Major Bailey

A cross between a Mojito & a Tom Collins, the Major Bailey uses gin instead of rum and adds plenty of mint leaves. When it comes to mint leaves in drinks, some people are thoroughly opposed to bruising or crushing the mint. Others insist that this is the only way to do it.

2 oz. Dry Gin
¼ oz. Lemon Juice
¼ oz. Lime Juice
¼ oz. Simple Syrup
Mint Leaves

Place 10 to 12 mint leaves in the bottom of a highball glass. Add lemon and lime juices and simple syrup. Bruise mint leaves in the sweetend juice with a muddler or bar spoon. Fill with shaved ice. Add gin. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, and outside glass is frosted. Garnish with mint leaves and serve with straws.

Nouveau Black Russian

The Black Russian, a cocktail created in the 1950's and a favorite of many. A little updating adds a whole new dimension to this classic cocktail. Subsitute either vanilla or raspberry vodka for regular vodka and you have a wonderful new cocktail. Float a ½ oz. of cream on top to make a Nouveau White Russian.

1½ oz. Vanilla or Raspberry Vodka
1 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

Build over ice in an old-fashioned glass. No garnish.

Liberdade

The Liberdade is a combination of both sweet and sour, and without a doubt one of the most enjoyable cocktails you'll ever have. The sweetness of guava mixed with the tartness of lime, prepare your palate for a lively and crisp sensation.

2 oz. Guava Juice
1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
2 oz. Absolut Citron Vodka
1 oz. Triple-Sec

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well,strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Smoky Martini

Mixing a martini used to be as simple as vodka or gin. Nowadays, martini's come in all forms, with a myriad of ingredients. One of my favorites is the smoky martini. Simply, a smoky martini is a gin martini with scotch instead of vermouth. You can substitute the gin for vodka if you prefer.

2½ oz. Gin
Splash of Blended Scotch
Lemon Twist

Stir both ingredients with ice to chill and garnish with the lemon twist.
Recipe taken from The Craft of the Cocktail, by Dale Degroff.

White Chocolate Martini

Just when you thought your relationship with chocolate couldn't get more thrilling and exhilarating, the white chocolate martini comes along. White chocolate with just a hint of banana. The moment this alluring gem glides down your throat you'll know your in for a truly special treat.

Maraschino Cherry Juice
Bittersweet Cocoa Powder
1 Strawberry
1 oz. Vodka
¾ oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
½ oz. White Creme de Cocoa
¼ oz. Creme de Banana

Dip the rim of the cocktail glass ½" into maraschino cherry juice. Shake off excess and gently dip into the cocoa powder. Slowly turn glass till you have a ½" rim of chocolate around the cocktail glass. Place strawberry on rim of the glass.

Combine vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de cocoa, and creme de banana in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Pour into the prepared cocktail glass.