Alexander Hamilton-Inspired Cocktails from Total Wine & More
On this day in 1804, Alexander Hamilton died after being shot in a duel by his political enemy Aaron Burr. Don’t give up your shot – raise a glass to one of our founding fathers with one of these Hamilton-inspired cocktails.
Hamilton was born on the small Caribbean island of Nevis. If you head to Nevis now, be sure to try the Killer Bee, made famous by Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill. Here’s a close replica to give you a preview.
Serves | 1Â |
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz passionfruit juice
- 1 oz club soda
- 1 oz rum
- Black pepper and nutmeg, to garnish
| Preparation | Warm up a small amount of water and mix it with the honey to soften it. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass with fresh ice, then garnish with black pepper and freshly grated nutmeg.
Hamilton famously served as George Washington’s right hand man, and both Hamilton and this cocktail were favorites of our first president. You could make your own, but store-bought cherry brandy is much easier.
Serves | 1 |
- 1¼ oz bourbon
- 1 oz cherry brandy
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ¼ oz lemon juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 egg white
- Cinnamon and brandied cherry, to garnish
| Preparation | Add all ingredients to a dry shaker and shake well to get the egg whipped up. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice, then add a brandied cherry and fresh grated cinnamon.
As Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton raised revenue by levying a tax on whiskey and other spirits. In 1794, backlash erupted into the Whiskey Rebellion, as states felt their chief export was being unfairly targeted.
Serves | 1 |
- 1½ oz Pimm’s
- 1½ oz whiskey (rye or bourbon, whichever you prefer)
- 3 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz simple syrup
- lemon slice, to garnish
| Preparation | Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish and serve.
Jordan Baranowski
Jordan Baranowski is a writer based in Overland Park, Kansas."