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Welcome to the Cocktail Portfolio. Whether you are looking for a cocktail designed around a particular book, character, or scene, or around you favorite movies and shows, look below for examples of past literary cocktail designed by The Calm Scribe. Also included are various cocktails designed for special events and just for fun!
Scroll down to find our cocktails by category:
Bespoke, Classic Literary, The Wheel of Time, The Legend of Vox Machina, and Holiday
Bespoke Cocktails are cocktails that we have been commissioned or created as a special request. This section features cocktails that our clients have granted us permission to share. Now that they have been enjoyed as part of their official celebrations, they can be shared with you to make as well! Dive in and let us know your thoughts!
Have a special event coming up? Contact us here to discuss your own custom cocktail.

Click Here for Syrup Recipes
This year, we have once more crafted four unique cocktails for the holiday season, plus one for New Year's Eve. Whether you are hosting at home, planning a party, or designing a work event, we have four new cocktails to add to your menu! As always, let us know your thoughts and feel free to tag us in social media if you decide to add any of these concoctions to your holiday repertoire.
Golden Ginger
The first of our Four for the Holidays, this simple cocktail is warming and spicy. The spiced notes of the honey play with the spicy notes of the ginger to create a warming and soothing cocktail that will dazzle your taste buds. Quick and easy to make, this cocktail is the perfect nightcap.
Ingredients:
2 oz Ginger Liquor
1 oz Krupnik
1/4 oz Lime Juice
Honey Comb Garnish
Preparation:
  1. Add ginger liquor, Krupnik, and lime juice to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir to chill and combine.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a piece of fresh honey comb.
Thyme for a Martini
Our second cocktail of the Four for the Holidays is the classic martini with a twist. Thyme syrup and cranberry bitters elevate this cocktail to a new level with a rich mouth feel and subtle earthy notes. Whip up a batch of thyme syrup for this one, it will be used again in a coming cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz Hendrick's Gin
1/4 oz Dry Vermouth
1/4 oz Thyme Syrup (Click here for recipe)
3 Dashes Cranberry Bitters
​Sprig of Thyme for Garnish
Preparation:
  1. Add gin, vermouth, thyme syrup, and bitters to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake to chill and combine.
  3. Strain into a martini glass.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Apple Brûlée
Our third Four for the Holidays cocktail is a little more complex due to the need to flame and a cinnamon sugar covered apple slice, but apart from that it is a breeze. Fire up your kitchen torch and prepare to go on a fantastic taste experience. Cinnamon, apple, and tequila all work together to brighten the brandy and pull forth the apple notes. Perfect to sip in front of a fireplace.
Ingredients:
2 oz Apple Brandy (L'Heure De Mettre La Pomme À Off)
3/4 oz Añjeo Tequila
1 Flamed Cinnamon Apple Slice
Preparation:
  1. Roll an apple slice in cinnamon sugar and flame to melt, then cut the slice in half.
  2. Add tequila and half of the flamed apple slice to a mixing glass and muddle.
  3. Add apple brandy and ice.
  4. Stir to chill and combine.
  5. Double strain into a couple glass.
  6. Garnish with the other half of the flamed apple slice.
Canadian Thyme
The final of our Four for the Holidays is completely Canadian inspired. Two whiskies, maple, and thyme, all work together to make a simple cocktail perfect for the end of a long crazy day. Stir this one up in its own glass and sit back to reflect on all the hard work you have accomplished.
Ingredients:
2 oz Crown Royal
1/2 oz Sortilege Maple Whisky
1/4 oz Thyme Syrup (Click here for recipe)
Preparation:
  1. Add Crown Royal, Sortilege, and thyme syrup to a rocks glass over ice.
  2. Stir to chill and combine.
  3. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Old Acquaintances (NYE Cocktail)
Should old acquaintances be forgot? Definitely not if they pair like this. Elderflower, blueberry, and mint are all classic flavours. Add to that sparkling wine and gold flakes and you are surrounded by long loved flavour profiles. Mix them together and you have the ingredients for a fantastic night and even better cocktail. Ring in the New Year with a punch of flavour.

