
making great cocktails at home
The Mint Julep
Welcome to another week of Making Great Cocktails at Home! The Kentucky Derby may be over, but you can still enjoy a refreshing Mint Julep!
ingredients
- A Dozen Mint Leaves
- 2oz Lemon Sour
- 2 Tsp Simple Syrup
- 2 1/2oz Bourbon
- Crushed ice
directions
Mix right in the serving cup. Add about a dozen mint leaves into the julep cup and 2 teaspoons of simple syrup. Muddle the mint into the syrup and add crushed ice, then slowly drizzle 2 1/2 oz Bourbon over the crushed ice. Then stir the drink together with the twisted bar spoon, add a little more ice, and garnish with another sprig of mint.
tools used
The Cosmopolitan
To continue shaking things up, we turn to the original contemporary classic, the Cosmopolitan, this week on Making Great Cocktails at Home!
ingredients
- Lemon Peel
- 1/2oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4oz Cranberry Juice
- 3/4oz Cointreau
- 1 1/2oz Lemon Flavored Vodka
directions
Chill serving glass in ice. Add 1/2 oz of fresh squeezed lime juice to shaker cup. Then, pour in 3/4 oz Cranberry Juice, 3/4oz Cointreau, and 1 1/2zo Citron. Add ice into the larger mixing tin and pour the drink in on top of it. Combine the tins to shake your drink. Wake the drink up, don’t rock it to sleep! Remove ice from serving glass and separate your shaker cup from the tin. Using the Hawthorne strainer on the large mixing tin, pour through the secondary strainer directly into the serving glass. Cut a slice from a rolled lemon peel, express the lemon oils over the top of the drink and set the peel as a garnish.
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Checkout Tony’s book’s below, or join Tony for one of his events!

The Modern Mixologist
In The Modern Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim, a pioneer in the craft cocktail movement, shares his expertise on elevating your drink-making skills to an art form. With a focus on fresh ingredients, precise techniques, and timeless recipes, Tony presents a stunning collection of contemporary classics designed to inspire both novices and seasoned bartenders.
From mastering the perfect martini to creating signature twists on beloved favorites, this book offers step-by-step guidance, vibrant photography, and practical tips for building a well-stocked bar. Whether you’re entertaining guests or refining your craft, The Modern Mixologist is an essential guide to making cocktails that impress every time.

Vodka Distilled
In Vodka Distilled, Tony Abou-Ganim, the Modern Mixologist, takes readers on a deep dive into the often-underestimated world of vodka. This comprehensive guide unravels the spirit’s nuances, from its rich history and diverse production techniques to its unique ability to elevate cocktails.
With expert insights and practical tips, Tony explores how vodka can transform drinks when paired with fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Featuring signature recipes, tasting notes, and behind-the-scenes stories, Vodka Distilled is the ultimate resource for both cocktail enthusiasts and professionals looking to master vodka’s versatility.
Whether you’re crafting classics or creating new favorites, this book will inspire you to reimagine what vodka can bring to the glass.