Cheers to our new print issue—have a cocktail on Thursday!

In celebration of our Print Issue Vol. 3 launch on Thursday, we’re having a virtual reading with Barrelhouse! Details here—be sure to register by the 17th to be entered into our raffle for free print issues.

Under normal circumstances, we’d be holding this reading live in a bar or restaurant somewhere. But since we can’t do that, our Online Issues/Flash Editor Maureen Langloss has put together a few smashing custom cocktails (and mocktails) for the evening! Below you’ll find ingredients and instructions—let’s raise a toast to the new issue!

Shopping List:
- Gin or Bourbon (or any Whiskey)
- Seltzer for non-alcoholic drink
- Basil (for Gin) or Mint (for Whiskey or non-alcohol)
- Lemon (can substitute lime in gin or non-alcoholic recipes)
- White granulated sugar
- Fresh berries for non-alcoholic drink
- Ice

Advance Prep & Notes:
- Make Simple Syrup by mixing sugar with equal amount of water (e.g., dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water, which will yield approx. 1.5 cups simple syrup; refrigerate, will keep for 2-4 weeks).
- If you don’t have a muddler, a wooden spoon works (not trying to grind ingredients, just press). “Double straining” through a mesh/tea strainer after shaking will help keep bits of herbs out of your glass (and teeth).

Whiskey Smash

Ingredients:
- 2oz Bourbon (or whiskey of your choice)
- Half a lemon, cut into quarters
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar & water)
- Sprig of mint and lemon wheel or slice for garnish

Instructions:
- Muddle together lemon quarters, loose mint leaves, and simple syrup in shaker tin
- Add whiskey and ice, shake well
- Double-strain into glass over fresh ice, garnish with fresh mint sprig and lemon wheel or slice

Gin Basil Smash

Ingredients:
- 2oz London Dry Gin
- 1oz lemon juice (squeeze fresh)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 3/4oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar & water)
- Sprig of basil for garnish

Instructions:
- Muddle together basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup in shaker tin
- Add gin and ice, shake well
- Double-strain into rocks glass over fresh ice, garnish with fresh basil sprig
- Note: If you use lime juice instead of lemon and serve “up,” that is a Basil Gimlet (also delicious)

Berry Smash Cooler (mocktail)

Ingredients:
- 4-5 whole, fresh berries of choice
- 1oz lemon juice (squeeze fresh)
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 1oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar & water)
- Seltzer or sparkling water
- Sprig of mint and whole berries for garnish

Instructions:
- Muddle together berries with lemon juice and simple syrup in shaker tin
- Add ice, shake well
- Double-strain into tall glass over fresh ice, top with seltzer or sparkling water, garnish with fresh mint sprig and a few berries