Classics, Recipes

Sidecar

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Sidecar. Getty Images photo

The proportions for this drink have changed since it was invented in the 1920s, so feel free to adjust them to your liking.

• 2 oz Cognac (or brandy, if you’re on a budget)

• 1 oz Cointreau

• 1 oz lemon juice

• Garnish: Optional sugar rim; lemon or orange twist

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Classics, Recipes

20th Century

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20th Century cocktail. Getty Images photo

The original recipe from 1937 called for Kina Lillet, which is no longer available—Lillet Blanc makes a good substitute in this Art Deco cocktail.

• 1.5 oz gin

• 0.75 oz Lillet Blanc

• 0.5 oz light crème de cacao

• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

• Garnish: Lemon twist

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Classics, Recipes

Aviation

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Aviation cocktail. Getty Images photo

Many recipes leave out the crème de violette, but it is essential, not just for the blue colour it gives the drink, but the way it balances the other ingredients.

• 2 oz gin

• 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur

• 0.25 oz crème de violette

• 0.5 oz lemon juice

• Garnish: Flamed lemon peel or brandied cherry

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Recipes

Cinnamon-Cardamom Crème Cocktail

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Cinnamon Cardamom Creme Cocktail. Photo courtesy of Mainland Whisky

This recipe from Mainland Whisky was inspired by the Surrey Spice Trail—and made possible by an unexpected gift of cardamom pods. Note that using oat milk makes it creamy, but still approachable for those who can’t consume lactose.

• 1.5 oz Mainland Cinnamon Whisky

• 0.5 oz cardamom simple syrup (see note)

• 2 oz oat milk

• 2 drops bergamot bitters.

• Optional garnish: Cinnamon stick

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Recipes

Century Mule

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Century Mule. Photo courtesy of Dominion Bar + Kitchen

At Dominion Bar + Kitchen, the food is “New Canadian,” or classics with a twist, and this cocktail is no exception. A tropical take on the classic Moscow Mule, it was meant to be an in-house “secret” drink named for the restaurant’s parent company (Century Group). Turned out the secret was too good not to share, and it has become a customer favourite.

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 0.5 oz Giffard Caribbean Pineapple liqueur

• 0.5 oz ginger simple syrup (see note)

• 0.5 oz passionfruit syrup

• 1 oz lime juice

• 4 oz ginger beer

• 3 dashes angostura bitters

• Garnish: Lime wedge

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Recipes

Badam da Naasha (High on Almonds)

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Badam Da Naasha. Photo courtesy of My Shanti

This recipe from Vikram Vij’s restaurant My Shanti in South Surrey is delicate and sophisticated with the subtle taste of almonds and saffron. It is also beautiful, thanks to its silver leaf garnish.

• 1 oz vodka

• 0.75 oz saffron simple syrup (see note)

• Pinch of cardamom powder

• 1 to 2 oz chilled almond milk

• Garnish: Silver leaf, crushed pistachios

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Recipes

Band-e-Amir

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Band-e-Amir. Photo courtesy of Afghan Kitchen

The blue hue of this cocktail from Afghan Kitchen comes from Victoria Distillers Empress 1908 gin and is inspired by the six deep blue lakes in Afghanistan.

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 oz Giffard passionfruit syrup

• 1 egg white or 1 dropper of vegan foamer

• Optional garnish: Dried butterfly pea flower

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Recipes

Flannel by the Fire

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Matthew Benevoli photo

Make this cocktail with Matthew Benevoli’s West Coast Spiced Rum. 

• 1 oz West Coast Spiced Rum

• 1 oz Pineau des Charentes

• 0.75 oz mandarin juice

• 0.33 oz lemon juice

• 0.25 oz Chili Syrup (recipe below)

• 2 dashes cocoa bitters

• 1 egg white or 1 dropper of Ms. Better’s Miraculous Foamer

• Garnish: 3 to 4 drops of cocoa bitters

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