The Art of the Pour: 7 Iconic Cocktails Every Gentleman Should Master

A Ritual-First Guide to Classic & Global Cocktails for the Modern Home Bar

At The Scar Club, we believe a glass should be more than just a container - it should be a canvas. And what better way to honour that canvas than with a cocktail steeped in culture, craft and character?

Whether you’re hosting a rooftop party, a smoky poker night, or a quiet evening with your closest ally, these cocktails deliver not just flavor - but ritual.

1. Old Fashioned

Bold, Simple and Unapologetically masculine.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Bourbon or Rye whiskey

• 1 sugar cube

• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel

• Ice cube (preferably large)

Instructions:

1. Muddle sugar cube and bitters in a tumbler.

2. Add whiskey and a large ice cube.

3. Stir gently. Express orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

The Scar Club Tip: Alone and Bringe Watching

2. Whiskey Sour

Zesty, smooth and sharp - like good conversation.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Bourbon

• 22ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 15ml simple syrup

• (Optional) 15ml egg white for froth

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients without ice (if using egg white).

2. Add ice and shake again.

3. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.

Mood match: Early evening, jazz in the background, tie loosened.

3. Manhattan

Elegance in three ingredients. New York in every sip.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Rye whiskey

• 30ml Sweet Vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.

2. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.

3. Garnish with a cherry.

Power move: Serve with dim lighting and low conversation. Never rush it.

4. Mint Julep

Southern charm, frozen steel.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Bourbon

• 8–10 mint leaves

• 15ml simple syrup

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint and syrup in a julep tin or thick tumbler.

2. Add bourbon and pack with crushed ice.

3. Stir until frosty. Top with more crushed ice and mint sprig.

Best for: Summer days, garden parties and quiet power plays.

5. Boulevardier

The introvert’s Negroni. Smooth, bitter and unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 30ml Bourbon or Rye

• 30ml Sweet Vermouth

• 30ml Campari

• Orange peel

Instructions:

1. Stir all ingredients with ice.

2. Strain into chilled tumbler or coupe glass.

3. Garnish with orange twist.

Perfect for: Winter nights, leather chairs and jazz records.

6. Japanese Highball

Light, Clean, Elegant and A statement of Restraint.

Ingredients:

• 45ml Japanese whisky ( like Hibiki, Yamazaki or Indri-Trini )

• Chilled soda water

• Ice block

• Lemon twist

Instructions:

1. Add whisky over clear ice in a highball glass.

2. Stir exactly 13 times.

3. Top with soda and garnish.

The Ritual: Precision is key. This is about clarity and intention - very Scar Club.

7. Desi Smash ( Scar Club Original )

A bold cocktail that pays homage to India’s complexity and spice.

Ingredients:

• 45ml Indian single malt ( like Paul John or Amrut )

• 2 chunks of ripe mango or mango pulp

• 3 - 4 basil or mint leaves

• 15ml honey syrup

• 15ml lime juice

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle mango and herbs with honey syrup.

2. Add whisky, lime juice, and ice. Shake well.

3. Double strain into a tumbler with ice. Garnish with mint.

Ideal for: Impressing guests with something they’ve never seen before.