Cask Smash

It’s peak summer (in our hearts, regardless of actual calendar date), which means one thing: tomatoes are at their absolute best. Bursting with flavor and versatility, tomatoes can go sweet or savory, and the same goes for cocktails. The Jar Drop is a cheeky take on a whisky sour with tomato water, sea salt, and manzanilla sherry. Not only is it bright and surprisingly full of umami, but these tomatoes are sourced directly from my neighborhood farmer’s market. This drink is inspired by the ingredients themselves, sold by the very farmers who grew them. 

This perfectly unreasonable cocktail is nostalgia in a glass, because nothing beats a PB&J with a glass of milk. Unless of course it's in cocktail form. Inspired by Maker’s Mark’s cherry vanilla flavor notes that reminded her of jam, the idea just snowballed from there. And it’s a great excuse for a fun garnish snack! There are two infusions and a clarification for this one, but this cocktail, like most good things, is worth the wait.

Don’t let the name fool you! The New York Sour may sound like an East Coast classic, but its roots likely trace back to Chicago. Over time, it’s picked up more than a few nicknames — Continental Sour, Claret Snap, even Southern Whisky Sour — all hinting at its ability to charm just about anyone, anywhere. With a bold bourbon base and a dramatic float of red wine, the New York Sour is as eye-catching as it is delicious, and it’s easier to make than it looks.