Herbal Cocktails
84 cocktails with a herbal flavor profile.
Adonis
wine · Easy
A refined low-ABV classic that perfectly balances the nutty, dry notes of Fino Sherry with the herbal sweetness of Italian vermouth. It is an elegant aperitif that has remained a favorite since the late 19th century for its sophisticated simplicity.
American Beauty
brandy · Medium
A sophisticated classic from the early 20th century, the American Beauty combines the richness of brandy with the herbal notes of vermouth and a surprising hint of mint. The ruby port float provides both a striking visual appeal and a deep, wine-like finish.
Americano
wine · Easy
A classic Italian aperitivo that balances the bitterness of Campari with the herbal sweetness of vermouth. It is the sophisticated, low-ABV precursor to the Negroni, perfect for afternoon sipping.
Angel Face
gin · Easy
An elegant and surprisingly potent cocktail from the early 20th century, the Angel Face features equal parts gin, apricot brandy, and calvados. It offers a sophisticated balance of botanical notes, sweet stone fruit, and crisp apple, making it a timeless choice for enthusiasts of spirit-forward drinks.
Aviation
gin · Medium
A sophisticated pre-Prohibition classic that captures the elegance of early 20th-century mixology. It is celebrated for its unique floral notes and striking pale-violet color, reminiscent of a clear sky at dusk.
Bamboo
wine · Easy
A sophisticated, low-proof cocktail that originated in late 19th-century Japan. The Bamboo marries the nuttiness of sherry with the herbal dryness of vermouth, making it a perfect aperitif.
Bee's Knees
gin · Easy
A bright and sophisticated Prohibition-era cocktail that uses honey and lemon to beautifully balance gin's botanical profile. Its name was 1920s slang for 'the best', perfectly describing its timeless appeal.
Blood and Sand
whiskey · Medium
Named after the 1922 bullfighter film starring Rudolph Valentino, this is one of the rare classic cocktails that successfully employs Scotch whisky. The equal-parts recipe creates a surprisingly balanced drink where the smokiness of the scotch cuts through the sweetness of the cherry and vermouth, rounded out by the brightness of orange juice.
Bloody Mary
vodka · Medium
The quintessential savory brunch cocktail, the Bloody Mary is a complex and spicy masterpiece. Known as a 'meal in a glass,' it perfectly balances the richness of tomato with sharp citrus and a kick of heat.
Bobby Burns
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and spirit-forward classic that elevates the Scotch-based Rob Roy with a touch of herbal complexity. It offers a rich, velvety texture with a perfect balance between smoky whisky, botanical vermouth, and honeyed herbs.
Boseong Green Tea Gin
gin · Easy
A refreshing fusion cocktail that marries the botanical complexity of gin with the earthy, umami-rich notes of premium Boseong green tea. This drink offers a clean, sophisticated profile that serves as an excellent palate cleanser.
Boulevardier
whiskey · Easy
The Boulevardier is a sophisticated classic that swaps the Negroni's gin for whiskey, creating a rich and warming profile. It perfectly balances the bitterness of Campari with the sweetness of vermouth and the bold character of bourbon or rye.
Campari Spritz
wine · Easy
A vibrant and bitter Italian aperitivo that offers a more intense flavor profile than its Aperol counterpart. It is crisp, effervescent, and the perfect herbal refreshment for a warm afternoon.
Cheongju Martini
gin · Easy
A sophisticated East-meets-West twist on the classic Martini that replaces dry vermouth with Cheongju, a traditional Korean refined rice wine. The Cheongju adds a delicate, floral sweetness and a silky texture that perfectly complements the botanical complexity of the gin.
Chrysanthemum
wine · Medium
A sophisticated, lower-alcohol classic that showcases the herbal synergy between dry vermouth and Benedictine, accented by a haunting hint of absinthe. It is floral, dry, and exceptionally complex, perfectly capturing its botanical namesake.
Clover Club
gin · Medium
A pre-Prohibition classic originating from Philadelphia, this cocktail is celebrated for its elegant pink hue and velvety texture. It perfectly balances the botanical bite of gin with the bright acidity of lemon and the luscious sweetness of raspberries.
