American Cocktails

THE COSMOPOLITAN

There are as many recipes for this modern cocktail as there are bartenders. Sex and the City made it famous, and the young crowd, especially women, keep it going. Many claim to have invented it, including the Twin Cities’ own Neal Murray, a bartender at the Cork & Cleaver steak house circa 1975. It’s the hip sibling of Massachusetts’ Cape Codder (vodka and cranberry juice), served in a martini glass with a splash of lemon sour.

Bank
An easy-drinking martini with a touch of flair. The fresh cranberry garnish is a nice touch. And in this room, you’ll feel like you’re in New York. Westin Minneapolis, 88 S. 6th St., Mpls., 612-656-3255

Seven Sushi Ultralounge
Fun, exhilarating, a touch sweet. And no place in town beats the people-watching. 700 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-238-7777

Via Cafe & Bar
A bit stronger than the others, augmented by a happening patio bar, so your Cosmo will fit right in. 6740 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-928-9500

THE CLASSIC MARTINI

Originally known as the “Martini Cocktail” (a martini in Italy is all sweet vermouth), an 1896 recipe calls for this drink to be two parts gin, one part vermouth, and a dash of bitters (which nobody adds anymore). Unfortunately, a lot of today’s martinis are all booze and no flavor. The drink owes its name to vermouth producers Martini and Rossi, but today’s versions don’t contain much vermouth either.

La Belle Vie Lounge
Dry and crisp with a twist of lemon and as elegant as the surroundings. Bond would be impressed. 510 Groveland Ave., Mpls., 612-874-6440

Mission American Kitchen & Bar
A smooth, cold martini. plus lots of great company at happy hour. IDS Center, 77 S. 7th St., Mpls., 612-339-1000

St. Paul Grill
At this great old-school bar run by pros, if you’re not drinking scotch, you should have a martini in hand, which is carefully prepared and not as harsh as many. 350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-224-7455

WHISKEY OLD FASHIONED

Most people agree that this cocktail was invented at the Pendennis Club in Louisville around 1880. It was made famous at the Waldorf–Astoria in the 1930s when James Pepper (a club member) brought the recipe north. A classic Old Fashioned contains a sugar cube splashed with bitters, plus orange and cherry pieces all muddled in the glass, followed by bourbon, ice, and club soda. Variations exist (many bad), but for purists, these three should make the cut.

D’Amico Cucina
Who’d of thought? It was one of the best we’ve ever had. Bruce, the bartender, takes pride in this cocktail and it shows. Butler Square, 100 N. 6th St., Mpls., 612-338-2401

Manny’s Steak House
Bartender Jerald Hansen is the consummate pro. The drink is muddled in front of you and is refreshing, big, and strong in true Manny’s style. W Minneapolis—The Foshay, 821 Marquette Ave., Mpls., 612-339-9900

The Monte Carlo Bar & Grill
Its bar shelves are the best looking in town; the cocktail is spot-on. Enough of everything and not too sweet. 219 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-5900