Knowing how to make a well-made cocktail is one of the hallmark skills a true gentleman should have. Whether you’re entertaining guests, or simply unwinding after a long day, knowing your way around these classic cocktails (with a twist) is a mark of sophistication and class. These are, arguably, the 5 best cocktail recipes that every gent should master. The main ingredient: a high-quality spirit is in order, yet topping it off with passion and a splash of creativity, is always a good idea.

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We won’t just tell you they’re the best, here’s how to MAKE these 5 iconic cocktail recipes:

• Classic Old Fashioned
• Upgraded Negroni
• Spicy Margarita
• Aged Manhattan
• Mai Tai

Classic Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is iconic, not only because it’s been around since the 1800s but that it exudes elegance and simplicity. A true classic. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the essence of a great spirit. Let’s begin with a classic Old Fashioned but, with a twist, using Angel’s Envy Bourbon finished in port barrels.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz, Angel’s Envy Bourbon

• 1, sugar cube
• 2 dashes, Angostura bitters
• An orange twist, for garnish (which for those of you that aren’t familiar, you take an orange, and use a knife to cut off a slice of the peel off the top; then twist firmly for some nice aromatics)

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
2. Add the Angostura bitters and a splash of water.
3. Muddle the sugar cube to dissolve it and create a simple syrup.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour Angel’s Envy Bourbon over the ice.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with an orange twist, maybe even rubbing it along the edge of the glass first for some extra aromatics, then placing it in the drink.

Upgraded Negroni

The Negroni, often described as the James Bond of cocktails, is a delightful, crimson elixir that packs a punch of both flavor and sophistication. This iconic drink was born in the roaring 1920s, an era of artistic rebellion and liberation, in the charming city of Florence, Italy. Here’s a slight upgrade that adds depth to the flavors while preserving the Negroni’s charm. Aviation Gin, which is an official sponsor of the NFL, is the perfect spirit to elevate this cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz, Aviation American Gin
• 3/4 oz, Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur
• 0.75 oz, Sweet Vermouth
• An orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled and properly diluted.
3. Strain the mixture into a rock glass with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Spicy Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz, 21 SEEDS Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Tequila (coming soon to Canada, a sister brand to Ryan Reynold’s Aviation Gin) — until then, the other option is to pop some Jalapeños in a mason jar and top with tequila. Not quite the same, but a good alternative for now.
• 1/2 oz, fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz, simple syrup
• A slice, lime and/or cucumber (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a shaker with 1.5 cups of ice.
2. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds (this is an underrated step that makes a significant difference).
3. Pour the mixture into a glass.
4. Garnish with a lime and/or cucumber slice, and serve.

Aged Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail’s origins are as mysterious as a magician’s disappearing act. Some say it was created in the Big Apple when a bartender spilled rye whisky into a glass of vermouth, and instead of crying over wasted spirits, a customer yelled, “Hey, I’ll drink that!” The Manhattan was born – a blend of chaos and delight, just like the city itself. By incorporating the exceptional Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, you can elevate the cocktail to a new level of sophistication.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz, Glenfiddich 14-year-old Scotch Whisky
• 1 oz, sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes, Angostura bitters
• 1, maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Glenfiddich 14-year-old Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir gently until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai, that vibrant and tropical concoction, has a legendary backstory as wild as a luau. Some say it was created by a Polynesian bartender named Trader Vic, who whipped it up as a secret elixir to impress his friends. He served it and exclaimed, “Mai Tai Roa Ae!” which allegedly means “Out of this world” in Tahitian. Raise your glass to the cocktail that’s basically a tropical vacation in a glass, no passport required. Cheers, mate!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz, Appleton Estate Rum
• 3/4 oz, lime juice
• 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
• 1/2 oz, orange liqueur
• A sprig, fresh mint (for garnish)
• A wheel, lime (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add Appleton Estate Rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rock glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.

As a modern gent, it’s not just about making drinks but crafting memorable experiences. Experiment with these cocktails, don’t be afraid to tweak the recipes to suit your personal taste and most importantly, have fun. But most importantly, always drink responsibly–and when you drink, don’t drive. Looking for more cocktail recipes and/or inspiration? Check out our sister platform, WanderEater.

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Sometimes dad makes it very easy and tells you what he wants for Father’s Day. Perhaps he’s left a little clue or a hint somewhere. Or maybe he hasn’t but you happen to know that he’s a whisky connoisseur of a certain variety. Regardless, the gents have you covered here with some whisky selections worth considering this Father’s Day.

