Cocktail Recipes

The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail that emerged during Prohibition. This simple gin, lemon, and honey drink was devised to mask the harsh taste of the subpar spirits available at the time. The name, a popular slang term during the 1920s, means the “best” or “most excellent” – a fitting moniker for a cocktail that’s stood the test of time. Today,…

The Sidecar is one of those classic cocktails that never goes out of style, much like the fashion of its purported era. A concoction of cognac, Dry Curaçao, and fresh lemon juice, this cocktail exudes sophistication, class, and an old-world charm. And just like the sidecar motorcycle it’s named after, it provides a smooth yet thrilling ride. The Sidecar: A Brief History…

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of the Aviation – a classic pre-Prohibition era cocktail. This enchanting libation is renowned for its striking hue and balanced flavors, providing a delightful glimpse into the past while dazzling modern palates. Originating from the early 20th century, the Aviation first appeared in print in Hugo Ensslin’s 1916…

The Protected Bike Lane – it’s not just the name of Ann Arbor’s exciting new downtown traffic development, it’s also the name of a recent custom cocktail creation. A celebratory homage to this game-changing local project, The Protected Bike Lane cocktail mirrors its real-world counterpart in boldness and embodies the spirit of progress and excitement in its unique blend of flavors. This…

In the pantheon of classic cocktails, few have a history as rich and flavors as complex as The Last Word. First crafted during the prohibition era at the Detroit Athletic Club, this enchanting elixir has experienced a remarkable renaissance in the past few decades. As you savor its bright, herbal taste, it’s hard to imagine that this cocktail was nearly forgotten, only…

There’s nothing quite like spending an autumn night around a crackling campfire, the air crisp and filled with the scent of burning wood and the taste of shared treats. This inspired me to create a cocktail that encapsulates this quintessential fall experience — the Autumn Ember. This complex concoction, designed for special occasions, takes you on a sensory journey back to the…

As the sun blazed down on a hot summer afternoon, a gathering of friends and colleagues gathered in a backyard to bid farewell to a beloved individual embarking on a new journey. The mood was a mix of sadness to see them leave and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead. To mark this bittersweet occasion, I crafted the perfect cocktail, the…

For a period of time, and perhaps even still to a dedicated few, a cocktail known as the Sky Breeze reigned supreme in the rarefied atmosphere of Delta Airlines flights. This was not your average in-flight drink; the Sky Breeze was an esoteric libation with its own dedicated following, a cocktail cult, if you will. While the Sky Breeze is based on…

I created the Inclement Weather when I was commissioned to make a signature drink for a relative. They were pretty open to whatever ingredients I wanted to use so I tried to focus the flavor of the drink on their personality. Picture yourself in a private lounge– but it’s also a library– built in an old building, you walk through the stacks…