The great David Wondrich identifies the very first instance of the word “cocktail” in print in “The Farmer’s Cabinet” from Amherst, New Hampshire on 28 April 1803:
Drank a glass of cocktail — excellent for the head ... Call'd at the Doct's. found Burnham — he looked very wise — drank another glass of cocktail.
The word itself originally referred to a mixed breed horse, but came to designate the curious, hair of the dog concoction New Englanders were taking to cure their hangovers that they made from a liquor of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters—ice didn’t factor in till the 1830s.
We have come a long way from this—not that that is always a good thing, try an Old Fashioned or a Sazerac for a treat—and the cocktail holds many meanings today. Here at the BBC, the cocktail means one thing: quality. We use fresh juices and the choicest alcohols. Period. No substitutions and no excuses. We are here to serve the classics, serve them well, and let our work speak for itself. Cheers.
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1820 Cocktail 1820 11
We decided to make a cocktail as it would have tasted circa-1820. This is a true cocktail, not that stuff you barely remember from the frat days. As such: water, sweet, sour, spice, and strong.
Michter's Rye Whiskey, Orange, Orange Bitters, Club Soda, & Simple Syrup
Angostura Horse's Neck - 1908
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In this, as in all the gin cocktails on this list, do not fear the gin! This is one dynamite warm-weather liquid comestible. If you would like a traditional Horse's Neck, ask for bourbon.
Plymouth Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Angostura Bitters, & Ginger Beer
Aviation - 1910
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This is one of the great cocktails of the turn of the century. The Aviation possesses a distinctive flavor that builds on the palate. Maraschino has a unique flavor, so this drink is not for everyone.
Zephyr Elder Flower Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, & Fresh Lemon Juice
Bellini - 1934
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So there you are at Harry’s bar in Venice hanging out with Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis, and Orson Welles, and you want to try and fit in with that crowd—here’s your ticket. Can be made with raspberry upon request.
Champagne & Peach Puree
The Blood & the Sand - 1922
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Inspired by the 1922 Rudolph Valentino film of the same name, this cocktail is guaranteed to impress, despite it's somewhat unlikely combination of ingredients. How a film about Spanish matadors inspired the blending of scotch and sweet vermouth is beyond this writer, but the result is a classic.
Glenrothes Select Single Malt Scotch, Fresh Orange Juice, Sweet Vermouth, & Cherry Heering
Bloody Mary - 1934
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The origin of this drink is disputed, but it is not disputed that in 1934 it became a spicy drink and not just tomato and vodka. The spicy part is our inspiration; hold onto your taste buds.
Our recipe is secret.
The Boulevardier - 1927
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This drink dates from Prohibition and bears the marks of an American bartender, in this case Harry McElhone of Harry's, transplanted in an European milieu rich with previously unavailable liquor notes. A rough contemporary of the Negroni, and with obvious similarities, this is a burly cocktail that stands on its own.
Pike's Reserve Rye, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Buster Brown - 1999
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Deference where deference is due: this cocktail was conceived by the masters at Absinthe in San Francisco, and we humbly include it in our own offerings. This drink is a perfectly balanced vehicle for driving a straight shot of delicious straight to the dome. Lovers of the Manhattan take notice, there is a new whiskey cocktail on the block!
Bulleit Bourbon, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup & Regan's Bitters
Caipirinha - 1900
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The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national drink, and has been served there since, at least, the dawn of the 20th century.
Sagatiba Cachaça, Fresh Lime Juice, & Simple Syrup
The Calvados Cocktail - 1930
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A shining society cocktail conceived in the depths of the Depression. Escape into this sweet yet complex celebration of apples and oranges; well, apple brandy and blood oranges that is. You will relish this sweet diversion.
Le Compte Calvados, Fresh Orange Juice, Cointreau, & Blood Orange Bitters
Champagne Mojito - 1923
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Why mess with a good thing? Because champagne makes everything better.
Bacardi Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Mint, Champagne, & Simple Syrup
The Corpse Reviver #9 - 1895
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The name of this drink should be warning enough. To give you an idea of how much our drinking ancestors would smoke us in a drinking competition, this was a hair of the dog drink. Harry Craddock of the Savoy said that “Four taken in quick succession will unrevive the corpse again.” Hardly, four will more likely put you in a coma.
Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, Green Chartreuse, Fresh Lemon Juice, Absinthe, & assorted sundry secrets
Cosmopolitan - 1985
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The legendary Dale DeGroff claims not to have really invented this drink, but he is being modest. There is a picture of him handing one of these to Madonna at the Rainbow Room in New York, and now everyone and their mother orders them. He taught me his personal recipe. Try one, it’ll be just one more thing you have in common with Madonna. We have a pomegranate version available by request.
Snow Queen Vodka, Cointreau, Lime, & Cranberry Juice
Daiquiri - 1905
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When thinking of Kennedy and Cuba, one thinks first of…the daiquiri! Cuba’s native drink and Kennedy’s favorite cocktail (and Hemingway’s as well). If you have never had a real daiquiri, treat yourself, this is a real drink and not some blended strawberry affair. Our recipe comes from the 1935 Bar La Floridita Cocktails. Try yours Hemingway style for a bit more (double the rum and with a hit of grapefruit juice).
Bacardi Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, & Simple Syrup
The Definitive Lemon Drop - 1974
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This perennial classic originated at Henry Africa’s in San Francisco. The lemon drop became a favorite of yuppies, and now it can become a favorite of yours once more. We replace the sour mix with fresh ingredients.
Ketel One Vodka, Cointreau, Fresh Lemon Juice, & Simple Syrup
Eighteenth Amendment - 2009
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This delectation is culled from a pre-Prohibition cocktail manual, and tweaked for a contemporary palate. This is not a beginner's drink. If cocktails were an college course, and for many of us they were, this would be Cocktails 302. Sip on this one, and let everyone else at the table bask in the refracted glory of your cocktail expertise.
Saffron Infused Gin, Lillet, Luxardo Maraschino, & Bitters
The Georgia Collins - 1885
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A brilliant refresher for any day. The Collins family is a particularly broad one, and we welcome the addition of their Southern cousin. Sidle or sashay your way over to this oh so proper marriage of Southern spirit and Georgia peach. Mmmm, howdy.
Pike's Rye, Fresh Lemon Juice, White Peach Puree, & Soda
Gimlet - 1892
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Looking for a drink that also fends off the dreaded scurvy? Look no further. The enlisted men drink rum, officers drink gimlets.
Bombay Sapphire Gin/Ketel One Vodka & Fresh Lime juice
Ginger Rogers -
1999
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Another drink inspired by the masters at Absinthe in San Francisco, this drink is the boss's absolute favorite drink. Essentially a spicy mojito, this drink is the most refreshing answer to any summer day. Try one and you will have another. Ask for a Sleepyhead if you would like to try our orange & brandy variation.
Tangueray Rangpur, House-made Black Pepper & Ginger Infused Simple Syrup, Fresh Mint, Fresh Lime & Australian Ginger Beer
Ginger Sling - 2008
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Lovers of ginger rejoice. This is your drink—spicy and to the point.
Hangar One Vodka & Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
Gloom Chaser - 1928
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Harry Craddock, head barman at The Savoy in the 20s and 30s, is the inspiration for this cocktail, based on The Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930. This one lifts the clouds.
Gran Gala, Chambord, Senor Curacao, & Lemon
Golden Dawn - 1927
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The United Kingdom Bartenders' Guild named this the "World's Finest Cocktail" in 1930; Noel Coward would be so pleased. However, this gem heralds from a Rogers and Hammerstein Operetta of the same name. The eminently forgettable and odious operetta featured such dubious hits as "Ode to Domestic Violence," but we assure you the drink is far more memorable and delicious.
Calvados, Bombay Sapphire, Fresh Orange Juice, & Grenadine
Hanky Panky - 1910
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I put this drink on the menu in the vain hope that someone will ever order it. It's dubious name comes from the British sense of the term (namely, "magic and legerdemain"), and derives from London's Savoy's original bartender, Ada Coleman. She created this concoction for Noel Coward's mentor, Sir Charles Hawtrey, who, according to Ted Haigh, took one sip and exclaimed "By Jove! That is the real hanky-panky!"
