Smoke ‘Em if You Got ‘Em: Tips on How to Add Smoke to Cocktails

Many of the drinks that are still beloved in bars today are cocktails from the Prohibition Era, when bars went underground and got creative with the ingredients they had available to make drinks that were tasty and innovative. That was a challenge when many of the spirits available were of dubious quality at best, but it created delicious combinations like the Bee's Knees cocktail, an easy-to-enjoy gin classic.

Now, the mix of citrus and honey sweetness acts as a good introduction for people who have only previously said, "I don't like gin." (If you are one of those people, we'd like to take this opportunity to convince you otherwise ... we're not in bathtub gin territory anymore.) The floral and citrus notes in the gin blend with the other ingredients for an easy-to-drink cocktail that now allows the craft gin to come through without being hidden away.

In the canon of classic cocktails, you'll find plenty of well-known drinks, like the Negroni or the Old Fashioned. But you'll also find some lesser-known drinks that are beloved by cocktail enthusiasts but not widely enjoyed by the general public. Included in this category is the Aviation cocktail, a drink known as much for its gorgeous sky blue or pale violet color as for its delicate floral flavor.
The Aviation cocktail recipe

What you’ll need to make the Aviation

If you're ever learning about the history of gin, one spirit you'll often see referenced is genever. If you've never tried this drink or even heard of it, then you're not alone, as it is rarely seen outside its homeland of the Netherlands. However, it's worth getting to know genever if you're interested in historical spirits or even if you're just interested in trying something new.

Genever’s bold, earthy taste is great for fans of more robust spirits, but if you’re new to it, cocktails are a great way to get to know it better. Here, four bartenders mix up delicious drinks made with genever. Try them at home, and you’ll likely find a favorite new bottle for your bar.
If Bond Were a Dutchman