Corpse Reviver No. 1
cognac · Medium
A rich and warming spirit-forward cocktail originally intended as a medicinal morning pick-me-up. It balances the depth of Cognac with the bright orchard notes of apple brandy and the aromatic complexity of sweet vermouth.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
gin · Medium
A legendary 'hair of the dog' remedy popularized by Harry Craddock in the 1930s. This equal-parts classic perfectly balances tart citrus, sweet orange liqueur, and aromatized wine, with a haunting herbal finish from the absinthe rinse.
Cuba Libre
rum · Easy
A classic highball that transcends the simple 'Rum and Coke' by adding essential brightness from fresh lime juice. Originating in Havana around 1900, it served as a toast to Cuban independence and remains a staple for its refreshing, effervescent character.
De La Louisiane
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated New Orleans classic that masterfully balances the spice of rye whiskey with the deep herbal sweetness of Benedictine and the aromatic punch of absinthe. Often compared to a more complex Manhattan or a herbaceous Vieux Carré, it remains a favorite for lovers of spirit-forward cocktails.
Death in the Afternoon
champagne · Easy
Invented by Ernest Hemingway and named after his book, this cocktail is a potent and effervescent blend of absinthe and champagne. It is celebrated for its striking cloudy appearance and unique herbal profile.
El Presidente
rum · Medium
Known as the 'aristocrat of cocktails,' El Presidente is a sophisticated Cuban classic that rose to fame during the Prohibition era. It offers a complex, slightly sweet profile that elegantly balances the rum's character with botanical vermouth notes.
Fallen Angel
gin · Easy
A sophisticated pre-prohibition classic that balances the sharp botanicals of gin with a cooling, subtle hint of mint. Originally popularized in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, it offers a crisp and refreshing profile with a lingering herbal complexity.
Fernandito
brandy · Easy
The quintessential Argentine cocktail, the Fernandito is a bold and refreshing highball that balances the medicinal bitterness of Fernet-Branca with the sweet, caramel notes of Coca-Cola. It is a cultural staple of Argentina, particularly beloved in the city of Córdoba.
Final Ward
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated modern classic created by Phil Ward in 2007. It's a riff on the Last Word that replaces gin with rye whiskey and lime with lemon, offering a spicier and more grounded herbal experience.
Fitzgerald
gin · Easy
The Fitzgerald is a modern classic created by Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room. It is essentially a Gin Sour made more complex and aromatic with the addition of Angostura bitters, offering a crisp and sophisticated profile.
French Connection
cognac · Easy
A sophisticated and minimalist duo that balances the bold, oaky depth of Cognac with the sweet, almond-scented warmth of Amaretto. It is a luxurious, slow-sipping cocktail that highlights the complexity of its two main components.
Frisco Sour
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and herbal evolution of the classic Whiskey Sour, featuring the spicy backbone of rye whiskey and the complex botanical sweetness of Benedictine. It offers a drier, more aromatic profile than a standard sour, making it an excellent choice for a refined evening sip.
Gimlet
gin · Easy
A sharp, refreshing classic known for its botanical punch and citrus clarity. Originally conceived as a medicinal drink for the British Navy to prevent scurvy, it remains a sophisticated staple of the cocktail world.
Gin and Tonic
gin · Easy
A crisp, refreshing, and timeless highball that perfectly balances the botanical complexity of gin with the bright, bitter effervescence of quinine. It is the ultimate simple cocktail for hot weather and social gatherings.
Gin Daisy
gin · Medium
A refreshing Victorian-era classic that serves as a delightful bridge between a Sour and a Fizz. The Gin Daisy balances the botanical notes of gin with zesty lemon and the fruity sweetness of grenadine, served over crushed ice for a perfect summer cooler.
Gin Fizz
gin · Medium
A legendary refreshing classic that balances the botanical notes of gin with bright citrus and effervescent soda. It is the quintessential thirst-quencher of the 'fizz' family, known for its clean, crisp, and revitalizing character.
Golden Dawn
gin · Medium
Named after the Hermetic Order or perhaps its radiant sunrise color, the Golden Dawn is a sophisticated Prohibition-era gem. It achieved fame by winning the first-ever International Cocktail Competition in London in 1930, offering a complex, fruit-driven profile with a potent kick.
Good Fellow
cognac · Easy
A sophisticated and herbal variation of a spirit-forward classic, combining the depth of Cognac with the botanical complexity of Pimm's No. 1. It offers a balanced, aromatic profile that is both rich and refined, perfect for slow sipping.
