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. Judging continues, and the TOP 15 Finalists will be announced on Friday 14 August 2026.
Hello, Old Friend
Hello, Old Friend is a spirit-forward shaken espresso cocktail built with Lustau Solera Reserva Brandy de Jerez, fresh espresso, Drambuie, brown sugar
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
(R&B) Rebujito Tonico
A crisp and aromatic highball designed for warm afternoons. This cocktail balances the bone-dry, coastal salinity of Lustau Manzanilla Sherry with the
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
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
Red Flag
A delicate, fresh, sweet and sour cocktail with floral and fruity notes but also with a hint of bitterness on the back palate!
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
Travesía
The cocktail starts lightly sweet with floral/tropical notes and grapefruit aroma. It then shifts into the classic nutty notes typical of sherry, but with
Quezon City
A lightbodied riff on a Manhattan, meant to be enjoyed in hot weather with good food.
Albariza
Este cóctel esta inspirado en el color de la tierra albariza, el sabor es la esencia del amontillado combinado con un dulce agave y se balancea con las
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
Thank you old friend
Before you drink it, it’s better to take a bite from the pitch
Late Shift
A sherry-forward stirred cocktail built around Lustau Los Arcos. Cognac adds texture and structure, rye whiskey brings subtle spice, and Bénédictine
Circe
Floral and aromatic on the nose, with notes of orange blossom and herbs. A rich, velvety palate of ripe banana, red fruit and bittersweet botanicals, followed
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.
Cortaburma (Cutting Through the Mist)
A bright, low-ABV tropical cocktail where oxidative sherry, warm spice and fresh citrus meet rich orgeat. It opens vibrant and gently sweet before evolving