Bombay Sapphire, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, & Fernet Branca
Infidelity - 2008
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This cocktail will change the way that you think about rum. Another one of our top beta list hits, this cocktail impresses. Strong and subtle, this is a winner.
Zaya 12 Rum, Lime, Mint, Angostura Bitters, & Simple Syrup
London Cocktail - 1927
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This is a drink that tinkers about in several of the old cocktail guides, and we have added our own ginger twist. This is a subtly complex libation, and is suitable for the discriminating palate.
North Shore Gin, Angostura Orange Bitters, Fresh Lemon Juice, Obsello Absinthe, & Simple Syrup
Lucretia Borgia - 2008
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Do you like great drinks? Well, you are going to love this one. It looks likes desert, and tastes like a chocolate milkshake.
Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, Milk, Chocolate, & Whipped Cream
Mai Tai - 1944
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Originally served at Trader Vic’s in Oakland. This is not the pink frou-frou affair, but a real imbiber’s choice.
Our Mai Tai recipe is secret.
Manhattan - 1872
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You may be at a British bar, but do not let that stop you from savoring the flavors of the New World. We add some California Style Blood Orange Bitters to our recipe. Taste the difference.
Maker's Mark Bourbon, Noilly Prat Vermouth, & Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters
Margarita - 1930
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No ice, not blended, and no umbrella here—this is a serious drink. Try the original. Named Esquire’s “Drink of the Month” for December 1953. Ask if you would like yours sweet. Hola.
Hacienda de los Diaz Reposado Tequila, Gran Gala, & Fresh Lime Juice
The Menlo Mutt - 2010
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The newest cocktail on our list, this sublimely refreshing drink features local talent. Special thanks to Dave Classick Jr. for bringing his Mountain View distilled Bierschnaps to our attention, and now to yours. Have one of these in our copper mugs and we promise you will have another.
Classick Bierschnaps, Fresh Lemon Juice, TRU Organic Hibiscus Liqueur, & Ginger Beer
Mint Julep - 1803
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Originally served in London bars, and probably with brandy at that, this is the drink the Kentucky Derby made famous—or, perhaps, the other way around. We substitute bourbon for brandy, using Jerry Thomas’ 1887 recipe.
Basil Hayden Bourbon, Mint, & Simple Syrup
Moscow Mule - 1941
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Conceived in a fortuitous meeting between Jack Morgan, of Cock 'n' Bull Ginger Beer, and Rudolph Kunett, president of Smirnoff vodka. They decided to combine their products with a squeeze of lime, and the resulting product is credited with making vodka overtake gin as the nation's most popular spirit. Our recipe is ours to keep, but we start with Russian Standard vodka.
The Most Dangerous Cocktail on the Menu - 1750
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We thank our friend Adam for introducing this Polish classic to the menu. It is hard to describe this drink except to say that is reminiscent of fresh apple juice and vanilla and goes down way, way too easily. Watch out.
Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka & Apple Juice
Negroni - 1919
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This drink was originally served to Count Negroni as a variation of his favorite drink, the “Americano.” This drink is our favorite, but Campari isn’t for everyone. Stand aside plebeians.
Northshore Gin, Campari, & Noilly Prat Vermouth
Old Fashioned - 1830
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One of the very first cocktails, we make our Old Fashioned the old fashioned way: no fruit unless requested. Sweet, Spice, & Spirit: that’s it, no bull___ in this classic.
Maker's Mark Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, & Simple Syrup
The Pegu Club Mix- 1922
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Pegu (Bagu) is a city and state in Burma that was founded in 573, and boasts a rich history that bears little on this fine drink. This classic hails from the British occupation of Pegu and their bar there, The Pegu Club, of which Rudyard Kipling wrote that it was "filled with lots of people either on their way up or their way down." Colonialism and dry wit aside, this drink is subtly sweet and hits all the right notes.
