How do you improve upon the very formula that brought us the Old Fashioned? Subjectively speaking, many may argue that it's impossible. But from a technical — or technical cocktail terminology — perspective, there is an historic answer. Tristan Brunel, bar director at New York's Tusk Bar, joins us today to explore the Improved Whiskey Cocktail and convince us of the merits of adding maraschino and absinthe to this tried-and-tested classic. Listen on, or read below, to learn Tristan's Improved Whiskey Cocktail recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!

Tristan Brunel's Improved Whiskey Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 barspoon gum syrup
• 1 (small) barspoon Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
• 3-4 dashes absinthe
• 3 small dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 ¼ ounces rye whiskey, such as Rittenhouse

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass over ice.
4. Express a lemon twist and drop it into the drink.

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Laura Maddox, bar manager-owner at Austin's Small Victory, joins us today to dissect the Stinger. Dubbed "the king of after-dinner cocktails," Laura teaches us how to master this two-ingredient mix of Cognac and creme de menthe. Listen on, or read below, to learn Laura's Stinger recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!

Laura Maddox's Stinger Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ounce creme de menthe, such as Tempus Fugit or Giffard
• 2 ounces Cognac, such as Frapin, Dudognon, or Brandy Sainte Louise

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with Clinebell ice.
2. Stir until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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• Small Victory Bar: https://www.instagram.com/smallvictorybar/
• Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy

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Jason Hedges, beverage director at Laurent Tourondel Hospitality, author of “The Seasonal Cocktail,” and founding partner at the beverage consulting firm, Bar IQ, joins us today for our third New-York-bourough-inspired cocktail, The Brooklyn. Listen on to discover Jason's take on (and recipe for) this "improved" Manhattan riff— and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!

Jason Hedges' Brooklyn Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye, such as Michter's
• ¾ ounce dry vermouth, such as Dolin
• ¼ ounce Maraschino Liqueur
• ¼ ounce Bigallet China-China
• Garnish: preserved cherry/orange twist

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stire until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora (or Coupe) glass.
4. Garnish and serve.

📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com

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• VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/
• Jason: https://www.instagram.com/jason.hedges/
• Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy

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