Brown Derby

Brown Derby cocktail. Getty images photo

This Prohibition-era classic, updated by Robyn Gray, was named for the hat-shaped Los Angeles diner and originally called a De Rigueur cocktail.

• 2 oz Bakers 7yr Bourbon

• 1 oz grapefruit juice

• 0.75 oz honey syrup (see note)

• 2 tsp lime juice

• Garnish: Grapefruit slice.

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The Nightmare Before Christmas

Nightmare Before Christmas. Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Empress Hotel

This boo-zy concoction is only available at the Fairmont Empress’ Q Bar from October 29 to 31, but with this recipe, you can enjoy its spooktacular flavours all through fall.

• 1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey

• 0.75 oz ghost pepper reduction (or other hot sauce)

• 1 oz lemon juice

• 0.5 oz Amaro Averna

• Garnish: 1 toasted marshmallow, powdered blood orange (available online or at gourmet markets)

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Geraniol Gin Cosmo

Geraniol Gin Cosmo. Nick Halim photo

Recipe from Stillhead Distillery, created by Mitch Poirier and reprinted with permission from The BC Spirits Cocktail Book by Shawn Soole.

• 3 snap peas

• 1.75 oz Stillhead London Dry Gin

• 0.25 oz Arbutus Limoncello

• 0.5 oz cranberry cordial

• 0.5 oz lemon juice

• 1 dash of Ms. Better’s Black Pepper Cardamom Bitters

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Bebesita

Bebesita. Origami Social photo

Recipe courtesy of Bodega on Main

• 1.5 oz Pisco El Gobernador

• 0.5 oz Koch Espadin Mezcal

• 1 oz Peach and Chili Pepper Shrub

• 0.5 oz Lemon

• 0.5 oz Lime

• 0.5 oz Egg White

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Poet’s Dream

Poet’s Dream. Getty Images photo

When this cocktail appeared in the 1935 Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, it was an equal-parts cocktail and, like La Louisiane, has been made stronger and less sweet over time. Some versions are almost Martini dry; this one retains enough liqueur to highlight its sweet spice.

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz dry vermouth

• 0.5 oz. Bénédictine

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• Garnish: lemon twist

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De La Louisiane

De La Louisiane. Getty Images photo

The original La Louisiane cocktail dates back to the late 19th century in New Orleans, where it featured equal amounts of rye, vermouth and Bénédictine. This contemporary version, which is far less sweet, is adapted from The PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan (2011).

2 oz rye whisky

0.75 oz Bénédictine

0.75 oz sweet vermouth

3 dashes absinthe

3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

Garnish: 3 brandied cherries

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Ampersand 50/50 Martini

Ampersand Distilling’s 50/50 Martini. Supplied photo

As the author of a forthcoming book on essential cocktails, Ampersand co-founder Jessica Schacht recommends this sophisticated classic to make the most of the distillery’s award-winning spirits.

1.5 oz Ampersand Gin

1.5 oz Imperative Dry Vermouth

Garnish: lemon twist

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Margarita

Margarita. Getty Images photo

The classic, ideal for sipping all summer long, is Trevor Kallies’ suggested cocktail.

• 1.5 oz Altos Silver Tequila

• 0.5 oz Curacao, Triple Sec or Cointreau

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 1 tsp simple syrup (1:1)

• Garnish: salted rim

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Division Bell

Division Bell. Getty Images photo

Robyn Gray recommends this contemporary classic with a subtle smoky note.

• 1 oz Los Siete Misterios Mezcal Doba-Yej

• 1 oz Aperol

• 1 oz maraschino liqueur

• 1 oz lemon juice

• Garnish: grapefruit zest

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Paloma

Paloma. Getty images photo

Sabrine Dhaliwal offers her take on the easy-drinking Mexican classic.

• 2 oz Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco

• 1.5 oz grapefruit juice

• 0.75 oz lime juice

• 0.75 oz agave nectar

• Soda water

• Garnish: salted rim, grapefruit half-moon.

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