The Cocktail Journal

A new cocktail every day. Seasonal sippers, forgotten classics, and drinks for every occasion.

Smoke & Mirrors cocktail in a coupe garnished with expressed orange peel (discarded)
Explorer's Lab

Smoke & Mirrors

An Experimental Split-Base for the Brave and Curious

What happens when mezcal meets cognac? An experimental split-base cocktail that bridges smoke and elegance with herbal liqueurs and mole bitters.

February 21, 2026
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49 recipes

Grove & Tonic Spritz cocktail in a highball garnished with grapefruit twist and fresh thyme sprig
Zero Proof

Grove & Tonic Spritz

Seedlip Grove 42 meets fresh grapefruit and honey-lemon syrup in this sophisticated spritz that proves great drinks are about flavor, not alcohol content.

February 20, 2026
The Diplomat's Reserve cocktail in a coupe or rocks garnished with orange peel
Occasions

The Diplomat's Reserve

Aged rum meets Cognac in this sophisticated sipper that impresses without the fuss. Two types of bitters make all the difference.

February 19, 2026
Port Royal Nightcap cocktail in a coupe garnished with Orange peel expressed and discarded, or freshly grated nutmeg
Seasonal

Port Royal Nightcap

This cognac and tawny port nightcap combines caramelized, nutty flavors with chocolate and cream for a luxurious after-dinner sipper.

February 18, 2026
Garden Whisper cocktail in a coupe garnished with Fresh basil leaf
Flavor

Garden Whisper

Basil isn't just for pesto. This herbaceous gin cocktail showcases the herb's peppery, aromatic side in a bright, spirit-forward sipper.

February 17, 2026
The Velvet Merchant cocktail in a Nick & Nora garnished with Freshly grated nutmeg
Seasonal

The Velvet Merchant

This decadent nightcap layers Pedro Ximénez sherry, ruby port, and aged rum into something that tastes like the best fruitcake you've ever had.

February 16, 2026
Tepache Ahumado cocktail in a Collins garnished with Pineapple frond and cinnamon stick
Explorer's Lab

Tepache Ahumado

A smoky mezcal highball inspired by tepache, the fermented pineapple drink most people have never tried. This one's experimental, so consider yourself warned.

February 15, 2026
Velvet Kiss cocktail in a champagne flute garnished with Lemon twist
Holiday

Velvet Kiss

This sparkling Valentine's cocktail takes the Kir Royale to new heights with Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon, and a hint of rose water for pure romance.

February 14, 2026
Rose Petal Kiss cocktail in a coupe garnished with Fresh raspberries and edible rose petals
Holiday

Rose Petal Kiss

This romantic fizz for two combines cognac, Chambord, and Champagne into a berry-kissed cocktail with serious visual appeal and flavor to match.

February 13, 2026
Lovers' Fizz cocktail in a coupe garnished with Fresh raspberry and lemon twist in each glass
Holiday

Lovers' Fizz

Cognac meets Champagne in this berry-kissed fizz built for two. Rich, fruity, and sparkling with just the right amount of citrus brightness.

February 12, 2026
Velvet Repose cocktail in a nick & nora garnished with expressed orange peel, freshly grated nutmeg
Occasions

Velvet Repose

A port-forward nightcap that combines tawny port's dried fruit sweetness with cognac's warmth and subtle chocolate undertones for the most peaceful end to your evening.

February 11, 2026
Sunset Meditation cocktail in a wine glass garnished with grapefruit wheel and fresh rosemary sprig
The Vibe

Sunset Meditation

This low-ABV Aperol spritz with grapefruit and rosemary is designed for actually unwinding, not just drinking. Slow down and breathe.

February 10, 2026
Citrus Gin Fizz cocktail in a highball garnished with grapefruit peel twist
Weekly

Citrus Gin Fizz

A brighter, more complex take on the gin and tonic that brings fresh citrus and elderflower into the mix without losing that classic quinine bite.

February 9, 2026