See also: Patron releases new innovation in silver tequila

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica

Coffee and whisky collide in this special single-malt whisky. Pulling on the Guji and Harrar, two Ethiopian Arabica coffee beans, The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica captures the bold flavours of coffee satisfying the whisky and coffee connoisseur in your life.

Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Whisky

A blend of 50 full-bodied Canadian whiskies, matured and ready to be opened. With a hint of vanilla, this rich and robust Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Whisky will surely leave dad satisfied.

Angel’s Envy

Inspired by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, pour a glass of Angel’s Envy with aromas and flavours of subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup and toasted nuts. With its gold colour laced with reddish amber hues, this whisky tastes as good as it looks.

Woodford Reserve Five Malt Stouted Mash

Considered among the smoothest whiskies out there, the Woodford Reserve Five Malt Stouted Mash is a classic option for dad. Pour a glass of this and toast to the man who deserves the most.

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Whisky bars are on the rise across the city, opening up in the trendiest neighbourhoods and hotspots at lightning speed. Like tequila, whisky seems to be one of Toronto’s trendiest spirits, offering up complex flavours, exquisite cocktail creations, and different subcategories to make each sip perfect for its consumer. 

Bourbon is one of the specific subset of whiskeys, used for sipping and for mixing. Essentially, all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. In fact, there are specific laws that define what a bourbon is, engraving its place in history and ensuring that companies like Angel’s Envy, which just started offering its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels in Canada, craft a perfectly distilled spirit with consistency and efficiency. 

Bourbon’s legal requirements

For a whisky to be considered a bourbon, it must be produced in the United States, and at least 51% of the grain must be corn. In order for it to be legally described as bourbon, the grains must not be distilled over 160 proof (the proof calculates the alcohol content by doubling the alcohol percentage), and must be no higher than 125 proof when aged. Finally, when bottled, it must be a minimum of 80 proof to be considered bourbon. The proof requirements are in place to allow for more complex flavours to come out, many of which go away when the alcohol concentrations get too high early in the process. Also, nothing but water can be added to the spirit, and water can only be added to lessen the proof when necessary. 

There are also specific regulations concerning how the spirit is aged. Bourbon must be aged in charred new oak containers. Bourbon needs the first use of the barrel so that it can bring out sweeter flavour profiles when interacting with the char. 

A new bourbon comes to Canada: About Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon 

Recently, a new brand of whiskey took Canada by storm: Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels became widely available on shelves across the country following unprecedented demand when it first launched. The spirit, which is 86.6 proof (43.3% ABV), is crafted in Louisville Kentucky, a popular spot for bourbon creation. But, the Angel’s Envy Brand Home was the first ever full-production whiskey distillery in Louisville, opening in 2016 and recently undergoing a impressive expansion.  

Of course, Angel’s Envy Bourbon fits the proof requirement, and is evidently crafted in the United States. But, the charred new oak containers that age the spirit to meet regulations are only the first part of the process. What sets Angel’s Envy apart is their bourbon undergoes a secondary ageing process, spending four to six months port barrels sourced from Portugal, creating a unique flavour profile. Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight bourbon offers notes of vanilla, bitter chocolate and toasted nuts, as well as a finish of lingering sweetness that slowly fades, thanks to the port barrels. 

Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is available at LCBO in Ontario, and any local liquor store across the country for $79.95 (price may vary by province or retailer). 

In collaboration with Louisville Distilling Co LLC

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When it comes to holiday gifting, there is nothing better than a fine bottle of something special. Now picking the perfect bottle is dependent on each and every person. Each of us have our own style and preference, so if you have someone on your list who likes to indulge in brown spirits but you’re not sure where to start, we have you covered. Here are a few bottles to consider for clients, mixologist friends, enthusiasts or even for gifting yourself something for that fancy bar cart. Consider this your perfect brown spirits gift guide.

RELATED: Ring in the holidays like royalty with Crown Royal. >>>

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Canadian Whisky is the standard of excellence for Canadian whisky. It is an extraordinary blend of 50 full-bodied Canadian whiskies, matured to perfection aging in both new and seasoned white oak barrels. Light amber in colour the nose is lightly floral with corn, buttery/vanilla and peach aromas; on the palate look for light sweet peach flavour with wood spice on a dry finish and is loved and cherished by whisky lovers all across Canada and the world. Find it here.

