The Drinks
The BOHEMIAN DRINKS of Avantgarde Spirits are bottled classic cocktails based on recipes which were first published in the 1860s by one of the few professional bartenders in New York. His manual, still considered as the bartenders’ bible, also contains the first instructions for pre-bottling cocktails. It is the origin of our classics, the BOHEMIAN DRINKS.
The BOHEMIAN DRINKS are an homage to the 1920s, a period of upheaval in the world. During this time, these cocktail classics experienced a great renaissance in the metropolises of Europe: Berlin, London and Paris. Hotel bars were a meeting-place for the “Lost Generation – the Bohemians: writers, intellectuals, people of art and culture, fashion and design.” The Bohemians enjoyed luxury and high-quality time.
The BOHEMIAN DRINKS, inspired by the Bohemians, are classic aperitifs or simply all-night drinks. They represent enjoyable and luxurious cocktail experience. These high-class vintage drinks are ready-to-drink, proven that anything is possible when you have passion and refuse to compromise on quality.
0 The Sazerac Cocktail
The “Holy Grail”
Of Bar Culture
Based on a high-proof spirit refined with a little sugar, iced water and a bitters, the recipe of the SAZERAC is very much reminiscent of the good old OLD FASHIONED. Only a few important details differentiate the two: the long-aged cognac, the choice of bitters and zest and, not forgetting, the SAZERAC’s hallmark: its absinthe note. It is precisely this flavour that makes the SAZERAC the most popular absinthe cocktail in the world.
1
The
Martini Cocktail
2
The
Old Fashioned
3
The
Manhattan
4
The
Negroni
5
The Rusty
Nail
6
The Gin
Gimlet
7
The
Vesper
8
The Hanky
Panky
9
The Rob
Roy
10
The
Martinez
The
Boulevardier
12
The
Bamboo
0 The Sazerac Cocktail
The SAZERAC is the first mixed drink that was given a name. Therefore this historical drink takes pride of place as our BOHEMIAN DRINK No. 0 in our range.
Based on a high-proof spirit refined with a little sugar, iced water and a bitters, the recipe of the SAZERAC is very much reminiscent of the good old OLD FASHIONED. Only a few important details differentiate the two: the long-aged cognac, the choice of bitters and zest and, not forgetting, the SAZERAC’s hallmark: its absinthe note. It is precisely this flavour that makes the SAZERAC the most popular absinthe cocktail in the world.
THE DRINK THAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF
New Orleans is the drink’s birthplace. This is where a Creole apothecary served the drink in its earliest form, originally only setting out to increase the popularity of his bitters, which he mixed with cognac and sugar. Different ways of drinking this cocktail have evolved over time, but that’s something we’re also familiar with from other classic cocktails.
After the long aging process of our XO cognac, during which it is patiently matured in sherry barrels in France, we finally have the pleasure of presenting you our BOHEMIAN DRINK No. 0, bottled with the respect it deserves.
As usual, just “on the rocks” in a tumbler, with a lemon twist, is our SAZERAC COCKTAIL a treat!
1 – The Martini Cocktail
Often referred to as the “king of cocktails,” the Martini Cocktail is a close relative of the Martinez. Incorporated into the Bartender’s Manual in 1888, it has as many recipes as there are stories about its origin.
Once the first martinis were combined with sweet vermouth in the early 20th century, the tangy flavour became more popular and thus influenced the classic Martini Cocktail. Gin and dry vermouth are the preferred composition today.
This timeless short drink has always been enjoyed in a chilled martini glass and is rounded off with a green olive or a twist of untreated lemon peel. The olive can be served in the Martini Cocktail or separately. The lemon peel is dropped into the glass as a garnish once the essential oils have been released through twisting.
2 – The Old Fashioned
Despite its name and history, the old-fashioned is still one of the last drinks that was rejuvenated by the cocktail renaissance of the 1920s. Preparation initially entailed soaking and dissolving a sugar cube with a few drops of Angostura, adding whiskey and then filling the cup with ice. Back then, the Old-Fashioned was finished off with a splash of soda water: due to its nostalgic sepia tint and name, this classic cocktail speaks for itself.
These days, this creation of bourbon, simple syrup and aromatic bitters is enjoyed in a tumbler with ice, garnished with a twist of orange peel once the essential oils have been released.
3 – The Manhattan
Because the oldest written Manhattan recipe stems from 1884, this classic drink is considered to be at least that old.
Since then, the Manhattan has been made from rye whiskey, Italian vermouth and aromatic bitters. Served in a chilled cocktail glass and flavoured and garnished with a twist of orange peel, this drink transports you out of the hustle and bustle of modern-day life and into the New York bar culture of days gone by.
4 – The Negroni
The cocktail has continued to gain popularity ever since and, along with the Martini and Manhattan, forms the triple crown of classic cocktails.
Made from gin, Italian red bitters and Italian vermouth, this drink is an extraordinary treat served in a tumbler filled with ice cubes and flavoured and garnished with a twist of orange peel.
5 – The Rusty Nail
6 – The Gin Gimlet
No one knows exactly where its name comes from, though one story attributes the name “gimlet” to a tool of the same name used in shipbuilding. We’re fond of the story that credits the cocktail to the British Royal Navy ship doctor Sir Thomas Gimlette, who administered his patented gin and limes as a remedy.
Despite all of the stories, one thing is certain: while the creation of gin and lime cordial may have emerged in a male-dominated environment, it cuts a fine figure in female society, served in a chilled coupette glass and flavoured and garnished with a twist of lemon peel.
7 – The Vesper
We owe our thanks to Ian Fleming for the clever secret agent and, more importantly, for the cocktail of gin, vodka and a French wine-based aperitif, which the writer invented in 1953 for his spy thriller Casino Royale.
This perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavours resulting from the interplay of gin and vodka tastes best ice cold, preferably in a cocktail glass, flavoured and garnished with a twist of lemon peel. But caution: “Stirred, not shaken.”