©2026 Joey Trotz
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An almond syrup essential to many classic and tiki cocktail recipes.
Ingredients
2 cups Plain Unsweetened Almond Milk 4 cups Granulated Sugar 2 tbsp Almond Extract 1 tsp Orange Flower Water 1/3 cup Cognac or Overproof Rum
Method
In a medium saucepan, heat almond milk and sugar over medium-high, stirring until sugar is dissolved, 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in almond extract, orange flower water, and cognac/rum.
Cool and transfer to bottle and keep refrigerated.
Will last 3-4 weeks.
©2026 Joey Trotz
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Oh boy, is this one a revelation. Here is a gateway drug for anyone who thinks of themselves as “not a whiskey drinker.” Created by famed bartender Sam Ross in 2008 and named for the MIA song that was inescapable that summer, this drink is a modern classic and a great introduction to the world of Amari, here using Nonino Quintessentia. Buy a bottle – you’ll be glad you did.
Ingredients
3/4 oz Barrel-Proof Bourbon 3/4 oz Aperol 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia 3/4 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Method
Add all ingredients to shaker.
Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds.
Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.
Equipment
Peeler or Knife
Citrus Press
Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Fine Strainer
©2026 Joey Trotz
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When pears and peaches are in plentiful supply, I’ve often made a syrup to capture their essence for my cocktail experiments.
Ingredients
8 oz Stone Fruit peach, Pear Etc. 16 oz Sugar 8 oz Water
Method
Wash fruit well.
Peel (optionally), then coarsely chop.
Combine with sugar and water in small saucepan and gently heat for 30 minutes to leach flavor from fruit.
Do not allow to boil.
Allow to cool, strain, then bottle.
Equipment
Hawthorne Strainer
Peeler or Knife
©2026 Joey Trotz
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Brandy just feels like Fall, and the addition of some homemade pear syrup and Woodford Reserve cherry aromatic bitters came together in this original drink I created last year.
Ingredients
2 oz Clear Creek Distillery 8-Year Apple Brandy 1 1/2 tsp Pear Syrup 1 dash Woodford Reserve Cherry Aromatic Bitters 1 dash Angostura Bitters
Method
Add all ingredients to mixing glass.
Stir 40 seconds or until well diluted.
Strain over a large rock in a chilled old-fashioned glass.
Garnish.
Equipment
Mixing Glass
Bar Spoon
Julep Strainer
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Photos, musings and miscellany – New and Improved!®2026 Joey Trotz
