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Cocktail of the Day
19 September 2026
Today is The Emoticon's birthday, so we are drinking a Royal Smile.
Negroni Cocktail
One of, if not the simplest of classic cocktails has formed the base for so many contemporary variations.
Beach House
Reminiscent of a Naked & Famous turned tropical.
Borough
A Manhattan variation created to help promote US-made Dubonnet Rouge, but is best made with French Dubonnet Red, or indeed another red quinquina.
Roman Punch
This recipe (by yours truly in August 2026) combines elements from various vintage Roman Punch recipes to produce a cooling fruity sour laced with cognac
The Aftermath
Most bartenders would stir this cocktail, as per Robin's original recipe. However, when shaken, this cocktail develops an attractive foamy head and a creamy
Difford's House
My old tom gin version of the classic Holland House, mostly leaning on the recipe in Harry Craddock's 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book.
Tango (by Mattia Capezzuoli)
A Cleansing riff on a Paloma with subtle bittersweetness.
Macka
A long fruity drink for parched palates. Reminiscent of a Pimm's Cup.
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom
An easy-drinking tequila sour, transformed by bittersweet aperitivo liqueur, fresh strawberry and a dash of spicy bitters.
Kahlúa Coffee Cream
Kahlúa Coffee Cream is a Mexican-born coffee and cream liqueur made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, real cream and Kahlúa's signature rum and coffee
Italicus Cocktail Competition
As part of its ten-year anniversary celebrations, Italicus is challenging home cocktail enthusiasts to imagine a new way to spritz. The prize bundle includes
Pancho Villa (contemporary long version)
Fruity, yet balanced and well-weighted with just enough spirituous bite. Rum acts as a base while gin lightens and lifts.
Ponte Vecchio
A delicately bittersweet Italian brandy and grappa Boulevardier with amaro liqueur and vermouth amaro.
Bow and Arrow
Tropical but far from sweet, led by an interplay between mezcal, pineapple and lime, spiced by cinnamon, with bourbon providing this sour's underlying
Flyby
Lavender liqueur replaces crème de violette in this riff on an Aviation.
Bait 'n' Switch
A Pineapple Mezcal Margarita with chili and cinnamon spice.
Fizz Italiano
A superbly refreshing, bittersweet, zesty fizz.
Isle of Islay
A Penicillin turned Tiki.
Lavender & Honey Daiquiri
One of those cocktails that delivers exactly as its name suggests.
Lucky Lily Margarita
Spicy tequila and pineapple tingle with balance and flavour.
Green Fizz
A minty freshening after dinner fizz.
The Gentlemen
A Tequila and Tonic with apple juice and ginger spice. Not sure how a tequila-based cocktail is themed as the drink of choice of an English Gentleman,
Beverly Hills Hotel Cocktail
Zingy grapefruit sourness balances rich elderflower in this gin-laced cocktail, which you might consider enjoying with your breakfast. That's how they
