Aces & Twos

Slightly sweeter than London Dry gin, but dryer than genever, this 'missing link' gin may or may not be the inspiration for the Tom Collins.

Also called Jerez, this fortified wine is made from white grapes that grow near Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Sherry styles range from light versions similar to white table wines, such as Manzanilla and Fino, to darker and heavier versions that have been allowed to oxidise as they age in barrel, such as Amontillado and Oloroso, giving them a darker color. Sherry can be and is produced outside of Spain, however in some places, like the EU, the nomenclature is protected; and must come from the 'Sherry Triangle' along Spain's SW coast. Sherry is similar to port, however sherry is fortified after complete fermentation which consumes all of the sugar; resulting in an initially dry drink.

An Italian amaro distilled from a secret mix of caramelized sugar, gentian, bitter and sweet orange and natural herbs; 30% ABV. A notable substitute for Amer Picon.

A fruity, rich and sweet vermouth that dates back to 1786. Thought of as a sweet vermouth with added vanilla; great with whiskey. We treat this like sweet vermouth.

A concentrated aromatic bitters made in Trinidad from water, ethanol, gentian and other herbs and spices; used in many classic cocktails like the Manhattan.

A bitters made from Seville oranges, cardamom, caraway seed, coriander and burnt sugar.

In cocktails, cherries are sweetened in a brine, like maraschino cherries (marr-ə-SKEE-noh) or in brandy, like brandied cherries. They are usually used as a garnish, muddled into the cocktail, or used simple for their sweetened brine.