Gimlet
A retro cocktail making a comeback.

1 1/2 oz. gin
1/2 ounce Rose's lime juice

Pour the gin and lime juice into a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lime.

For a vodka gimlet, substitute vodka for gin.

Old Fashioned
The last time I was in the liquor store buying ingredients for an old fashioned, the store clerk asked if my mother-in-law was in town.

Dash of bitters
1 sugar cube or 1 tsp. of sugar
1 tsp. water
Cocktail cherry
Orange wedge
2 oz. whiskey or bourbon

*Put bitters, sugar, and water in a glass and stir gently until sugar dissolves. Toss in a cherry and orange wedge. Add enough ice cubes to fill the glass and pour in bourbon. More ice can be added if desired.

			Mastering the Martini
			A recipe for the classic cocktail, plus tips for making it perfect
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Manhattan
An essential cocktail in American bars for over a century.

1 1/2 oz. rye whiskey or bourbon
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
Dash of bitters, if desired
Maraschino cherries

*Combine whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass over ice. Shake or stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

*Perfect Manhattan: use equal parts of sweet & dry vermouth. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Mojito
The drink of the islands from Coastal Living magazine.

1 tsp. sugar
1 tbs. lime juice
Fresh mint sprigs
Ice
1 oz. premium dry white rum
2 oz. club soda

*Mix 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and several sprigs of fresh mint (about 6-8 leaves) in a tall glass.

*Using a wooden spoon, lightly mash the mixture in the bottom of the glass to ensure the blending of flavors. This step can be done 30 minutes ahead in numerous glasses. The longer it sits, the better the flavor.

*Add 4 to 6 cubes of ice, 1 ounce premium dry white rum, and 2 ounces club soda. Stir well, garnish with mint, and serve.

Sidecar
2 oz. brandy
1 oz. Cointreau (use less expensive triple sec if you're on a budget)
1/2 oz. lemon juice

*Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Simple Syrup Recipe
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
*Put one cup of water in a small saucepan. Add two cups of sugar and heat to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Using a funnel, pour liquid into container that will hold at least a cup and a half. Seal and store in refrigerator indefinitely.

Use whenever a recipe calls for simple sugar or simple syrup.