Nitro Espresso Martini

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If you work in a bar with a draft system, it’s relatively easy to put an Espresso Martini on tap and let the nitrogen do its magic. For home bartenders, here’s how to get a similar effect using an iSi nitrogen dispenser. (Recipe adapted from iSi.com.)

• 10 oz cold brew coffee

• 2 oz coffee liqueur

• 4 oz vodka

• 1 oz simple or vanilla syrup

• Garnish: coffee beans

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Espresso Martini

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The key to this cocktail is using hot espresso—if the coffee is cold, it won’t form the “crema,” the creamy foam on top that is the drink’s signature. The three coffee beans represent health, wealth and happiness.

• 2 oz vodka

• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

• 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed and hot

• 0.5 oz simple syrup (or to taste) 

• Garnish: coffee beans

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Orange liqueur

Getty Images photo. Beat the Triple Sec shortage by making your own orange liqueur. Getty Images photo

Short of triple sec? Make your own

It seems there will be no end to the supply chain issues that have drained back bars of essential spirits these past two years. This summer, for instance, it looks like we’re facing a shortage of Aperol, just in time for spritz season, so drink up while you can.

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Line Item

Line Item cocktail. Photo courtesy of Freehouse Collective

This vodka-based cocktail from The Stock Room incorporates two different floral notes (lavender and hibiscus) for an exceptionally refreshing flavour profile. 

• 2 oz Absolut vodka

• 0.5 oz lavender syrup (note below)

• 1 oz lemon juice

• 3 to 4 oz Oddity Hibiscus Mint Kombucha

• Garnish: lavender or hibiscus flower or mint sprig

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Hive & Soul

Bar Susu’s Hive & Soul cocktail. Sarah Annand photo

Bar Susu’s “briny Martini” cocktail, created by Joe Casson, rides a perfectly seasoned knife edge of sweet and savoury, and is called “Hive & Soul” because of the live element of the fermented honey. Note that it should be served in a “super-cute vintage coupe.”

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Century Mule

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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Badam da Naasha (High on Almonds)

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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