Grand Hotel
gin · Medium
A sophisticated classic from the golden age of hotel bars, the Grand Hotel cocktail blends the botanical complexity of gin with the lush sweetness of apricot. It is a refined, spirit-forward drink that balances dry herbal notes with a bright, fruity finish.
Grasshopper
none · Easy
A vibrant green after-dinner classic that tastes like liquid mint chocolate chip ice cream. Its smooth, creamy texture and refreshing herbal finish have made it a dessert-cocktail staple since the early 20th century.
Greenbriar
wine · Easy
A sophisticated low-ABV classic from the 1920s, the Greenbriar balances the nutty complexity of dry sherry with the herbal notes of dry vermouth. A touch of peach bitters and the aromatic lift of shaken mint create a refreshing, aperitivo-style experience.
Greenpoint
whiskey · Medium
Created in 2006 by Michael McIlroy at the legendary Milk & Honey, the Greenpoint is a sophisticated riff on the Brooklyn cocktail. It swaps out dry vermouth and maraschino for Yellow Chartreuse, resulting in a rich, herbaceous, and spirit-forward experience.
Handshake
gin · Medium
A sophisticated evolution of the classic Hanky Panky, the Handshake balances the botanical punch of gin with the aggressive bitterness of Fernet-Branca and the silkiness of Benedictine. It is a spirit-forward drink with a complex, medicinal finish that lingers pleasantly.
Hanky Panky
gin · Medium
A sophisticated classic created by the legendary Ada Coleman at London's Savoy Hotel. It offers a complex balance of botanical gin and rich sweet vermouth, punctuated by the bracing, herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca.
Harvard
cognac · Medium
A sophisticated classic that serves as a brandy-based alternative to the Manhattan. With its deep amber hue and rich, herbal complexity, the Harvard offers a smoother, fruitier profile than its whiskey counterparts.
Harvest Moon
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that captures the essence of autumn. It elegantly balances the bold spice of rye whiskey with the honeyed herbal complexity of Bénédictine and the floral lightness of Lillet Blanc.
Harvey Wallbanger
vodka · Easy
A 1970s disco-era icon that elevates the simple Screwdriver with a float of herbal Galliano. It offers a bright, citrusy profile with a sophisticated anise and vanilla finish.
Honeymoon
brandy · Medium
A Prohibition-era gem that marries the crispness of apple brandy with the botanical depth of Benedictine. Its complex profile of fruit, herbs, and citrus made it a legendary favorite at Hollywood's famous Brown Derby restaurant.
Income Tax
gin · Medium
A drier, more complex variation of the Bronx cocktail that emerged during the Prohibition era. The addition of Angostura bitters adds a subtle depth that supposedly reflects the bitterness of paying taxes, though the result is surprisingly balanced and refreshing.
Journalist
gin · Medium
A sophisticated riff on the Perfect Martini dating back to the 1930s. The Journalist adds a splash of bright citrus and orange liqueur to the classic gin and dual-vermouth base, creating a balanced, herbaceous, and slightly zesty sipper.
Jungle Bird
rum · Medium
The Jungle Bird is a sophisticated Tiki classic that masterfully balances the tropical sweetness of pineapple and dark rum with the bold bitterness of Campari. Unlike many other tropical drinks, its complex and slightly bitter edge makes it an enduring favorite for modern palates.
Jupiter
gin · Medium
A sophisticated classic from the 1920s that elevates a wet martini base with floral and fruity notes. The touch of Parfait Amour and orange juice provides a complex aroma and a delicate sweetness, often resulting in a faint violet hue.
Last Word
gin · Easy
A complex, herbal, and perfectly balanced pre-Prohibition cocktail known for its distinct pale green hue. It features equal parts of each ingredient, creating a sharp, botanical, and refreshingly tart flavor profile.
Leave It to Me
gin · Easy
Leave It to Me is a compact, old-school gin cocktail with bright citrus, soft berry sweetness, and a dry herbal core. It is often described as an Aviation-adjacent template that swaps floral violet tones for raspberry notes. The result is elegant, slightly tart, and surprisingly complex for such a short ingredient list.
