Classic Cocktails

We could drink these all day, no really. A classic margarita is fresh and never too sweet; the perfect balance of quality tequila mixed with the tartness of fresh squeezed lime juice. With salt or without (we always say with), on the rocks or frozen, we'll take 'em however we can get them.

First created in the Prohibition era, the Last Word's simple recipe of equal parts Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Green Chartreuse, Junipero Gin and fresh lime juice belies the subtlety of this sweet-tart-herbal creation. Two men are credited with this cocktail's fame - its creator, vaudevillian Fred Fogarty, who allegedly first combined the four ingredients at the Detroit Athletic Club in 1921, and Seattle bartender Murray Stetson, who revived the Last Word at the Zig Zag Café in the early 2000s.

This cocktail is a cousin of the Negroni. The rye gives this drink some sweetness paired with the complex flavors of Campari and smoothed out with dry vermouth. If you like Boulevardiers and Negronis give this a try.

Grab a bottle of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth and rest assured that you can mix up the ideal Manhattan experience. With a status as a cultural icon and dozens of variations to its name, this recipe is true to the original. Some things are just not worth messing with.