The Cocktail Spirit with Robert Hess

Robert discovered the Chrysanthemum Cocktail in the Savoy Cocktail Book. This unique cocktail does not contain a base spirit as most cocktails typically do. In its recipe it utilizes only absinthe, Benedictine, and dry vermouth.

The Casino Cocktail is a very gin forward cocktail. It can be made with Old Tom gin and showcases that spirit well.

Essentially a Martini with the addition of Benedictine, the Caprice Cocktail is a simple and delicious drink.

Robert Hess discovered the Bridal Cocktail in the pages of the Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book. If you are familiar with the original Martini, made with sweet rather than dry vermouth, this cocktail is quite similar. The addition of Maraschino liqueur adds a hint of cherry that rounds out a delicious cocktail.

The Metropole Cocktail was the house cocktail at the Metropole Hotel, opened in New York just before the beginning of the 20th century. Some say it is a stronger and spicier version of the Manhattan. We say, it is delicious.

Invented by W.J. Tarling, author of The Café Royal Cocktail Book (1937), the Royalist Cocktail is similar to a Manhattan. The use of Peach bitters in lieu of Angostura as well as the use of dry instead of sweet vermouth are the obvious differences. Benedictine offers a touch of sweetness and spice to what is a delightful cocktail.

Recipes for cocktails can be found in the strangest places. The recipe for the Fourth Regiment Cocktail was found in a small book titled "282 Mixed Drinks from the Private Records of a Bartender of the Olden Days" Robert Hess purchased on Ebay. Written around 1889, the seller found this little treasure in a home they had recently purchased.

Robert discovered the Black Hawk cocktail in Jones Complete Bar Guide as well as Cocktail DB. The bourbon adds a great backbone for the acid of the lemon and the sweet and complex notes of the sloe gin to mingle. This is surely a classic.

Not many cocktails contain more than one base spirit, let alone three (unless they are created by Jamie Boudreau). The Between the Sheets cocktail is one exception.

Many times in making cocktails, just as in life, the simpler the better. Such is the case with the delightful Apricot Cocktail. Originally found in the Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David Embury,this cocktails three ingredients stirred with ice offer up beautiful aroma and nuanced flavor. Floral, fruity and even herbaceous, the Apricot Cocktail is a classic to be savored.

The Old Pal Cocktail first appears in "ABC of Mixing Cocktails" by Harry MacElhone of the famed Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Originally calling for Canadian whisky, an American rye provides a robust flavor profile that adds a great foundation for the dry vermouth and Campari. Next time you are at your favorite bar, cozy up to the Old Pal Cocktail.

It's time for breakfast in New Orleans. What to serve? Along side your grits and andouille there is nothing better than a smooth and creamy bourbon milk punch. After days of Mardi Gras revelry there could be nothing better to sooth your aching belly.