Cocktail Therapy with Anthony Pepe
Written by Geo Hagan Photographs by Ben Ferrari

There’s never a wrong time to celebrate, and you must admit, drinking with friends is an excellent way to enhance any occasion. We reached out to Anthony Pepe, one of the most talented mixologists in NYC and asked him to share some unique cocktail recipes that you can either mix up with the fellas or share with the lovely lady in your life. 

Read below and of course, drink responsibly. 

“Take your time, use fresh ingredients and don’t be afraid to try new spirits …”

What would you say is your signature mixology style?

When it comes to my mixing style, I stick to the following rules: 

1) Balance is key

2) Stay ahead of the  trends

3) Riff on Classics

4) Incorporate unique artisanal spirits

5) Everything fresh

What is your signature Anthony Pepe drink and what’s in it? 

Negroni Classic, but often done incorrectly. Gin, Compari, sweet vermouth – great balanced drink.

Can you give us 5 easy and unique cocktail recipes that regular guys who don’t know too much about cocktails can make at home this winter? 

Chamomile whiskey sour 

  • 2 tablespoon loose chamomile tea (let sit for 2 hrs)
  • 750 ml whisky 
  • 2 oz tea infused whisky 
  • 3/4 honey syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Pour into glass and stir
Clairmont
  • Step 1 –  piece rosemary / muddled Follow by:
  • 3/4 oz dark rum
  • 3/4 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz ginger syrup
  • Pour all together into shaker + shake vigorously
Mezcal Toddy
  • 2 oz mezcal
  • 3 oz apple cider
  • 1/2 oz honey
  • Dash of  all spice
  • Heat over flame till boil 
  • Serve with lemon twist
White Plum
  • 1 1/2 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 oz damson plum liquor
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 simple syrup 
  • 1 egg white – shaken dry 
  • Add mixture over ice
Vanilla Bourbon & Coke
  • 2 oz vanilla bean infused bourbon
  • 2oz cherry soda
Infused Bourbon with 2 vanilla beans – sliced into 700 ml bottle of whiskey – let sit over night
Lastly, what is the most important tip you can give guys about making a great cocktail? 

Take your time, use fresh ingredients and the right tools and don’t afraid to try new spirits & mixes.


Anthony Pepe is the head mixologist at Galli Restaurant – 45 Mercer, NYC

See our Style.No.Chaser Galli feature here. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*