Note: Both cocktails are the same, but the one on the left in the photo has been clarified by use of a milk punch. Look for details on how to do your own milk punch coming soon.
Picture
The cocktail on the left has been clarified.
Ingredients:
1 oz Elderflower Liquor
1/2 oz Crème de Bleuet (Blueberry Liquor) 
1/2 oz Lime Juice
5 Sprigs of Mint
Sparkling Wine
Gold Flakes
Mint and Blueberry for Garnish
Preparation:
  1. Add mint, lime juice, and créme de bluete to a mixing glass and muddle.
  2. Add elderflower liquor and ice, then stir to chill and combine.
  3. Add gold flakes to a champagne flute and strain the mixture into the glass.
  4. Top with sparkling wine.
  5. Garnish with blueberry and mint.
​Apple-Walnut Pie Cocktail (My Thanksgiving 2024 Cocktail)
This Thanksgiving cocktail is dessert in a glass. Designed to be simple to make, pack a punch, and delicious, this cocktail is not too sweet and perfect before, during, or after dinner. Now you can have your dessert and drink it too! This was my entry into the Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Designers Thanksgiving design challenge. If you are pinched for time, forego the garnishes and just have a tasty drink. (Find & follow me on TikTok for a video on how to make this and other cocktails I have designed. Username: TheCalmScribe)
Ingredients:
0.25 oz Cinnamon Spiced Syrup (Click here for recipe)
2 oz Apple Brandy (L'Heure De Mettre La Pomme À Off)
3 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
1 Walnut
1 Flamed Cinnamon Apple Slice
Preparation:
  1. Add cinnamon spiced syrup, apple brandy, and walnut bitters to a rocks glass over ice.
  2. Stir to chill and combine.
  3. Roll an apple slice in cinnamon sugar and flame to melt.
  4. Garnish with flamed apple slice and walnut half.
​The Dictator
Occasionally world events are so profound they inspire a cocktail. From pundits pontificating to people's fears to self-admission, this cocktail brings to light a term being tossed about by many. Enjoy The Dictator which features Glayva a scotch liqueur to give an connection to Scotland, though not fully connected. The Aperol adds a bitter note which is accented by the orange bitters, to add depth and a bitter twist to the drink. Finally a twisted and dried out apricot makes up the garnish. All served in a gold rimmed coup glass to give the illusion of wealth. 
Ingredients:
2 oz Glayva Tangerine and Honey Spiced Liqueur
1 oz Aperol
2 dashes Orange Bitters
1 Dehydrated Apricot
Preparation:
  1. Add Glayva, Aperol, and bitters to a mixing glass & stir to chill.
  2. Strain into a coupe glass.
  3. Garnish with the twisted apricot.
  4. Enjoy (You may need a few of these.)

​The Collector (The Cocktail of Halloween 2024)

The Tooth Fairy is cursed to collect teeth. She constantly loses calcium from her bones and must replace it with fresh calcium. To do this she collects the teeth of children and sucks the calcium out of them, but she must return the tooth to its original weight by replacing the calcium with her blood. Doing this over time depletes her blood and dehydrates her so she must consume the Collector Cocktail. In a glass she combines 1/2 oz of tears from a child who had their candy stolen, 1 oz tears of an adult who realizes they will not achieve their childhood dreams, and 1.5 oz of her own blood. To further adjust for her blood loss she scrapes the blood off the teeth she has collected and rehydrates it before dripping it over the eye of a monster banished from a child’s closet. All poured over the blood filled sacks that were once the collected teeth. This Collector elixir does not fully restore her, but extends her life a bit more until she eventually becomes a dried out husk and children no longer have to sacrifice their first pair of teeth to keep the demon at bay.
Ingredients:
0.5 oz Lychee Liquor (Tears of a Child That Had Their Candy Stolen)
1 oz Dirty Devil Vodka (Tears of an Adult Realizing They Won't Achieve Their Childhood Dreams)
1.5 oz Cherry Liquor (Tooth Fairy Blood)
1 Drizzle Grenadine (Drizzle of Rehydrated Tooth Blood)
​5 Pomegranate Seeds (Rehydrated Children's Teeth)
1 Lychee and Amarena Cherry (Eyeball of a Monster Banished from a Child's Closet)
Preparation:
  1. Add child's tears, adult tears, tooth fairy blood to a mixing glass & stir to chill.
  2. Add children's teeth to a coupe glass and strain the mixture into the glass.
  3. Spear the monster eyeball and place on the rim of the glass.
  4. Drizzle the rehydrated blood over the eyeball and serve.

Newcastle Gold (The Cocktail of Fall 2024)

I was challenged by a group to come up with a Fall Cocktail based on the style of the Long Island Iced Tea, four or five alcohols with juice to finish it off. Being the fall, I decided to go with an apple based cocktail named Newcastle Gold. Newcastle is considered to be the Apple Capital of Canada, so I thought it was a fitting name. Smokey, slightly spicy, and packed full of apple flavours, this cocktail starts off with a touch of smoke then mellows into a dangerously delicious glass of apple juice. Drink with caution! This refreshing cocktail delivers a kick and goes down like juice.
Ingredients:
0.5 oz Apple Brandy (L'Heure De Mettre La Pomme À Off)
0.5 oz Dirty Devil Vodka
0.5 oz Mezcal
0.5 oz Goldschläger
0.5 oz White Rum
Apple Juice to Top Off
3 Dashes Apple Bitters
1 Cinnamon Stick
Gold Flakes
Preparation:
  1. Add ice, gold flakes, brandy, vodka, mezcal, Goldschläger, rum & apple bitters to a tall glass & stir to chill.
  2. Top off with apple juice & ice, then stir gently to combine.
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve.

Marriage of Portugal

Designed for a wonderful couple, this wedding cocktail is inspired by their love of Portugal. The Aguardente Velha is considered by some to be the brandy of Portugal, while the Beirão is a well enjoyed liquor in Portugal. The tonic water, mint, and lemon, pay homage to Portugal's Porto Tonic and the two mint leaves and lemon wheel garnish represent the couple getting married with the sun behind them. This cocktail was enjoyed by all and had many requests for the recipe. Now, by the power granted to me by the newlyweds, the recipe is yours to make as well. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 oz Aguardente Velha Brandy
1.5 oz Beirão
5 oz Tonic Water
5 Mint Leaves
2 Lemon Peels
1 Lemon Wheel for Garnish
2 Mint Leaves for Garnish
Preparation:
  1. Add mint leaves, lemon, & Aguardente brandy to tall glass & muddle.
  2. Add Beirão & ice, then stir to chill.
  3. Top off with tonic water & stir gently.
  4. Garnish with mint leaves & lemon wheel.

