Personal favorite of mine courtesy of Imbibe Magazine

-1.5 oz gin (I like The Botanist) -3/4 oz lemon juice -3/4 oz orgeat (I use Small Hand Foods) -1/2 oz Amontillado sherry (I recommend Lustau) -3 dashes absinthe -cucumber slices (2-3)

Muddle cucumber slices, add in rest of ingredients and shake with ice. Fine strain over fresh ice.

Double shot of white rum, shot of honey simple syrup (just mix a tablespoon of honey and warm water) squeeze in half a lime. And then I usually throw in the squeezed out lime into the shaker. Awesome summer drink.

Do you like old fashioneds, and wine? This is the drink for you! I can't remember now where I got the idea, but I've been making them forever.

2-3 shots Bourbon whiskey (personal favourite: Jefferson's Reserve, the gentle alcohol notes but strong wood flavours blend gracefully into the wine notes!)

1 - 1.5 shots' worth of tawny port (don't need anything too good here but a basic 10 year Graham's or similar will do)

1 teaspoon simple syrup (take it easy on this since the Port itself will impart sweetness!)

1 big ass ice cube

1 maraschino cherry

I'm a fan of custom and unique twists on cocktails; and if you're reading this, hopefully you are too! Let's move beyond the typical basic stuff and discuss more interesting recipes that have a special place in your heart, particularly if you've concocted them yourself, or put a twist on them.