Chic Cocktails

Signature cocktails are a fun way to spruce up the cocktail hour!

Triple Shot Espresso

Bean there, done that? Create a cuppa
joe cocktail that delivers a java jolt.

- 1 shot Van Gogh Espresso Vodka
- 1 shot Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 shot espresso coffee, chilled
- Simple syrup, ground espresso
beans and Demerara sugar

 
Photo by Joe Deleo

To make simple syrup, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature.
Dip rim of chilled martini glass in simple syrup, then in a mixture of ground
espresso beans and Demerara sugar; let dry. Combine vodka, liqueur and coffee
with ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake well. Strain into the glass.

Cheers Too martini glass, $30 for set of four; Mikasa, 800-833-4681, mikasa.com.
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Strawberry Watermelon Mojito

It was mint to be: a sunny drink
filled with a summer favorite-and no
seeds.

- 1½ oz. Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka
- ½ oz. fresh lime juice
- ½ oz. mint-infused simple syrup
- 1 cup fresh seedless watermelon
- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
- Club soda

 
Photo by Joe Deleo

To make mint syrup, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Once the
sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and add 8 to 10 mint leaves. Let cool for
30 minutes. Strain. Combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, ½ cup of watermelon
and about 10 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain
into a glass with ice and remaining watermelon. Top with club soda. Garnish with
additional mint leaf.

Cocktail created by the Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach, Florida. Jocasta
margaritaglass, $81; William Yeoward Crystal, 800-818-8484, .Sterling Rope stirrer,
$100 for set of four; Lunt Silversmiths, 800-242-2774,luntsilver.com.
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Saketini

Warm day, cool drink: Sake replaces
vermouth in this Asian-style martini.

- 2 oz. Ketel One Vodka
- 2 oz. Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri Sake
- Strip or slice of seedless cucumber

Photo by Joe Deleo

Combine vodka and sake with ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake well. Strain
into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with cucumber.

Cocktail created by Koi at the Bryant Park Hotel, NYC. Cirrus martini glass, $43 for
set of four; Dansk, 800-293-2675, dansk.com. Sterling-silver Her martini pick
(part of Him/Her set), $85 per pair; Janet Torelli, 773-388-2388, martinipic.com.

{Recipes thanks to Brides.com.}