Final Cut

A whiskey distilled from a grain mash that contains at least 51% rye, a grass and member of the wheat tribe 'Triticeae.'

A whiskey made primarily from a corn grain mash, aged in charred oak barrels.

An Italian bitter aperitif made infusing herbs and fruits in alcohol and water. ABV ranges from 10% to 29% based on country.

The most common fruit juice used in cocktails. This citrus juice is about 6% acid; pure citric acid. Lemon juice should be used the day it is squeezed, some like it freshly squeezed and others like it a few hours old.

A concentrated fruit syrup made from raspberry pulp. Combine 1/2 cup raspberry preserves with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil, cool, strain and store. You can add some other spices like cardamom pods or cloves during boiling.

Produced at the traditional sugarcane farms and distilleries of Jamaica, these molasses-based rums are beloved for their funky notes of tropical fruit. These can be bottled as a blend of pot and column-still rums (e.g., Appleton Signature) or as 100% pot still (e.g., Smith & Cross). Many recipes specifically call for Smith & Cross, which is elevated in both ABV and funky flavors. These rums are usually aged between 5 and 12 years, often in the tropical climate of Jamaica.