Yoshi

Designed for Friday Night Sips live each Friday night on the Twitch stream of Gobs44, this cocktail is a marriage of gaming and drinks, just like Friday Night Sips. The apple liquor represents the apples Yoshi eats throughout the game. The melon liquor gives us Yoshi's green colour, while the mezcal represents Yoshi's white underbelly and also pays homage to how many times we have smoked (or sacrificed) Yoshi in game. Finally, the maraschino cherry is a visual representation of the apples. Enjoy and let us know of any other games we should turn into cocktails.
Ingredients:
​0.75 oz Apple Liquor
1 oz Midori (or other Melon Liquor)
1.25 oz Mezcal
1 Maraschino Cherry
1 King Cube of Ice
​Preparation:
  1. Add apple liquor, melon liquor, and mezcal to a rocks glass.
  2. Add ice.
  3. Stir to combine, chill, and dilute.
  4. Add maraschino cherry.
Books take us away to fantastic lands and on incredible adventures. We can close our eyes and picture what is being describe as inspiration takes us away. With Literary Cocktails, you have a drink to deepen your emotional connection to your favorite books with the senses of taste and smell. Look below for recipes inspired by some of our favorite books and make them as you curl up with one of the classics.
Have a book in mind that is not listed? Contact us here to discuss adding it to our collection.
Youthful Promise
The third book of the Literary and Libatious book club was Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro. The youthful feeling and central theme of the heart inspired our latest cocktail Youthful Promise. Due to the fact that this book is ostensibly about youth, there is also alcohol free option with the exact same flavor profile. The bison grass vodka represents the field Klara walks through, the pink grapefruit juice and wheel represent the setting sun, with the cranberry juice and lychee liquor representing youthfulness. Finally the cherry in the bottom is to signify the heart and the central theme of the book. A perfect cocktail to sip while reading and engrossing book!
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Bison Grass Vodka
1 oz SoHo Lychee Liquor
1 oz Pink Grapefruit Juice
1 oz White Cranberry Juice
1 Amarena Cherry
1/2 Grapefruit Wheel
Preparation:
  1. Add ice, vodka, lychee liquor, white cranberry juice, and pink grapefruit juice to a shaker.
  2. Shake until chilled.
  3. Double strain into a coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with grapefruit wheel and cherry.
Youthful Promise (Alcohol Free)
Ingredients:
2.5 oz Lychee Juice
1 oz Pink Grapefruit Juice
1 oz White Cranberry Juice
1 Amarena Cherry
1/2 Grapefruit Wheel
Preparation:
  1. Add lychee juice, white cranberry juice, and pink grapefruit juice to a rocks (or juice) glass with ice.
  2. Stir until combined and chilled.
  3. Garnish with grapefruit wheel and cherry.
Silent Reflections
The second cocktail designed for the Literary & Libatious Book Club, this cocktail was inspired by Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein. This cocktail is a wonderful marriage of flavours that fits neatly with this book. The mezcal represents the fireplace and longing for comfort. The Aperol brings forth the bitterness of life and being the outsider, while the blood orange represents death and blame for things you did not do. All topped off with champagne to represent the tension bubbling beneath the surface. Settle into a comfy chair and sip on this drink while being transported to a world of stunning imagery.
Ingredients:
1 oz Mezcal
1 oz Aperol
2 oz Blood Orange Juice (Fresh)
3 oz Champagne or Sparkling Wine
1 Amarena Cherry
1 Blood Orange Wheel
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to a highball glass.
  2. Add mezcal, Aperol, and blood orange juice, and ice to a shaker and shake until chilled.
  3. Double strain into the highball glass over ice.
  4. Top with champagne.
  5. Garnish with blood orange slice and cherry.
Blood & Ashes
A riff on an Old Fashioned inspired by the Wheel of Time book series. The rhum to represent the strength and courage needed by all in the series, water for the tears shed, tobacco bitters for that fine Two Rivers tabac, the dark cherry for the hidden darkness, and the blood orange to represent the Dragon Reborn. A smooth, yet complex and multi-layered drink, this one is truly an experience. This is the perfect drink to sip on while reading the complex weaving of the Wheel of Time series.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Rhum Agricole
2 dashes Water
2 dashes Turkish Tobacco Bitters
1 Amarena Cherry
1 Sugar Cube
1 Blood Orange Wheel
Blood Orange Peel and Cherry for Garish
Preparation:
  1. Muddle water, tobacco bitters, blood orange wheel, cherry, and sugar cube in the bottom of a rocks glass.
  2. Add ice to the glass.
  3. Add rhum agricole.
  4. Stir to chill and combine.
  5. Garnish with blood orange peel and cherry.
Uncertain Mornings
The first cocktail designed for the Literary & Libatious Book Club, this cocktail is inspired by the Booker Award winning book, Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. Accessible and served in a juice or rocks glass, this cocktail will expand your drink making horizons with the creation of two of the elements. Inspiration from the book presents as the saltwater for tears, gunpowder for the fog of war, liquid courage to deal with the trauma, and the Irish who are the central characters of this book. You may need a few of these to face the depths of this novel.
Ingredients:
1 Smoked Saltwater Swirl (Click here for recipe)
2 oz Irish Gun Powder Gin
1 oz Irish Whiskey (Tullamore Dew)
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.75 oz Irish Breakfast Simple Syrup (Click here for recipe)
1 Lemon Twist
Preparation:
  1. Coat the inside of a juice or rocks glass with the smoked saltwater and toss the excess.
  2. Add ice to the glass.
  3. Add ice, gin, whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker and shake until chilled.
  4. Double strain into a the glass.
  5. Garnish with lemon twist and serve.
The Pennywise (Certified by the National Bartenders Association)
