Category: IBA Official

076 – Amaro Sour

A 2022 re-discovery of the ‘Amaro Sour’ cocktail, a less-well-known ‘sour mix’. What started as a Covid activity, in the 105-day Sydney lock-down, is now a continuing journey through the cocktail’s of the past. This time, a surprising find in the sour-cocktail family – the forgotten ‘Amaro Sour’. AMARO SOUR Make yourself an Amaro Sour…

063 – Kir Royale

A post Sydney Covid ‘lock-down’ exploration of the ‘Kir Royal’ cocktail. Exploring this famous World War Two cocktail. Re-made as a celebration of the end of 105-days of the Covid-19 delta-strain, second-wave lock-down in Sydney Australia. Also a chance to take a look at the incredible and inspirational life of Canon Félix Kir, the cocktail’s…

062 – Vesper

A Sydney Covid ‘lock-down’ exploration of the James Bond 007 ‘Vesper Martini’. Lock-down started the journey, and now as things begin to return to normal, let’s explore this once fictional Ian Flemming cocktail from 1952, made famous by Agent 007. VESPER MARTINI James Bond 007 invented the ‘Vesper Martini’. Or if you’d prefer, the author…

061 – Piña Collider

A post ‘lock-down’ re-make of the 1954 classic ‘Piña Colada’. I’m not a huge fan of the Piña Colada, and believe me I’ve tried. Even for this re-invention, I made six different versions and researched a host of others. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) recipe – yuk – the official Bacardí recipe, the official Caribe…

060 – Bee’s Knees

A post Sydney Covid ‘lock-down’ exploration of the intriguing ‘Bee’s Knees’ cocktail. The creator, Frank Meier (The Bartender Spy) is even more interesting than his cocktail. Like everything connected to Frank Meier (1884–1887) there are lots of unanswered questions. BEE’S KNEES Frank Meier learned his craft in New York, ran his own bar in Paris…

057 – Suffering Bastard

A Sydney Covid ‘lock-down’ exploration of the 1941 ‘Suffering Bastard’ cocktail. Lock-down has inspired me to explore this cocktail, which if not in the ‘famous cocktail’ class, really should be, as should it’s creator the incredible Joe Scialom. SUFFERING BASTARD Unfortunately there is a ‘Tiki Era’ 1970’s ‘Suffering Bastard’ cocktail, but thirty-years before that, in…

055 – Paloma

A Sydney Covid ‘lock-down’ exploration of the lesser know ‘Paloma’ Tequila-based cocktail. Lock-down has inspired me to explore this cocktail, often mistakenly attributed to famous Mexican Bartender Don Javier. More likely to connected to either the Squirt or Jorittos soda brands. PALOMA A perfect warm-weather refresher for Tequila fans. Let’s give the ‘Paloma’ a ‘Locktail’…

051 – Moscow Mule

A Sydney Covid ‘lock-down’ exploration of the refreshing ‘Moscow Mule’ cocktail. Lock-down has inspired me to explore this famous cocktail, a very simple ‘make-at-home’ cocktail perfect for the warmer weather. MOSCOW MULE Invented in around 1941, the Moscow Mule played a big part in the expansion of Vodka’s popularity in the USA. Let’s give the…