Photography by Haley Hill.

The Preston Hollow Cocktail

The Preston Hollow cocktail at Suze has subtle hints of vanilla, citrus and verjus, a well-balanced drink with a hint of floral and minor botanical, says chef Gilbert Garza.

“Balanced and pretty, sophisticated and friendly, this cocktail is a great example of the community of neighbors here in Preston Hollow,” Garza says.

And it’s ordered “surprisingly well” for a specialty cocktail, Garza adds.

“Like all things Texas and its grand splendor, we wanted a local drink that the neighborhood could gravitate to and call their own.”

INGREDIENTS

5 oz Cocchi Americano
5oz Amaro Nonino
2oz Dickle Rye
1 Dash Angostura bitters
Lemon Zest

DIRECTIONS

Combine ingredients. Stir and garnish with a lemon peel-wrapped cherry.

Cost: $14

Skinny margarita: “La Flaca”

RESTAURANT OF ORIGIN: Meso Maya, 4123 Abrams Road, 469.998.1182

TIME TO PREPARE: 3 minutes

DIFFICULTY: Easy

SERVING SIZE: 1

TOOLS & UTENSILS

Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
Cocktail rimmer or dish for seasoning
Cocktail strainer

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz tequila blanco
1 oz orange liqueur – like Cointreau
1 oz lime juice
½ oz agave nectar

DIRECTIONS

In a shaker, combine ingredients with ice and shake. Serve over ice. Rim with salt or Tajín. Garnished with a fresh lime. For an extra kick, add muddled serrano.

Manhattan

RESTAURANT OF ORIGIN: Woodlands, 6073 Forest Lane, 972.239.2024

TIME TO PREPARE: 3 minutes

DIFFICULTY: Easy

SERVING SIZE: 1

TOOLS & UTENSILS

Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
Cocktail rimmer or dish for seasoning
Cocktail strainer

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Bulleit Rye Bourbon
½ oz sweet vermouth
1 dash angostura bitters

DIRECTIONS

In a shaker, combine the three ingredients with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

PERFECT MANHATTAN: Use a quarter ounce of both sweet and dry vermouth, which adds the subtle taste of dry vermouth to the Perfect Manhattan.

Martinis

Drake’s Hollywood has perfected the classic martini. Pour 2 ½ oz of gin or vodka and ½ oz vermouth into a shaker. Add ice. If you want a classic, stir. If you’re James Bond, shake. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. If you use a lemon peel, rub alongside the rim of the glass and drop it in the drink. Alternatively, use a speared olive. Pro tip: Always chill glass.

“PAPER PLANE”

RESTAURANT OF ORIGIN: Drake’s Hollywood, 5007 W. Lovers Lane, 214.651.4114

TIME TO PREPARE: 3 minutes

DIFFICULTY: Easy

SERVING SIZE: 1

TOOLS & UTENSILS

Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
Cocktail strainer or stir

INGREDIENTS

Ice
¾ oz Kentucky Bourbon
¾ oz Aperol
¾ oz Amaro Nonino
¾ oz fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Shake with ice and then strain into a frozen martini glass, garnish with a lemon twist.

Ciro’s

The Ciro combines flavorful smoky mezcal with crisp vinho verde and Grand Marnier coupled with light citrus of grapefruit and lime with hints of agave nectar that coats the palate.

INGREDIENTS