Created in 2022, this literary cocktail is inspired by Pennywise from IT (1986) by Stephen King. Crafted with a Soju base, the drink features flavours of lychee, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple, and spice. Much like its namesake, Pennywise starts light and fruity and then becomes more sinister as the heat slowly builds.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Soju
0.5 oz Gin
2 oz Pineapple Juice
2 droppers of Ginger Honey Syrup (Click here for recipe)
3 dashes Sweet Reaper Bitters
1 Egg White
2 Thai Chilli Peppers
Preparation:
  1. Combine soju, gin, pineapple juice, ginger honey syrup, sweet reaper bitters, and egg white in cocktail shaker with a spring.
  2. Vigorously shake ingredients until frothy.
  3. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  4. Strain into a coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with two Thai chilli peppers (after running them around the rim) to create the iconic smile.
Tropical Fire
Created in 2022, Tropical Fire is a more accessible and lighter variation of the Pennywise. Inspired by Lord of the Flies (1954) by William Golding, this cocktail is light and fruity, with just a hint of heat. Letting you know that the island paradise you are on is not all that it seems.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Soju
4 oz Pineapple Juice
2 droppers of Ginger Honey Syrup (Click here for recipe)
3 dashes Sweet Reaper Bitters
Preparation:
  1. Combine soju, pineapple juice, ginger honey syrup, and sweet reaper bitters in a Collins glass.
  2. Stir for 30 seconds.
  3. Garnish with pineapple, chili, and maraschino cherry.
Dragon's Mist (Mist of the Dragon)
Created in 2022, this literary cocktail is inspired by Eyes of the Dragon (1987) by Stephen King. Crafted with a vodka base, the flavor profile of this drink is minty with an earthy and subtle nutty note. Served in a cocktail glass, this drink will take you on a fantastic voyage.
NOTE: Green Dragon Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Crème de Menthe
2.5 ml (or half a barspoon) of Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture
Spritz of Absinthe
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to the cocktail glass to chill.
  2. Add ice to shaker.
  3. Add vodka, crème de menthe, and green dragon to the shaker and shake vigorously.
  4. Remove ice from cocktail glass, spritz glass with absinthe, and strain drink into glass.
  5. Garnish with mint leaves (or cannabis leaf) and an extra spritz of absinthe across the top. (Optional)
Sparkling Dragon's Mist
An easy sipping version of Dragon's Mist for those who prefer a lighter cocktail than a martini. Let the bubbles take you away to fantastic lands while you sit back and relax.
NOTE: Green Dragon Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Crème de Menthe
2.5 ml (or half a barspoon) of Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture
1 splash of Absinthe
4 oz Club Soda
Preparation:
  1. Fill a Collin's glass with ice to chill.
  2. Add ice, vodka, crème de menthe, green dragon, and absinthe to a shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
  3. Strain into chilled glass and top off with club soda.
The Neglected Coffee
Inspired by Rip Van Winkle (1819) by Washington Irving, this cocktail with a subtle sweetness to it will remind you of an iced coffee. Or perhaps a coffee waiting by your bedside while you sleep the hours away.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Kraken Black Roast Rum
1 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
0.5 oz Frangelico
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate Drizzle
Preparation:
  1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice to chill.
  2. Add rum, vodka, Irish cream, and Frangelico to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
  3. Remove ice from glass and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
  4. Strain cocktail into glass and garnish with flamed marshmallows.
The Wheel of Time is an Amazon Prime series based on the hit Fantasy Series by Robert Jordan. The Calm Scribe is joined by his co-host and special guests as they discuss each episode on After the Weave, live on Twitch. Along with the discussion is a custom designed cocktail which matches the theme or an element of the episode.
​Click here for past episodes of After the Weave.
Left Over Lessons
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 1: A Taste of Solitude
This cocktail was inspired by the scene featuring Egwene gathering table scraps and left over wine and drink from the Sister's quarters. She then takes the liquid down to the kitchens where Alanna Sedai teaches the novices how to clarify the sludge using weaves. The goal in planning this cocktail was to create a drink that looked disgusting but had a wonderful taste. I chose a mix of flavours that did not seem to go together, but actually form a strong flavor profile. I worked to match the brown muddy look of the liquid in the scene and included sparkling water to represent the clear water they novices created. The glasses in the scene were only half full, so a Collin's glass is used to match the effect.
Note: When photographing the drink, lights were used to give the impression of a dirty glass. (Please use a clean glass when serving to guests.)
Ingredients:
1 oz Créme de Cacao
1 oz Kahlua
0.75 oz Maraschino Liqueur
0.25 oz Créme de Menthe
2 oz Sparkling Water
1 Amarena Cherry
Preparation:
  1. Add créme de cacao, Kahlua, maraschino liqueur, and créme de menthe to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill.
  2. Strain cocktail into a Collin's glass.
  3. Top with sparkling water.
  4. Add cherry to bottom of glass and serve.
Something a Little Stronger
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 2: Strangers and Friends
The entire episode inspired elements of this cocktail. The red wine to represent blood and the meeting of Mat and Min, the smoke representing fire and fireside chats, scotch to represent Elayne's homebrew, the bitters representing the bitter truths learned this episode, and finally the cherry on the skull pick to represent the attack at the end. This episode really sees the action starting to ramp up, meaning a nice warming cocktail that embraces you is just the right thing to get through it.
