blackberry drink. A bourbon-blackberry cocktail, including lemon juice and bitters, creates a perfect cozy evening mix.

5. Ginger: Mixing fresh ginger or ginger beer with blackberries adds a zesty bite, ideal for a refreshing summer drink.

6. Hazelnut: Combine hazelnut liqueur with muddled blackberries for a dessert-like cocktail or try a simpler blend with cream and syrup.

7. Lemon and Lime: Citrus flavors complement blackberries well, enhancing drinks like blackberry lemonade or mojitos.

8. Mango: The sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with blackberries, making for a fruity and colorful cocktail.

9. Mint: Minty cocktails, such as a blackberry mojito or mint julep, bring a refreshing vibe to summer gatherings.

10. Red Wine: Incorporating blackberry into red wine cocktails, like sangria, creates a sophisticated and fruity summer beverage.

11. Rosemary: This herb brings a unique flavor to rosemary and blackberry cocktails, offering a rustic touch with a lovely aroma.

12. Sparkling Wine: Muddling blackberries with sparkling wine creates an elegant cocktail perfect for celebrations.

With these combinations, blackberry cocktails offer something for everyone, from bright and refreshing to rich and warming. Whether at an intimate gathering or a lively summer party, these concoctions promise to impress!

As the days grow shorter, Denver’s bartending scene is stepping up its game with inventive and bold cocktails that are as wild as they are delicious. Key players include Poka Lola, The Family Jones, Riot BBQ, and NADC Burger, each offering unique concoctions you won’t want to miss before summer slips away.

Poka Lola Social Club

Location: 1850 Wazee St., Denver
Hours: Sunday 2 – 9 p.m., Monday 3 – 9 p.m., Tuesday – Wednesday 3 – 10 p.m., Thursday 3 – 11 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Poka Lola brings a playful twist to Denver’s cocktail culture. Their Hollaback Girl mixes brûléed banana-infused bourbon with pineapple and cacao, delivering a sweet yet toasty finish. The Bad Spray Tan, a daring blend of Mount Gay rum with red curry and coconut cream, offers a smooth and interesting flavor profile, while the Hot Swirl Summer combines a refreshing strawberry daiquiri with a decadent piña colada.

The Family Jones

Location: 3245 Osage St., Denver
Hours: Sunday 4 – 10 p.m., Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Thursday 4 – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 – 11 p.m.
The Family Jones Distillery embodies Colorado’s spirit in their cocktails. The Blucifer Martini, infused with blue cheese and blue spirulina, pays homage to the city’s famous blue statue. They also serve a refreshing Juniper Soak in a charming bathtub-inspired glass. Their Daq N’ Chips features a deliciously herbaceous rum daiquiri that is paired with house-made chips and salsa.

Riot BBQ

Location: 2180 S Delaware St., Denver
Hours: Sunday – Monday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Tuesdays, Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Riot BBQ’s cocktails aim to thrill. The Bourbon Peach Smash highlights the season’s juicy peaches and meets bourbon’s warmth with mint and lemon. The Clementine Margarita delivers a zesty flavor, while the standout Spicy Cucumber Margarita combines jalapeño-infused tequila with cucumber for a refreshingly spicy sip.

NADC Burger

Location: 1441 Larimer St., Denver
Hours: Open Daily 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
NADC Burger channels tropical vibes in its cocktail selection. Try the Night Fever, which combines smoky mezcal with melon and cucumber for a cooling effect. The Deathwish cocktail mixes rum, allspice, and boba for a blend of richness and sweetness. Their Tokyo Fishhouse Punch is aromatic and layered with Japanese whisky and coconut, making for an intriguing drinking experience.

These establishments reflect the adventurous spirit of Denver’s cocktail culture, serving drinks that are memorable in both flavor and creativity.

Nestled on top of Bow Market in Somerville is Nook, a stylish cocktail bar renowned for its inviting atmosphere and a unique cinema-themed drink menu that changes every three to four months. Recently, the theme revolves around iconic films, offering cocktails inspired by classics like "The Silence of the Lambs" with the “Little Starling” cocktail, which features a fava bean shrub and chianti float, and "The Big Lebowski," represented by “The Other Lebowski,” a blend of clarified milk punch and cold brew.

While visiting, I decided to try “The Substance,” named after Coralie Fargeat’s body horror film. It was served in a whiskey glass with a tajin-lime garnish. Although the drink’s color was more subdued than expected, its flavor was vibrant, spicy, and refreshing. My companion opted for “The Long Goodbye,” a mix of house rum, Aperol, coffee, cinnamon, lime, and wormwood bitters, which was just the right balance of spice and sweetness, beautifully served in a highball glass.

I also tasted “Gordon Cole,” a nod to "Twin Peaks," featuring ingredients like Vecchio Amaro del Capo, Aperol, lemon juice, and baijiu. The drink was as bold and unexpected as the TV show, with a striking shade of luminescent orange.

Nook is known for its inventive cocktails, often featuring unusual elements such as mascarpone-washed vodka or gouda-washed Irish whiskey, and all infusions and ingredients are made in-house by a creative bartending team. This dedication to experimentation has produced some equally unique past offerings, including dashi-infused whiskey and feta-infused rum.

As a part of Bow Market, guests at Nook can take their drinks outdoors, enjoying them around the market while exploring the other shops and eateries. The ambiance, particularly in the evening with candlelit tables, makes Nook an ideal spot for a date or a cozy gathering, providing an especially charming environment for those seeking a themed cocktail experience in Union Square.

For more information, visit Nook.