Lion's Tail
whiskey · Medium
A Prohibition-era classic that offers a unique and spicy twist on the Whiskey Sour family. The distinctive warmth of Allspice Dram (Pimento Dram) pairs perfectly with bourbon, creating a complex, aromatic cocktail that is particularly comforting in cooler weather.
Little Italy
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated variation of the Manhattan, the Little Italy adds a layer of complexity with Cynar, an Italian artichoke-based amaro. Created by Audrey Saunders in 2005, it beautifully balances the spicy notes of rye whiskey with bittersweet, earthy undertones.
London Buck
gin · Easy
A crisp and invigorating highball, the London Buck balances the botanical complexity of gin with the effervescent sweetness and spice of ginger. Often referred to simply as a Gin Buck, it is the quintessential refreshing long drink for warm afternoons.
Lucien Gaudin
gin · Easy
The Lucien Gaudin is a sharp, elegant French classic that sits between a Negroni and a Martini in style. Named after Olympic fencing champion Lucien Gaudin, it balances gin structure with Campari bitterness, orange liqueur sweetness, and dry vermouth aromatics. The result is bright, bitter, and refined with a clean, aperitif-like finish.
Luna Rossa
vodka · Easy
Luna Rossa is a bright, modern Italian-leaning highball built on cucumber-mint vodka and bergamot liqueur. Its profile is crisp and aromatic, with cooling vegetal notes balanced by fresh lime acidity and soft sweetness. Served long over ice with soda, it drinks like a garden-fresh aperitivo cocktail.
Manhattan
whiskey · Easy
The Manhattan is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that perfectly balances the spice of rye whiskey with the herbal sweetness of vermouth. It is widely considered one of the greatest cocktails ever created, offering a timeless profile that is both complex and smooth.
Martini
gin · Medium
Often called the king of cocktails, the Martini is the ultimate symbol of sophistication and elegance. This crisp, clean, and potent drink perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with the herbal complexity of dry vermouth.
Mezcal Negroni
mezcal · Easy
A sophisticated and smoky variation of the classic Negroni. By replacing gin with Mezcal, the drink gains an earthy depth that perfectly complements the botanical bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth.
Mint Julep
whiskey · Medium
The Mint Julep is the legendary drink of the Kentucky Derby, a refreshing combination of bourbon, sugar, and mint. Served in a frosty metal cup, it offers a cool, herbal sweetness that perfectly balances the oaky warmth of the whiskey.
Mojito
rum · Medium
A refreshing Cuban classic that masterfully balances sweetness, bright citrus, and the cooling aroma of fresh mint. It is widely considered the ultimate summer highball for its crisp and invigorating character.
Naked and Famous
mezcal · Easy
Created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at New York's Death & Co, this modern classic is an equal-parts masterpiece. It delivers a vibrant, complex balance of smoky agave, herbal sweetness, and sharp citrus that has earned it a spot on the IBA official list.
Negroni
gin · Easy
A sophisticated Italian classic known for its perfect balance of bitter and sweet. It is a simple yet complex drink that serves as the ultimate pre-dinner aperitivo.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
tequila · Medium
A modern classic that bridges the gap between the familiar whiskey Old Fashioned and the smoky complexity of agave spirits. Created at Death & Co, it balances the vanilla notes of aged tequila with the earthy smoke of mezcal.
Omija Spritz
wine · Easy
A vibrant and refreshing Korean-inspired twist on the classic Italian Spritz. This cocktail highlights the unique 'five-flavor' profile of Omija berries—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent—beautifully balanced by dry sparkling wine and a clean touch of soju.
Paper Plane
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross in 2008, the Paper Plane is a perfectly balanced riff on the Last Word. It combines the warmth of bourbon with the bittersweet complexity of Amaro Nonino and Aperol, brightened by fresh lemon juice.
Pink Lady
gin · Medium
A pre-Prohibition classic that dates back to the early 1900s. Known for its lovely pink hue and silky texture derived from egg white, this cocktail balances the botanical notes of gin with the fruitiness of applejack and pomegranate grenadine. Despite its delicate appearance, it packs a considerable punch.
Ramos Gin Fizz
gin · Hard
A legendary New Orleans classic known for its meringue-like foam head and silky, cloud-like texture. This floral and creamy masterpiece is a sophisticated blend of citrus and botanicals that requires significant effort and patience to perfect.