A note on the scotch: Teachers has a nice balance of smoke to it and is reasonably priced. Lagavulin Quarter Cask is very heavy with smoke and peaty notes, with a higher price tag. Choose what your pallet and wallet enjoys.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Smoky Scotch (Teachers or Lagavulin Quarter Cask)
4 oz Red Wine (18 Crimes, Snoop Cali Red recommended)
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
1 Amarena Cherry
1 part Cherry Wood Smoke
Preparation:
  1. Use the cherry wood to smoke a red wine glass.
  2. Add scotch and bitters to the glass, then add the red wine.
  3. Garnish with cherry and serve.
  4. Drop cherry to bottom of glass before enjoying.
Golden Fire
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 3: What Might Be
​Once again, the entire episode inspired elements of this cocktail. This episode was bitter from start to finish with a lot of emotion tied into it, so I decided to go with a Campari base. The Campari also represents the blood and loss featured in this episode. Blood Monkey Gin (with ten botanicals) was used to as a representation of Nynaeve, the Two Rivers Wisdom who features heavily in this episode and used herbs in her healing work. The red and gold of the drink symbolize Rand's coat, and the habanero represents the fire. Rubbing the pepper around the rim before garnishing creates a spicy lip feel with each sip you take, allowing you to feel a subtler version of the pain you felt while watching this episode. You may need more than one to get through this one.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Gin (Blood Monkey Gin recommended)
1 oz Campari
0.5 oz Triple Sec
5 drops Spicy Bitters (Scorpion Bitters recommended)
Gold Flakes
​1 Habanero Pepper
Preparation:
  1. Add gin, Campari, triple sec, and bitters to mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir to combine and dilute, then strain into a rocks glass.
  3. Stir in gold flakes.
  4. Run the habanero pepper around the rim before using as a garnish on the rim and serve.
An Elegant Pause
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 4: Daughter of the Night (Certified by the National Bartenders Association)
This episode featured fantastic writing and moved the story lines of the show and several characters forward in overt and subtle ways. This cocktail is representative of subtlety and features a base inspired by Moiraine's dealings in Cairhien. Elegantly dressed and with no time for tea with her sister, she moves about her tasks quickly. Vodka symbolizes the drawing of water with Lan and the ginger liqueur represents Elayne's homemade alcohol. Take your time enjoying this cold and refreshing drink as you ponder the many hidden details in this episode.
​Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Ginger Liqueur
2 oz Strong Lemon Ginger Tea (Cold)
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
​1 Lemon Twist
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
  2. Add tea, vodka, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice.
  3. Shake vigorously.
  4. Strain into a coupe glass and serve with a lemon twist.
Crimson Dark
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 5: Damane
This episode was fast paced with a lot of heart pounding action. It also featured a heavy red and black theme. With much inspiration to draw from I created Crimson Dark, a somber cocktail with a light flavour to suggest hope. Red cherry liqueur symbolizes the Red Ajah, blood, fire, and betrayal. Vodka represents the water given to Perrin, with the cassis representing dark tidings and black. The gold of the rim represents the Aes Sedai ring, the black wheel, and the wheel itself. Activated charcoal adds a dark infiltrator to the drink, turning the red cocktail black, while adding earthy notes. Finally the strawberry garnish is for those lost in this episode and the thundering of our hearts while watching it. A well balanced cocktail with a slight sweetness that will keep you cool while your heart and blood races.
Note: Activated Charcoal may have an impact on the efficacy of some oral birth controls and some medications.
​​Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Cherry Liqueur
0.5 oz Crème de Cassis
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
​3 dashes Twist
Small amount of Activated Charcoal (Optional)
1 Fragola Fabbri Strawberry for garnish
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
  2. Add vodka, cherry liqueur, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and bitters to shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass.
  4. Top with activated charcoal.
  5. ​Garnish with strawberry.
Still Water
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 6: Eyes Without Pity
A tough episode to watch and to design a cocktail for. This episode advanced the storylines of several characters and began laying the groundwork for the end the season. I decided to focus this cocktail on the scenes with Egwene Al'Vere and the jug of water so prominently featured. The ingredients for this cocktail are designed to be frightening when considered together – without mixer – but once you try it, you realize they create a smoky orange cocktail with a wonderful balance. It does pack a punch, so treat this one with respect.
​​Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal
1 oz Moonshine
0.5 oz Cointreau
1 Orange Wheel for Garnish (Dehydrated if possible.)
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to cocktail glass to chill.
  2. In a mixing glass add ice, mezcal, moonshine, and Cointreau.
  3. Stir to chill and strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
  4. ​Garnish with orange wheel and serve.
Reflective Moment
​Inspired by Season 2, Episode 7: Daes Dae'Mar
​This was an intense episode with a lot of moving parts, subtlety, and strong moments, which I will not spoil here. I decided to base this cocktail off the scene with Mat and the tea. It is designed to create focus and introspection, with cannabis, while paying homage to the green fairy with absinthe. This drink kicks like a trolloc, so don't plan on having more than one. Enjoy this anise-citrus flavored cocktail at the start of the show and settle in while the effects take hold. This is a VERY STRONG cocktail!
