Last month, we released Optic, our latest glassware collection.

As with many of our collections, we are often sent some incredible cocktails made in our glasses.

Although we are big advocates for a classic cocktail at home, like a negroni, gin & tonic or a martini, here are are three of our favourite unique cocktail creations made in Optic.

El Camino

The El Camino cocktail, hailing from the Chestnut Club in California, offers a delightful blend of smoky Mezcal, spicy Rye whiskey, aromatic Benedictine, and a touch of complexity from Peychaud's Bitters, all adorned with a zesty orange twist.

 

Photographed & created by Tyler Brocato

 

 To recreate this drink, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 30 ml (1 oz) Mezcal
• 30 ml (1 oz) Rye whiskey
• 15 ml (1/2 oz) Benedictine
• 4 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
• Orange twist, for garnish

Begin by combining the Mezcal, Rye whiskey, Benedictine, and Peychaud's Bitters in a Classic Mixing Glass filled with ice. Stir the ingredients well until they are thoroughly chilled and properly mixed. Next, strain the mixture into a chilled Optic Smoke Tumbler. Finally, garnish your El Camino cocktail with a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink.

Sakura Collins 

A delightful cocktail crafted by Julia Momose, featuring the refreshing taste of Suntory Roku Gin with subtle hints of Mancino Sakura vermouth. The perfect balance of bright flavours and zesty aromas.

 

Photographed & created by Mitchell Kim

 

To make this cocktail, start by gathering the following ingredients:

• 45 ml (1 1/2 oz) Suntory roku Gin
• 7.5 ml (1/4 oz) Mancino sakura vermouth
• 7.5 ml (1/4 oz) Shiozakura Saline Solution
• 15 ml (1/2 oz) Lemon Juice
• 15 ml (1/2 oz) Simple syrup
• Club soda, to top
• Clear ice
• Shiozakura blossoms, for garnish

In a Optic Smoke Highball glass, combine the Suntory Roku Gin, Mancino Sakura vermouth, Shiozakura saline solution, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add a few cubes of clear ice and stir gently to mix the ingredients together. Then, add more clear ice to fill the glass and top it off with club soda. Finally, garnish your Sakura Collins with a couple of Shiozakura blossoms for a beautiful finishing touch. 

Banana Tonic

Here's a unique recipe to keep you energised all season long, infused with an extra burst of flavour from the banana liqueur.

 

Enjoy at home with the following ingredients:

• 60 ml (2 oz) Espresso
• 120 ml (4 oz) Tonic Water
• 15 ml (1/2 oz) Banana liqueur
• Clear ice (normal ice will do too!)
• Lemon slice, for garnish

Begin by brewing a shot of espresso and allowing it to cool to room temperature. Fill an Optic Clear Highball glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled espresso into the glass, followed by the tonic water from the Optic Clear Carafe. Then, add the banana liqueur. Gently stir the ingredients together to combine them. Garnish your drink with a slice of Lemon. Serve immediately and enjoy your Espresso Banana Tonic!