Lustau Solera Standout 2026 Top 50
Words by Simon Difford
From bone-dry Fino to luscious Pedro Ximénez, Lustau's sherries offer bartenders an exceptional palette of flavours. Add the bodega's acclaimed brandies and vermouths, including category-defining Lustau Vermut Rosé, and the creative possibilities are vast. The judges' selection of the 50 best cocktails reflects that remarkable diversity.
Many thanks to all the bartenders who contributed recipes.
Liquid Amber
Liquid Amber is a sweet-bitter highball with floral Moscato and herbal, tart Rueberry. Tonic brings light bitterness and a crisp finish, while a whole
Vernalis
Mahogany brown in color, Intense but light with saline and raspberry vinegar that add complexity to this. The drink come with notes of black raisin, orange,
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Simple enough to belong to anyone, interesting enough to last. Salt and herbs up front, the cachaca emerging slowly underneath, a finish that’s dry and
Belétage Adonis
The Belétage Adonis evolves the classic into a three-part composition centred on Lustau Amontillado. Its biological and oxidative ageing shapes the cocktail's
Perlita
A floral, funky yet elegant twist on the classic Adonis cocktail. Perlita highlights Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa’s delicate maritime salinity, balanced
Late Shift
A sherry-forward stirred cocktail built around Lustau Los Arcos. Cognac adds texture and structure, rye whiskey brings subtle spice, and Bénédictine
Where Flor Begins
A delicate and mineral cocktail inspired by the white albariza soils of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Built around Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa, it enhances its
Grandma’s Baking
Notes of vanilla, lime, nuttiness. Creamy, thick texture. Lime aromatics from zest. Tonka bean tincture made by sous vide tonka beans in overproof vodka.
Late checkout
A spirit-forward, stirred nightcap built around Lustau Amontillado "Los Arcos". Rye adds dry spice, Vetiver Gris a cedar perfume, Licor 43 warm
Second Breakfast
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Double strain into a frozen Nick & Nora. Garnish with the lemon twist expressing the oils over
Cask & Cane
I created this cocktail at Death and Company Melbourne for the Lustau Solera Standout Competition. I pimped one of my favorite cocktail of all time, the
Bolero Verde
Bright, herbaceous, and refreshing. This cocktail balances fresh celery with the botanical intensity and the subtle spice of Green Chartreuse and falernum.
Common Thread
Nose: bright lemon oils, walnut, gentle spice, subtle oak Palate: orchard fruit, orange peel, citrus, baking spices, walnut Finish: Long lingering dark
The Next Cask
A modern Lustau highball inspired by the solera system. Nutty Los Arcos Amontillado and herbal Vermut Blanco are refreshed with green apple, lemon, a touch
Flor de Mar y Tierra
Orange oil and zest lift aromas of toasted nuts, fig, and dried fruit. Amontillado brings hazelnut and caramel, East India adds raisin, date, and spice.
La Sombra
A deep amber colored cocktail Very aromatic, sweet but still easy to sip Notes of flowers and a delicate hint of citrus floating over the sweetness of
