The classics are in--again. Outfit your next happy hour with gear from the pros to really make them shine.
We're all for creativity, but when it comes to our favorite party cocktails, we'll take the simple ones our grandparents sipped. We're not above a little tinkering, though. For each of these traditional drinks, we've got three easy upgrades--showstopper glassware, a bottle of booze, and an unexpected twist--that'll have you sipping in a whole new way. Remember, deliciousness is in the details.
Makes 1. Combine 1/4 cup rye whiskey, 2 tbsp. sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters in a glass filled with ice. Stir until outside of glass is very cold. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass; garnish with 1 cherry.
THE TWIST:
These plump, boozy, not- too-sweet cherries elevate the world's best drink. Barker & Mills Bourbon Vanilla Cocktail Cherries, $12/9 oz.; thebostonshaker.com.THE GLASS:
Nick & Nora glass, $10; thebostonshaker.comTHE LIQUOR:
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, $41
Makes 1. Pour 1/4 cup club soda, 3 tbsp. vodka, and 1 tbsp. ginger syrup into a Moscow Mule mug filled with ice; stir gently to combine. Garnish with 2 lime wedges.
THE TWIST:
Made with only ginger and sugar, this syrup gives your Mule real kick. Morris Kitchen Ginger Syrup, $13/8 oz.; regiongeneralstore.com.THE GLASS:
Moscow Mule mug, $15; cocktailkingdom.comTHE LIQUOR:
Karlsson's Gold Vodka, $30
Makes 1. Place 2" ice ball in a double Old Fashioned glass. Pour 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey over.
THE TWIST:
A large ice cube melts slowly, so your whiskey doesn't get watered down. Plus, it looks amazing. 2" Ice Ball Molds, $7; cocktailkingdom.com.THE GLASS:
Ralph Lauren Home Broughton Double Old Fashioned glass, $95; ralphlauren.comTHE LIQUOR:
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon, $60
(Illustrations by Claire McCracken)