Best Cocktails: Pick Your Poison

(Photo by Steve Korn)

Our favorite new takes on drinks made with classic liquors offer something for the beginning, advanced and experienced drinker looking for a twist.

Note: While some of these drinks may not be listed on an establishment’s cocktail menu, the bartenders will make them upon request.

Rum		Vodka
From “yo-ho-ho” to the Bahama Mama, rum has an awkward history. But like the liquid in the bottle, the onetime fearsome reputation of the liquor—once known as kill-devil—has mellowed with age, and today this sugarcane spirit is among the most diverse and versatile liquors around. Beginner: La Floridita, $11 at Naga at Chantanee Thai Light rum (Cruzan preferred), sweet vermouth, lime juice, house grenadine, crème de cacao Intermediate: Corn & Oil, $6.50 at Feedback Lounge House Falernum, squeeze of fresh lime and dark rum (Cruzan Blackstrap preferred) Advanced: Barbarella, $9 at Bricco Haitian rum (Barbancourt 5-star preferred), Aperol, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice and prosecco		The word vodka derives from the Russian voda, which means water. Vodka can be made from nearlyanything (grains, potatoes, beets, grapes) because it is distilled to the point of neutrality, then filtered (usually with charcoal) to further remove any impurities that might give it flavor. While much of vodka’s popularity can be attributed to its being flavorless, the best have subtle flavors and textural differences that make them unique, and occasionally, very good in cocktails. Here are some of our favorite local vodka cocktails: Beginner: Sale Parisien (Dirty Parisian), $8.50 at Bastille House vodka (Pinnacle preferred), house-made cornichon brine garnished with cornichon pickle Intermediate: Aelsking (“Darling”), $7 at The Copper Gate Vodka (Monopolowa preferred), mixologist Perryn Wright’s house-made rhubarb bitters, curaçao, cranberry juice Advanced: Provençal, $12 at John Howie Steak House-made chamomile-infused vodka (Frïs preferred), elderberry syrup, lemon juice, lavender honey, grated ginger, egg white, all shaken

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Best Cocktails: Pick Your Poison

Rum

Vodka