Namesake City Cocktails

In Wayne Curtis’ July/August column, he points out that most namesake city cocktails don’t stand the test of time. There are plenty of drinks that have famously originated from cities: the Sazerac from New Orleans and the Mint Julep from Louisville to name just two. However, the chances that someone would walk into a bar and order a Chicago Cocktail are just as unlikely as a home bartender wanting to shake up a Miami Cocktail (rum, white crème de menthe, and lemon). That said, here are some city-inspired drinks that have left an indelible mark on the cocktail world.

Campbeltown Sour

Smoky whisky, honey-laced Drambuie, and frothy egg whites combine in this scotch cocktail—a cross between the Rusty Nail and the Whiskey Sour.

Kingston Negroni

Italy’s classic heads for some Caribbean sun in this variation that swaps in a rich Jamaican rum.

Long Island Iced Tea

This log flume of five clear liquors, disguised by a golden splash of cola, hails from Suffolk County bartender Bob “Rosebud” Butt, who conceived it during a cocktail competition in 1972.

Los Angeles Sour

This modernized recipe becomes “more LA” with a panela sweetener as an homage to the city’s Latin American heritage.

Manhattan

This simple, three-ingredient sipper and beloved classic was said to have been invented in New York City’s Manhattan Club.

The Newark Cocktail

Riffing on the Brooklyn Cocktail, Jim Meehan and John Deragon took inspiration from the New Jersey home of Laird’s Apple Brandy.

The Original New York Cocktail

To drink like a turn-of-the-century New Yorker, cocktail historian David Wondrich recommends straining this classic in a chilled coupe.

Parisian Cocktail

Adapted from Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails, this version lets gin take the lead.

Saratoga Cocktail

This 1930s classic that originated in Paris gets freshened up.

Singapore Sling

This gin sling is said to have been created in Singapore’s Raffles Bar at the turn of the century.

Toronto Cocktail

Once a forgotten classic from the mid-20th century, this Manhattan-style cocktail highlights the more mellow tones of Canadian whisky.