Al Culliton
Contributor
Al Culliton is a writer, bartender, and cocktail historian based in Northampton, Massachusetts. A former general manager of the beloved Red Hook bar and restaurant Fort Defiance, they write about the history, culture, and craft of classic cocktails for Bon Appétit, PUNCH, Saveur, and others. When not poring over vintage cocktail books and old menus, Al is usually cooking for friends and family or exploring New England. alculliton.com
Cooking
How to Batch Old-Fashioneds for a Crowd
No last-minute shaking, stirring, or bar setup required.
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I Now Pronounce It Tom Collins Season
Meet the gin family. Then use your bottle to make the quintessential summer drink.
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How to Find Your Amaro Soulmate (It's Out There!)
Bitter or bittersweet? Medicinal or citrusy? Whatever your preference, there's a bottle for you.
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Why I'm Still Having Happy Hour, Even At a Distance
I can't tell 10 a.m. from 2 p.m., but I do know when it's time for a drink.
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3 Scotch Cocktails That Are For You, Not Your Grandpa
Keep your $$$ single-malt Scotch—we'll take the more-affordable, just-as-great blended Scotch, thank you very much.
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A French 75 Will Make New Year's Feel Fancy, Even If You're Wearing Pajamas
Bring on the bubbly.
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The Best Eggnog Tastes Like Melted Ice Cream Mixed With Booze
And it definitely doesn't come from a carton.
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This Holiday Season, Tell Your Family These 4 Cocktails Are Your Gift to Them
This easy swap will make your whiskey cocktails faaaar more sophisticated.
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Mulled Cider Is Cool—But Have You Ever Had A Rattle-Skull?
Good riddance to everything from the colonial era except these two cocktails.
Recipes
Applejack Sour
This is exactly what we want to drink when fall rolls around—an apple brandy cocktail with citrus, maple, and baking spice notes.
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How To Speak Fluent Martini
Learn how to make, order, and enjoy the cocktail-iest cocktail of all.
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3 Sherry and Vermouth Cocktails That Are Low-ABV and Downright Delicious
Proving you don’t need hard liquor to make cocktails.
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Rum + Sugar + Lime = 3 Perfect Summer Cocktails
When the summer heat won't stop, it's time for rum.
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Kick Off Summer with a Big Ol' Pitcher of Pimm's Cups
This refreshing, low-ABV cocktail is what June is all about.
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4 Easy Tequila (and Mezcal!) Cocktails, No Margarita Mix in Sight
Give these majestic agave spirits the respect they deserve.
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3 Campari Cocktails You Don't Need a Gazillion Ingredients to Make
Hope you’re thirsty! Introducing Happy Hour with Al, Basically’s new no-nonsense cocktail column.
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3 Easy Cocktails That'll Make You Feel Like You're Sitting By the Fire
A bottle of bourbon, one surprising bottle of wine, and enough easy cocktails to get you through the rest of the winter.