Sips & Stories: Twists on the Classics

By Gregory Dean and Tammy Dean

There’s something special about the classics. Whether it's a perfectly balanced Martini or the deep, smoky complexity of an Old Fashioned, these cocktails have earned their place in history for a reason. They’ve withstood the test of time, woven into the fabric of our social and cultural lives, and in many ways, they are timeless. But the beauty of the classic cocktail lies in its versatility—its ability to evolve, adapt, and be reinvented.

Welcome to the first volume of Sips & Stories: The Art of Cocktail Craft. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or someone just beginning your journey into the world of cocktails, this book offers more than just recipes—it’s an invitation to explore the deeper narrative of cocktail culture.

In this book, you’ll discover how a dash of smoked maple syrup can transform an Old Fashioned, or how a floral infusion can elevate a simple French 75 into something extraordinary. The key is maintaining the integrity of the classic while inviting in new layers of taste, texture, and aroma. Every twist in this collection has been thoughtfully crafted to keep the essence of the original while offering something unexpected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781300811107

Book preview

9      Smoked Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned with Smoked Maple Syrup

11      Floral French 75

French 75 with Elderflower and Lavender

14      Tropical Margarita

Mango-Chili Margarita with Smoked Salt

17      Pomegranate Negroni

Negroni with Pomegranate and Orange Bitters

19      Espresso Martini with a Chili Twist

Espresso Martini with Chili and Dark Chocolate

21      Modern Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule with Hibiscus and Ginger

24      Roasted Piña Colada

Piña Colada with Roasted Coconut and Dark Rum

27      Mezcal Boulevardier

Boulevardier with Mezcal

29      Blackberry Mint Julep

Mint Julep with Blackberry and Basil

Contents

31      Fall-Spiced Whiskey Sour

Apple Cider Whiskey Sour

34      Ginger Daiquiri

Classic Daiquiri with Ginger and Lime

36      Classic Mixology Terms

37      Conclusion

38      Acknowledgements

Foreword

Welcome to the first volume of Sips & Stories: The Art of Cocktail Craft. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or someone just beginning your journey into the world of cocktails, this book offers more than just recipes—it’s an invitation to explore the deeper narrative of cocktail culture.

Behind every great drink lies a story. Some are tales of chance and creativity, born in the hands of bartenders during the golden age of cocktails. Others are remnants of prohibition-era secrets or memories of exotic, faraway lands. This book isn't just about mixing ingredients, it's about understanding the legacy of what we drink discovering the passion behind the spirits, and learning how these concoctions have shaped social history.

As sommeliers and cocktail enthusiasts, we’ve spent countless hours exploring the science and art behind flavor pairings. Curious about how a sip of something unexpected can create a memorable experience? This collection will dive into the classics, but not as you’ve known them. We believe that the best cocktails carry with them not just flavor, but a twist-an element of surprise that makes them your own. In these pages, we’ve given each timeless recipe our own spin—along with insights into the stories, people, and cultures that helped shape each drink.

Each cocktail is accompanied by pairing ideas, a reflection of our commitment to not just drink but to savor. A well-crafted cocktail deserves a companion on the plate, and together they can elevate each other in ways you might not expect. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening in or hosting an unforgettable event, these recipes will help you create moments where flavors, stories, and connections come together in harmony.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey into this world of sips, stories, and delicious discovery. Cheers to finding your own twist on the classics-and creating new stories along the way.

Let's shake things up!

Greg and Tammy, SOMM&SOMM

3 | Foreword

Introduction

There's something special about the classics. Whether it's a perfectly balanced