Note: This is not your normal cocktail, with the green dragon included, the effects will last for hours. Consume only where legal.
​​Ingredients:
1 oz Absinthe
1 oz Cold Water
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Green Dragon* (Sub 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse)
3 dashes Aromatic Bitters
1 Sugar Cube
1 Lemon Rind (Remove pith)
1 Lemon Twist
Preparation:
  1. Put sugar cube in mixing glass and soak with bitters.
  2. Add lemon rind and absinthe, then muddle.
  3. Add water, plenty of ice, lemon juice, and green dragon.
  4. Stir to chill and double strain into rocks or other small glass.
  5. Serve with lemon twist after expressing oils.
NOTE: Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law. Effects will last several hours.
*Use 1 barspoon if not experienced, as a little goes a very long way.
Proclamation
​Inspired by Season 2, Episode 8: What Was Meant To Be
The final episode of this season was challenging to create a cocktail around. Quick cuts, overlapping scenes, and intense story lines all lead to a stunning conclusion which ultimately inspired this cocktail. The orange once more represents the dragon reborn, while the spiced vodka and smoky mezcal bring to mind the fireballs and destruction of the episode. A long orange twist, winding its way up the interior of the glass brings symbolizes one of the last scenes, with the cherry bringing to mind all those lost in the action. Smoky with a spicy kick, this cocktail will warm you, then leave you reeling — like the end of this episode and season. Be sure to try all of the Wheel of Time cocktails as you rewatch this season and watch for more cocktails to come based on the next season and possibly the first season as well.
​​Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal
1 oz Habanero Infused Vodka
0.5 oz Cointreau
3 oz Orange Juice
1 Long Orange Twist
1 Amarena Cherry
Preparation:
  1. Add orange twist to Collin's glass, twisting it up the inside of the glass and one king cube of ice.
  2. Add ice, mezcal, pepper vodka, Cointreau, and orange juice to Boston Shaker and shake vigorously.
  3. Strain into Collin's glass, keeping orange peel wrapped around the interior of the glass.
  4. Top with spike amerena cherry and drizzle with a small amount of the cherry syrup.
The Legend of Vox Machina is an Amazon Prime series based on the hit Critical Role TTRPG of the same name. The Calm Scribe is joined by his co-host and special guests as they discuss each episode on After the Roll, live on Twitch. Along with the discussion is a custom designed cocktail which matches the theme or an element of the episode.
​Click here for past episodes of After the Roll.
Dragon's Scale
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 1: Rise of the Chroma Conclave
Inspired by the vicious attack by the Chroma Conclave, the Dragon's Scale features Green Dragon Tincture, gold lustre to represent the dragon's horde, and sparkling wine to keep everything stirring. This cocktail is a spin on the Dragon's Mist listed below. Please enjoy responsibly. If you are not experienced with cannabis tincture, please use less or omit it altogether.
​Note: This is not your normal cocktail, with the green dragon included, the effects will last for hours. Consume only where legal.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Crème de Menthe
2.5 ml (or 1/2 barspoon) Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture (Optional)
Champagne or Sparkling Wine
1/8 tsp Gold Lustre (Optional)
Spritz of Absinthe
Caution: This cocktail is extremely potent.
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to the cocktail glass to chill.
  2. Add ice to shaker.
  3. Add vodka, crème de menthe, and green dragon to the shaker and shake vigorously.
  4. Remove ice from cocktail glass, spritz glass with absinthe, and strain drink into glass. Add gold lustre.
  5. Top off with champagne.
  6. Garnish with mint leaves (or cannabis leaf) and an extra spritz of absinthe across the top. (Optional)
NOTE: Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law. Effects will last several hours.
The Smoking Vassel
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 2: The Trials of Vasselheim
This cocktail was inspired by the majesty of Vasselheim. Featuring natural and easily accessible ingredients that seemed most likely available in Vasselheim. Barrel-aged gin makes up the core of this drink. Frangelico is a hazelnut liquor with a bottle designed to look like a Friar, representing natural flavours and religious orders. A splash of water is included to balance the drink and illustrate the wall of water that shows truth. The maple syrup sweetener and orange bitters pay homage to its natural beauty and the order of the Wild Mother. The cherry and orange peel garnish is an easily sourced garnish which ties the drink together. All smoked with pecan wood chips. An easy sipping and multi-layered cocktail. A smoky scotch can be used in place of the gin.
Ingredients:
3/4 oz Frangelico
2 oz Barrel Aged Gin (or Scotch)
2 dashes Orange Bitters
1/2 tsp Pure Maple Syrup
Splash of Water
1 Orange Wedge
1 Ice Cube
Cherry and Orange Peel Garnish
Preparation:
  1. Muddle the orange wedge, maple syrup, bitters, and Frangelico in the bottom of a rocks glass
  2. Add ice
  3. Add the water and gin
  4. Stir until chilled
  5. Garnish with orange peel and cherry
  6. Smoke with pecan, cherry, or oak (Optional)
The Sunken Heart
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 3: The Sunken Tomb