St Remy Signature

a French producing distillery operating since 1886. St-Rémy matures in oak barrels and as time passes it acquires an amber color. The unique blend of St-Rémy is exclusively and historically made in small French-oak barrels for a smooth taste. St. Remy Signature is a fantastic gift for brown spirits lovers. It offers enticing aromas of plum, dried apricot, oak and vanilla, along with holiday baking spices. Find it here.

Yellowstone Bourbon 

Yellowstone Select is an award-winning Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Made by Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, located on the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Yellowstone Select features a handpicked blend of four and seven-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons which give it a delicate fusion of flavours. Tasting notes include complex aromas of rye spice with soft, leathered cherries, smoked caramel, hints of vanilla and honey, and finishing notes of smoky oak and brown sugar. Bright gold in colour, this fine bourbon has complex aromas of honey, vanilla, caramel and smoky oak. Smooth and medium-bodied look for flavours of spicy rye, coconut, vanilla and ginger. Find it here.

See also: Canadian distillery unveils 30-year old whisky

Grants Triple Wood 12 Year Old

Grants scotch is matured in three different types of wood: sherry, American oak and bourbon. This is what gives it an added depth and a deeper taste profile. Made for real scotch enthusiasts, many whiskies take their flavour from aging in just one cask. Grant’s Triple Wood 12 spends time in three different types of wood. The Sherry cask provides sweet spice robustness, the American Oak lends subtle vanilla smoothness and the Bourbon refill offers brown sugar sweetness, resulting in a rich, complex, vanilla taste. The overall taste of Grants Triple Wood 12 has notes of cereal, peat, honey, oak, dried fruit, vanilla and toffee lead to a sweet, fruity and medium-bodied palate with a long, rich finish. Find it here.

Hennessy VS

Among the most popular cognacs in the world, Hennessy VS is known for having a hip-hop fan club. From bottle service in clubs to sophisticated cocktails, Hennessy is a versatile addition to any bar cart and brown spirits lover. For over 250 years, Hennessy has been crafting one-of-a-kind cognacs in the heart of the Charente region in France.  Named after Richard Hennessy, it is made with locally grown Ugni White grapes. The Hennessy reserve is one of the largest collections of eaux-de-vie in the world. It has over 350,000 barrels stored in 65 cellars. The intense character and full-bodied flavours of Hennessy VS make it very versatile and ideal for any cocktail possibility. Find it here.

Angel’s Envy Whiskey

Angel’s Envy is inspired by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson’s lifetime crafting fine spirits. A deep amber with aromas and flavours of almond, honey, apple, cinnamon, and blueberry compote. It’s full-bodied and smooth with a long-lasting finish. The ideal after-meal dessert. Find it here.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old single malt scotch whisky gets its distinctive character from a process of selective maturation in which a proportion of the spirit is matured in French oak casks. This increases the intensity of the whisky, resulting in a richer and creamier finish along with a distinctive spiciness. The Glenlivet was one of the first to use French oak for making whisky, a technique that has since been imitated the world over. Glenlivet 15 spends a minimum of 15 years in oak barrels to garner its ’15 year old’ title. Smooth and delicious Glenlivet 15 is deep golden in colour, and you can expect aromas and flavours of crème brûlée, sweet apple, gentle smokiness and peat alongside of lavendar notes followed by a rich and complex finish. Ideal for the scotch lovers who want to level up their love for Speyside. Find it here.

Tullamore Irish Whiskey

a leader in the industry and one of the world’s most recognized Irish whiskies. With over 192 years of history, Tullamore D.E.W. has partnered with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) to launch O’Everyone, a spirited benevolence campaign benefitting the powerful education-led initiatives of the CCDI. From January 1st to December 31st, 2022 Canadians can  purchase an O’Everyone t-shirt and bottle label bundle for $20 CDN at OEveryone.ca and sales are tracked via the live ticker on the site. 100% of dollars raised go directly to the CCDI and Tullamore D.E.W. covers all costs associated with production and shipping. Find it here.

Taylor Fladgate

Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor Fladgate is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. Port is one of the great classic European wines so if you haven’t been to Porto, you should put it on your list. The 20 year old ‘Tawny’ is named after its colour – which is known as ‘Tawny’. Designed around a very delicious taste profile, the 20 year old Tawny is a fortified spirit and then aged in large oak casks and blended to perfection. This well-aged Tawny features Taylor Fladgate’s trademark rich dried fig, floral and citrus as well ass roasted nut and notes of nutmeg. It can last weeks (if not months) when opened and is also great with blue cheese or as an after dinner drink. Find it here.

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