5 Classic Cocktails You Need to Know How to Make

We are taking a trip back in time to explore some of the most historic classic cocktails dating back to the 1860’s and Prohibition. These cocktails are not only the base of inspiration for bartenders around the world but also the building blocks for creativity. We asked our Liquid Chef Billie Keithley to break down some of the most common classic cocktails. Cheers.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned was developed during the 19th century. The first use of the name “Old Fashioned” was for a bourbon whiskey cocktail created at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky by bartender, James E. Pepper. The Old Fashioned way to make the cocktail, spirits, sugar, bitters and water.

Manhattan

The history of the Manhattan has many lays to claim. One suggests that the cocktail originated in the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870’s. Another says that a bartender named Black invented it in the 1860’s at a bar in Broadway near Houston Street. Either way, the original Manhattan cocktail was a mix of American Whiskey, Italian Vermouth and Angostura bitters. Here is the Breckenridge Distilleries version of a classic Manhattan, served on the rocks.

Sazerac

This spirit forward cocktail is one of the most iconic coming out of New Orleans. By 1850, the Sazerac Cocktail, made with Sazerac French brandy and Peychaud’s Bitters, was immensely popular. In 1873, the recipe was altered to replace the French brandy with American Rye whiskey and a dash of absinthe. We’ve played off this historic cocktail and combined Breckenridge Bourbon, Breckenridge Bitters, house-made Absinthe and sugar.

Brown Derby

History has it that this cocktail was invented in the Vendome Club in Hollywood in the early 1930’s. It was named after the famous hat-shaped restaurant, called the Brown Derby, a popular celebrity hangout. It’s simple and clean flavors are created with our Breckenridge Bourbon, grapefruit and honey.

Dirty Martini

Over time, this cocktail has become one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages. By 1922 the Martini reached its most recognizable form. There are many variations of the traditional Martini. We’ve made our dirty adding olives and a small quantity of olive brine.