Taking inspiration from the Sunken Tomb and the end of this episode, The Sunken Heart is a layered cocktail. The layers and complexity of this cocktail tease not only the eye but also the palate. The dark cherry at the bottom is a surprise that represents love and loss as it waits to be found in the dark depths of the drink. Maraschino liqueur and Amaretto add a subtle sweet and nutty note to the cocktail, adding complexity to the dark coffee-infused rum, which calls to wake up even the deepest sleeping being. Topped with club soda, the drink visually gives the impression of a layer of water which deepens to mystery. Finally, the cardamom bitters tie all the flavours together and accents the coffee rum. Each sip offers a refreshing sensation with multiple layers of flavour to tease the tastebuds.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Dark Coffee Rum
0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
0.5 oz Amaretto
5 dashes Cardamom Bitters
1 Amarena Cherry (or Maraschino Cherry)
Ice
Club Soda
Preparation:
Add rum, maraschino liqueur, and Amaretto to a Collins glass
  1. Add amarena cherry to bottom of glass
  2. Add 5 dashes of cardamom bitters (or to taste)
  3. Add ice to glass and stir, ensuring cherry stays at the bottom
  4. Use a barspoon (or back of a spoon) to layer club soda to top off
  5. Serve
  6. For maximum flavor, stir to combine before drinking
Second Chances
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 4: Those Who Walk Away
With a lot of inspiration to draw from, I decided to design a cocktail based on the overall theme with select elements represented. Just like this episode, Second Chances is complex with a slight bitterness. The egg white adds a silky mouth feel and, when combined with the red wine float, represents Yar-Voss. The grapefruit oils muddled into the tequila add a bitter note to match Zara and Kash's betrayal but is countered by the fresh grapefruit juice and the subtle sweetness of the agave syrup. This tequila-forward cocktail is multi-layered with a smooth balance to avoid overpowering. A solid representation of the second chances had by the group, Vex and Vax, and the calming of the bitter tensions with the Slayer's Take.
Ingredients:
2 oz Tequila
1.5 oz  Fresh Grapefruit Juice
0.25 oz Agave Syrup
3 dashes Orange Bitters
0.5 oz Red Wine
1 Egg White (or 2 TBSP if using from a carton)
Ice
5 Grapefruit Peels
Preparation:
  1. Muddle 4 grapefruit peels with tequila in bottom of shaker
  2. Add grapefruit juice, agave syrup, orange bitters, and egg white
  3. Dry shake with ice and cocktail spring
  4. Remove spring, add ice, and shake until chilled
  5. Strain into rocks glass
  6. Use a barspoon (or back of a regular spoon) to layer red wine
  7. Express the final grapefruit peel over top and serve
Trial by Fire (Certified by the National Bartenders Association)
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 5: Pass Through Fire
Inspired by Pyrah, home to the Fire Ashari people, Trial by Fire is a cocktail not for the faint of heart. Designed with fire in mind, this spicy cocktail is multi-faceted and can have the level of heat altered by changing the pepper used or how much of the pepper is used. The Mezcal gives a nice smokiness to the drink, with the Cointreau and lime juice adding a citrus twist to accent the combination of flavours. Campari adds a touch of bitterness to tame the sweetness of the mango juice, while the reaper bitters and habanero add a fiery kick. Connect to your inner Keyleth, draw upon your courage, and see if you can pass your own Trial by Fire. Push through the heat and enjoy a smoky adventure.
Note: This cocktail is very hot. If you are uncomfortable with intense heat, consider using a Thai chilli pepper or jalapeño or lessen the amount of habanero used. If  you use too much heat, you will not be able to enjoy the complex flavours of this cocktail.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.5 oz Campari
0.5 oz Lime Juice
3 oz Mango Nectar
2 Dash Reaper Bitters
1 Habanero Pepper (or milder pepper if preferred)
1 Mango Slice
Ice
Preparation:
  1. Muddle half a habanero pepper with mezcal in bottom of shaker
  2. Add Cointreau, Campari, lime juice, mango nectar, and reaper bitters
  3. Add ice and shake until chilled
  4. Strain into rocks glass
  5. Garnish with mango slice and other half of habanero pepper
Love & Loss
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 6: Into Rimecleft
The first thing I noticed about this episode was a strong colour theme and the visually stunning battle scene with the Sphynx. In designing this cocktail, I wanted to capture the feeling of love and loss and the majesty of the galaxy colours when Vox Machina and the Sphynx face off. This shimmering cocktail has magical colour-changing properties that take you on a voyage deep into the universe of love and loss. The flavour is gentle with a warm embrace and intoxicating floral aroma, with the colours and shimmering swirl leaving you wishing it would last forever. This cocktail has a lingering aftertaste that breaks your heart when it is over. Stir up the magic and float through the cosmos as you watch Episode 6 of The Legend of Vox Machina.
Note: Rose water and pearl lustre are very powerful, use sparingly. The magic ice, vodka, and colour changing effects are created with butterfly pea flower infusions which react to changes in ph.
Ingredients:
2 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Vodka (Click here for recipe)
0.75 oz Lillet Blanc
0.5 oz St. Germain Elder Flower Liqueur
0.5 oz Lemon Syrup (Click here for recipe)
1 Splash Rose Water
1/8 tsp Pearl Lustre Powder
Crushed Magic Ice (Click here for recipe)
King Ice Cube
Preparation:
  1. Add ice to mixing glass
  2. Add Infused Vodka, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain, rose water, and pearl lustre to glass and stir until chilled and combined
  3. Strain into rocks glass over king ice cube
  4. Top with magic ice
  5. Drizzle lemon syrup
  6. Give a quick stir and serve
The Holidays are upon us and we all know what that means, parties, hosting, dinners, and events. Each year we see the same, or very similar, cocktails proffered up as options to serve our guests. This year, we decided to craft four unique cocktails for the holiday season. Whether you are hosting at home, planning a party, or designing a work event, we have four new cocktails to add to your menu! As always, let us know your thoughts and feel free to tag us in social media if you decide to add any of these concoctions to your holiday repertoire.