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice, Chambord, & VeeV Acai Liqueur
Persephone - 2009
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This should rightly be called “Persephone in the Underworld,” but brevity rules the naming of cocktails. Part margarita, part mojito, part pomegranate, and 100% delicious.
Fresh Mint, Luxardo Maraschino, Herradura Blanco, Fresh Lime, House-Made Honey & Lavander Infused Simple Syrup, & La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
Pisco Sour - 1872
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This drink is not vegan. These unlikely ingredients produce an intensely delicious libation. Do not miss out on this one!
Pisco Brandy, Fresh Lime Juice, Egg, & Simple Syrup
Ramos Gin Fizz - 1888
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Invented in 1888 by Henry Ramos of Meyer's Restaurant in New Orleans. The man was a genius. Perfectly clean and refreshing, this drink is an absolute classic, and we treat it with the respect it deserves. Please treat yourself to this one, everyone else at the table will be jealous. This drink is not vegan.
Bombay Sapphire, Fresh Lime Juice, Orange Flower Water, Cream, Simple Syrup & Egg
Red Satin Panties - 2008
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Help this new cocktail take off…er, that doesn’t come off so clean does it…er, just enjoy this cocktail.
Peach Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cranberry, & Simple Syrup
Rum Crusta - 1850
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By the time Jerry Thomas published his first cocktail book in 1862, this drink was an established classic, and one sip will tell you why. Most drinks from the 19th century require a certain palate recalibration, but not this drink. This is delicious from sip one, and is fantastic utilization of dark rum in all its nuances.
Sailor Jerry Rum, Cointreau, Luxardo Maraschino, & Fresh Lemon Juice.
Sazerac - 1830
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This is the oldest known American cocktail. It is still popular in New Orleans. If you would like a hit of cognac in your Sazerac, ask for a “Prescription Sazerac.”
Ri1 Rye Whiskey, Le Tourment Vert Absinthe, Peychaud Bitters, & Simple Syrup
Sideways - 1922
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This is the BBC's take on the perennially classic Sidecar. We make our own honey and lavender infused simple syrup that lends this old favorite a silky sweetness that rests on the palate, and will leave you clamoring for more.
Hennessey VS, Fresh Lemon Juice, Honey and Lavender Infused Simple Syrup, & Gran Gala
Sinful - 2007
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One of the big hits from last year’s cocktail menu, this drink continues to please. This drink has a green pear flavor accentuated by a touch of citrus.
Absolut Pear Vodka, 7up, & Fresh Lemon Juice
Sloe Gin Fizz - 1887
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Good enough for Jerry Thomas in 1887, and good enough Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright's Native Son. This drink is powerful, but tastes like nothing at all. We use Plymouth's new, traditionally made Sloe Gin—a far cry from the corn syrup derived liqueur of your Alabama Slamma' days. Truly a divine drink, it is reminiscent of a cranberry lemonade fizz.
Plymouth Sloe Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, & Club Soda
Teaches of Peaches - 2009
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Peaches and cognac, who would have figured? This drink strikes the same balance a properly made Cosmopolitan should: a refreshing sweetness that complements, but does not overpower the liquor. We start with a Japanese, White Peach puree, and then add the magic.
White Peach Puree, Simple Syrup, Courvoisier VS, Peach Bitters, & Fresh Lemon Juice
Tom Collins - 1874
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This isn't the disgusting sour mix monster of the 1970s; we use all fresh ingredients in deference to the classic recipe. “Have you seen Tom Collins?” He’s around the corner at the BBC. Try Tom, his cousin John, or the true original Genever variety. We use the professor’s, Jerry Thomas’, 1876 recipe, with or without the gum Arabic.
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lemon, Club Soda, & Simple Syrup
Whiskey Sour - 1862
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Don’t skip this one! This isn’t just that drink grandma used to put down, or the one that you feel embarrassed ordering for your buddy who doesn’t know his or her stuff. There is no gooey, icky, syrupy sour mix in this gem. This is the classic, it is delicious, and, as such, should be enjoyed.
Bernheim Whiskey, Lemon, & Simple Syrup
Bartender’s Special - 2009
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A different shot is conceived by your bartender at every shift change. Inquire with your server.
