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.
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
Creoli
Creoli combines Manzanilla sherry, unaged rhum agricole, Grand Marnier and Orange Angostura bitters. Dry and elegant, it opens with saline notes and fresh
The Andalusian Orchard
A crisp, autumnal cocktail that transforms bone-dry Fino sherry into a rich, orchard-fruit experience. It balances the savory, yeast-driven salinity of
Late Shift
A sherry-forward stirred cocktail built around Lustau Los Arcos. Cognac adds texture and structure, rye whiskey brings subtle spice, and Bénédictine
Perlita
A floral, funky yet elegant twist on the classic Adonis cocktail. Perlita highlights Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa’s delicate maritime salinity, balanced
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
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
BEE ROUS
Inspired by the structure of a classic through a contemporary lens. Fino brings freshness and precision. Palo Cortado layers of dried fruits, spice and
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.
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
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
Desert Flor
Take a trip from Mexico to the bodegas of Lustau with me and my cocktail, Desert Flor. With dill as the method of travel, sip on the mineral deliciousness
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!
Caliza
1. Sir all ingredients with ice. 2. Fine strain into glass Garnish: 1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove one long, thin strip of grapefruit peel. Try to
Rio Vidal
A rich and complex variation on an Old Fashioned highlighting the elegant, nutty flavors of Lustau Brandy de Jerez and soft citrus of blood orange.
Sherry's Silks
Wanted to create a simple sherry cocktail that has a long, layered, lingering finish that begs for Jamon Iberico as well as Kentucky Country Ham.
