A balanced, well-mixed cocktail will always be delicious in its own right. But if you want to have some fun with your home bar, take things a step further by aging your creation on a charred oak stave. It's the same process that brewers and distillers use when they barrel-age their wares, imparting a smoky earthiness and allowing plenty of time for all of the flavors to come together.
Pick any of these options (or tell us your personal favorites below), grab an aging kit, then muster up some patience. The flavors will mature as the oak stave imparts a rich, woodsy goodness to your booze. You'll be adding new layers while mellowing and enhancing the liquor’s natural taste.
For a full guide on the process, plus tips and tricks so you can earn your aging stripes, read up on our guide to barrel aging cocktails.
The Deshler
A World War I-era classic.
- 5 oz Rye Whiskey
- 5 oz Dubbonet
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1/4 oz Peychauds Bitters (can be added before or after aging)
Combine ingredients in a pitcher or mixing glass without ice. Stir and add to aging kit.
2:1 Gin Martini
The way martinis were intended to be enjoyed: stirred and with plenty of high-quality vermouth.
- 8 oz London Dry or Plymouth Gin
- 4 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
Combine ingredients in a pitcher or mixing glass without ice. Stir and add to aging kit. For a sherry finish, soak the stave in a small glass of fino sherry for a half day or a day before adding to aging kit.
The Negroni
A modern favorite with a classic past that stands up particularly well to aging.
- 4 oz London Dry or Plymouth Gin
- 4 oz Campari
- 4 oz Italian (sweet/red) Vermouth, like Antica Formula
Combine ingredients in a pitcher or mixing glass without ice. Stir vigorously and add to aging kit.
White Manhattan
This version of the Manhattan uses unaged whiskey so you can taste the difference yourself.
- 6 oz Unaged (White) Whiskey or Moonshine
- 2 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
- 2 oz Benedictine
- 1/4 oz Orange Bitters (can be added before or after aging)
Combine ingredients in a pitcher or mixing glass without ice. Stir and add to aging kit.
