Ruby Rosalita

This twist on a Negroni uses mezcal, a type of tequila, to add a smoky flavor.

Mike AugustyniakFebruary 6, 2016Cocchi Americano, Campari, Cappelletti, Grapefruit, Richfield, Lyn65, Travis Serbus, NegroniComment

Southside

Notes of grapefruit, orange, and apricot lend a twist to the classic Southside cocktail.

GinMike AugustyniakFebruary 6, 2016Tattersall, Dimmi, Richfield, Lyn65, Travis Serbus, MintComment

The Stinger

An update to the original late-19th century cocktail, using Minnesota & Wisconsin made spirits.

BrandyMike AugustyniakJanuary 30, 2016Apple, Yahara Bay, Rumplemintz, Dr. McGillicuddy, Tom Bullock, Ideal Bartender, Death's Door, Wondermint, Commodore, St. PaulComment

Root 'n' Rye

The apothecary-style Rock 'n' Rye gets a flavor upgrade to bring more balance to the flavor.

Bourbon & WhiskeyMike AugustyniakJanuary 30, 2016Root Beer, Birch Bark, Frostop, Dashfire, Rock Candy, Cherry, Few Spirits, Whiskey, Rye, Commodore, St. PaulComment

Salty Caramel Lemon Drop

Frothy, unpretentious, and fun, the Salty Caramel Lemon Drop is savory.

Vodka, LiqueurMike AugustyniakJanuary 23, 2016Caramel, Monin, Cava, Key Lime, Johnny Michaels, White Bear Lake, The Alchemist, SuburbsComment

Fire Woman

A winter classic that draws flavor from in-season blood oranges.

Gin, Liqueur, WineMike AugustyniakJanuary 23, 2016Blood oranges, Orange, Monin, Cava, Sparkling Wine, Johnny Michaels, The Alchemist, White Bear Lake, SuburbsComment

Straight Cash Homie

The name is inspired by a Vikings player that many loved to hate, and the recipe is drawn from the Old Fashioned.

Bourbon & WhiskeyMike AugustyniakJanuary 23, 2016Johnny Michaels, The Alchemist, White Bear Lake, Old Fashioned, SuburbsComment

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a winter treat, and none is more popular than the one W.A. Frost has served for 40+ years.

WineMike AugustyniakJanuary 16, 2016St. Paul, W.A. Frost, Mulling Spices, Mulled, Christmas, HolidayComment

Norway José

This sour-style cocktail calls on egg whites to blend savory caraway and anise.

GinMike AugustyniakJanuary 9, 2016Linie, Grand Marnier, Sour, Egg, Tongue In Cheek, St. PaulComment

Paradise By The Boiler Room Light

Featuring St. Paul-made spirits, this fun and fruity tiki-inspired drink will perk up your winter blahs.

RumMike AugustyniakJanuary 9, 201611 Wells, Luxardo, Maraschino, Pineapple, Dashfire, Tongue In Cheek, St. Paul, Ryan Huesby

North Star Hot Toddy

Cold-brewed mint tea concentrate, smooth Scotch, ginger, and lemon step up the common toddy.

Bourbon & WhiskeyMike AugustyniakJanuary 2, 2016Bittercube, Scena Tavern, Minneapolis, Tea, Owls Brew, Mint, GingerComment

Hipster Toddy

6Smith's version of the hot toddy turns a bitter Italian Frenet into an easy-drinking warm-up.

Champagne Cocktail

6Smith's seasonal twist on a classic Champagne Cocktail made for winter.

Brandy, LiqueurMike AugustyniakDecember 26, 2015Prosecco, 6Smith, Wayzata, Lake Minnetonka, Marlon Hanson, Laird's, ChampagneComment

Mike's Mix 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Mike's Mix 2015 Holiday Gift Guide features some of my favorite tools, local bitters and liqueurs, and writing about cocktails. Drink, and be merry!

Mike AugustyniakDecember 4, 2015

Stamos Fizz

An interpretation of the classic Ramos Gin Fizz by Tattersall Distilling; Minneapolis's hottest distillery.

GinMike AugustyniakAugust 22, 2015Barrel Aged Gin, Orange Crema, Tattersall, M, Minneapolis, Bennett Johnson, Ramos Fizz, FizzComment

Bloody Good

From Paris, to New York, to America coast-to-coast. The history of the Bloody Mary cocktail is short and sweet... or savory... or spicy. And that's what makes it wonderful.

VodkaMike AugustyniakJanuary 2, 2015Brunch, Tomato, Spice, Spicy, Bloody MaryComment

The Champagne High-Low Project

Champagne, and other sparkling wine, can seem a little inaccessible -- suitable for a toast at a celebration, or maybe in a Mimosa. One of the best reasons to pop the cork, though, may be because it's a random Wednesday night, and you're hungry for fast food.