White Witch

This is a classic Trader Vic recipe that brings the mystique of a haunted Jamaica sugarcane plantation. The mistress of the house, Annie Palmer, was supposedly taught witchcraft by her nanny. The legend says she murdered her husband and several others who worked on the plantation. A creepy drink for October, but a potion to chase away seasonal affective disorder.

• 1 oz. light rum
• 1/2 oz. curacao
• 1/2 oz. creme de cacao
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• club soda

mint sprig coated in powdered sugar.
Shake liquors on ice in a shaker and pour into a Collins glass. Squeeze the juice of a lime half on top and stir. Top the drink with soda and a sprig of mint coated in powdered sugar.

Innisfree Fizz

Here’s an Irish drink that is remarkably refreshing and served differently from other whiskey drinks.

• 2 oz. Irish whiskey
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. curacao
• 1/2 tsp. sugar syrup
• Club soda

Mix all ingredients except club soda in a shaker or blender. Pour into a wine goblet and fill with club soda.

Barbary Coast

This is a dessert drink from San Francisco’s dockside slums, once known as the Barbary Coast.

• 2 parts light rum (1 oz.)
• 1 part gin (1/2 oz.)
• 1 part scotch (1/2 oz.)
• 1 part white creme de cacao (1/2 oz.)
• 1 part half-and-half (1/2 oz.)

Shake all ingredients on ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.

Cork Comfort

I’ve used The Knot in a classic Irish cocktail that would make Mickey (the character who curses anyone who mixes a drink with The Knot) proud. I’ve replaced “a few dashes of Southern Comfort” with The Knot for something strong and tasty. Here’s the recipe.

• 1 1/2 oz. Irish whiskey
• 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
• a few dashes of Southern Comfort (The Knot)
• a few dashes of bitters

Build the drink in an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Add whiskey, vermouth and stir. Float dashes of liqueur and bitters on top.

Notice how the dram of The Knot appears behind the cocktail? I recommend drinking both at the same time.

The Knot: Refreshing Cocktail

• 1 oz. The Knot

1. Fill a shot glass with The Knot.
2. Drink it, y’ blitherin’ idiot.

Hot Butter Rum

There’s a chill in the air and the sun sets earlier; leaves are changing and and crops are ready harvest. This is when our pallets yearn for the flavors of fall, and I like a hot drink after a brisk evening walk. Enter hot drinks.

• 2 oz rum
• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• pat of butter
• dash nutmeg

Boil 6 oz. of hot water.
Add 2 oz. of rum and a tsp. of brown sugar to a coffee cup.
Pour hot water into the mug and stir.
Float a pat of butter on top and dust it with nutmeg.

Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is a modification of the Greyhound, a popular pre-war cocktail that was served at Greyhound station cafes. Canned grapefruit juice had hit the American beverage market, allowing for tart fruity drinks that had only been possible with preserves and liqueurs. Fresh juice can be very inconsistent, but I recommend it for most drinks because it is often richer than the canned variety.

• 1 1/2 oz. vodka
• 3 oz. grapefruit juice

Shake vodka and grapefruit juice on ice and strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with sea salt.