Red Hook
whiskey · Medium
Created in 2003 by Vincenzo Errico at New York's legendary Milk & Honey, the Red Hook is a robust Manhattan variation. It balances the spicy kick of rye whiskey with the herbal bitterness of Punt e Mes and the funky sweetness of Maraschino liqueur.
Rob Roy
whiskey · Easy
Often called a Scotch Manhattan, the Rob Roy was created in 1894 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. It swaps rye whiskey for Scotch, offering a smokier, more complex profile while retaining the elegant balance of vermouth and bitters.
Rusty Nail
whiskey · Easy
A sophisticated and potent classic that combines the smoky depth of Scotch whisky with the honeyed, herbal sweetness of Drambuie. Known as a signature drink of the 1960s Rat Pack, it offers a smooth yet powerful sipping experience perfect for slow contemplation.
Sazerac
whiskey · Medium
The Sazerac is a quintessential New Orleans classic, widely regarded as one of America's first cocktails. It features a bold, spirit-forward profile with a complex herbal finish provided by the absinthe rinse and signature Peychaud's bitters.
Scorpion Bowl
rum · Medium
A legendary Tiki communal punch created by Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron in the 1940s. It is a complex, refreshing, and deceptively potent mixture of rums, brandy, and citrus, tied together by the nutty sweetness of orgeat.
Seelbach
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and sparkling cocktail from Louisville, Kentucky, famous for its unusually high number of bitters. It offers a complex interplay between the warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of orange, and a dry, effervescent finish.
Singapore Sling
gin · Hard
A vibrant, tropical masterpiece created in the early 20th century at Singapore's Raffles Hotel. It offers a complex, bittersweet profile with lush pineapple notes and an herbal backbone from Bénédictine. This refreshing gin-based classic is the ultimate summer long drink.
Stinger
cognac · Easy
A sophisticated and refreshing classic cocktail that balances the rich, woody notes of Cognac with the cooling sweetness of white crème de menthe. Traditionally served as an after-dinner digestif, it gained a reputation as a high-society 'nightcap' in the early 20th century.
Tom Collins
gin · Easy
A quintessential refreshing highball that perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with bright citrus and sparkling water. It is essentially a sparkling lemonade spiked with gin, making it an all-time favorite for warm weather.
Toronto
whiskey · Medium
The Toronto is a sophisticated variation of the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, distinguished by the addition of Fernet-Branca. It offers a complex balance of spicy rye whiskey notes and the deep, medicinal bitterness of the Italian amaro.
Tuxedo
gin · Medium
A sophisticated variation of the Martini, the Tuxedo No. 2 is an elegant blend of gin and dry vermouth, accented with the nutty sweetness of maraschino and a subtle anise finish. Named after the Tuxedo Club in New York, it remains a quintessential example of late 19th-century cocktail complexity.
Twentieth Century
gin · Medium
Named after the iconic luxury train running between New York and Chicago, this cocktail is a sophisticated masterpiece of balance. It combines the botanical notes of gin with the subtle sweetness of white cacao and the crisp acidity of lemon for a bright yet silky finish.
Vieux Carré
whiskey · Medium
A potent, complex masterpiece named after New Orleans' French Quarter. This sophisticated blend of spirits and bitters delivers a rich, layered profile that evolves with every sip, capturing the soul of the Crescent City.
Virgin Mary
none · Medium
The Virgin Mary is the sophisticated non-alcoholic sibling of the Bloody Mary, offering a rich, savory, and spicy profile. It's a complex blend of tomato juice, citrus, and sharp spices that makes it the ultimate savory brunch companion.
Virgin Mojito
none · Easy
A refreshing, non-alcoholic twist on the classic Cuban highball. This mocktail delivers a crisp burst of citrus and aromatic mint, making it an ideal choice for cooling down on a hot summer afternoon.
Vodka Martini
vodka · Easy
A sleek and sophisticated variation of the traditional Martini that highlights the clean, crisp profile of premium vodka. Known for its smooth texture and minimalist elegance, it became a mid-century cultural icon.
White Lady
gin · Medium
A sophisticated and crisp gin-based sour that serves as a counterpart to the Sidecar. It is renowned for its clean, sharp citrus profile and elegant white appearance, especially when prepared with the optional egg white for a velvety mouthfeel.