Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

This is the original cocktail and not the frozen version.

Makes 8 servings

There are no less than three competing stories as to how the Southside cocktail came to be. Perhaps the most interesting of them hails from Chicago. In the 1920s, Chicago was a city under violent gang rule. Three bootleggers controlled the city, and a hard line was drawn between North and South Chicago. On the North Side, people drank gin and ginger ale, which, consequently, is called a North Side cocktail. South Side mobsters didn't have as much access to quality liquor and were forced to use stronger flavors to mask the taste of bad gin. The Southside cocktail is an example of one of the most successful recipes for doing just that. There are a couple of fun spins on this cocktail as well. Try adding soda water and serving it over ice for a Southside Fizz, or stick with the coupe and add a healthy dose of champagne for a Southside Royale.

This cocktail's name suggests that it might be deadly, but it's actually pretty light. It tastes similar to a Margarita, but it's not quite as boozy and gets a bit of added depth from the pomegranate molasses and bitters. Pomegranate molasses can be a bit tricky to find, but it's fairly easy to make at home. Just reduce some pomegranate juice with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, and you'll be all set. The Mexican Firing Squad's earliest mention is in Charles H. Baker Jr.'s The Gentleman's Companion, Volume II, published in 1946. In it, the vagabond bon vivant tells a story about wandering from bar to bar in Mexico City in 1937 and finally discovering this cocktail at a bar called La Cucaracha. Another great summer cocktail, the Mexican Firing Squad is perfect for warm weather and light enough that you can enjoy more than just one.

Get a wiggle on and head on down to the gin mill if this sounds like your kind of cocktail. First recorded in 1934 by William Boothby, this particular brand of giggle water is sure to please even the toughest of crowds and quench the most insatiable of thirsts. One of the niftiest things about summer is high-quality local honey, and the Bee's Knees is the perfect way to take advantage. If you're open to experimentation, try using different types of honey from different places. This can have a profound effect on the taste of this cocktail even for those who don't boast a well-trained palate. All in all, this stuff is the cat's meow.

The concept of “hair of the dog” has long been a source of debate amongst social drinkers. Science doesn't seem to have much to say on the matter, but bar-goers certainly do. In the early 20th century, bartenders swore by it so firmly that they created a whole arsenal of morning-after cocktails that they swore would get you back on your feet after an overly indulgent night out. Unfortunately, not many of these corpse revivers, as they were called, are still popular today. The Corpse Reviver #2 is the exception. This light, fragrant cocktail that is sure to refresh. It is also a great way to introduce people to gin and even absinthe since neither of them overpowers the other ingredients when this drink made properly. Snake oil or not, the Corpse Reviver #2 will not disappoint.

Jalapeno-Infused Tequila: Combine 1 cup reposado tequila with 1/2 seeded and chopped jalapeno in bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Strain to remove jalapeno, then funnel into bottle. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.