Candied Garland (Cocktail 1 of 4)

The first of our Four for the Holidays series is the Candied Garland. Crafted for the 2023 Holiday Season, Candied Garland brings together elements of old fashioned garlands hung from the Christmas tree with just a touch of sweetness. With a vodka base, the Cointreau brings a pop of orange flavor to offset the sharp tang of the cranberry juice, while the ginger adds a warming spicy note. The lime brightens all the flavors and brings to life a brilliant and tart cocktail with just a hint of sweet.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1.25 oz Ginger Liqueur
0.25 oz Cointreau
2 oz Cranberry Juice (100% cranberry is best)
0.5 oz Lime Juice
3 dashes Cardamom Bitters
3 Cranberries
1 half Orange Wheel
Preparation:
  1. Add vodka, ginger liqueur, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice, and cardamom bitters with ice to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Vigorously shake ingredients to chill and dilute.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with half an orange wheel and three spiked cranberries.

Brandied Cherry (Cocktail 2 of 4)

The second of our Four for the Holidays series is the Brandied Cherry. Crafted for the 2023 Holiday Season, this cocktail was inspired by the chocolate covered brandied cherries we enjoy this time of year. The ingredients mingle to create a not-too-sweet representation of the treat. Starting with a hit of cherry, then warmth of the brandy, with a smooth chocolate finish, this cocktail is perfect for your party, after dinner, or just while enjoying the holidays.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Brandy
1 oz Cherry Liquor
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 dashes Cardamom Bitters
3 dashes Chocolate Bitters
1 Cherry
Preparation:
  1. Add brandy, cherry liquor, crème de cacao, and both bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir to chill and dilute.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with one spiked cherry. (Optional: Add shaved chocolate.)
Fireside Chocolate (Cocktail 3 of 4)
The third of our Four for the Holidays series crafted for the 2023 Holiday Season is the Fireside Chocolate. This cocktail is a fun riff on the traditional chocolate oranges and a hot chocolate. Served cold, this chocolate cocktail is hot due to the smokiness of the mezcal and the bite of the spicy bitters. All balanced with an orange twist. Not too sweet, this cocktail will keep you warm while you curl up with a good book by the fireplace or chat with loved ones.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal
1 oz Crème de Cacao
0.5 oz Cointreau
3 drop Spicy Bitters
3 dashes Chocolate Bitters
1 Orange Twist
Preparation:
  1. Add mezcal, crème de cacao, Cointreau, and both bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir to chill and dilute.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with an orange twist.
Winter Rose (Cocktail 4 of 4)
The final of our Four for the Holidays series crafted for the 2023 Holiday Season is the the Winter Rose. This cocktail tastes just like Christmas and will be the featured cocktail at my dinner this year. Simple and fun to make, this cocktail has the tartness of the cranberries, spice of rosemary, balanced with a very subtle sweetness, all made effervescent with sparkling wine. The holidays in a cup, this drink is sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
1 oz Gin
2 oz 100% Cranberry Juice
0.5 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup (Click here for recipe)
0.5 oz Lime Juice
3 oz Champagne
1 Cranberry spiked on a rosemary sprig
Preparation:
  1. Add gin, cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup, and lime juice to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir to chill and dilute.
  3. Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
  4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
  5. Garnish with sprig of rosemary spiked on a cranberry.
Enjoy a special Four for the Holidays bonus cocktail designed for Thanksgiving, the Cinnamon Spike!

Cinnamon Spike

This cocktail is not inspired by literature, instead it was inspired by a call from a friend looking for a featured cocktail for their Thanksgiving dinner. After discussing the meal and the flavor profile they wanted, I created this cocktail. Perfect at any time, but also a great featured drink for the holidays, not just Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Apple Liquor
0.75 oz Goldschläger
0.25 oz Galliano
3 dashes Apple Bitters
1 Apple slice
1 Cinnamon stick, broken with a sharp end
Preparation:
  1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice to chill and add ice to the mixing glass.
  2. Add vodka, goldschläger, apple liquor, Galliano, and apple bitters to the mixing glass.
  3. Stir to combine and chill, then strain into a coup glass.
  4. Garnish with an apple slice pierced with a cinnamon stick.
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