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.
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
Refreshing Sunshine
The first sip is bright and zesty, then the Fino’s savoury depth unfolds—a stony, briny nuance that glides over the tongue like mountain spring water.
Golden Anchor
an elegant mix of honey, flowers and oxidatives notes
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
Flor & Vine
Flor & Vine is a crisp, wine-led Sherry cocktail that follows the grape through different stages of its journey.
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
Ione
This cocktail uses the bones of a French 75 style cocktail with manzanilla to showcase the fruity notes that cocktail tomatoes provide. The Mediterranean
Old Seville
This spirit forward cocktail features notes of roasted nuts, bitter and sweet oranges, vanilla, and a hint of spice that dances on the palate. Designed
Quezon City
A lightbodied riff on a Manhattan, meant to be enjoyed in hot weather with good food.
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
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
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
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
Dialèg
Nutty, aromatic and elegant, with layers of dried fruits, honeyed grapes, Mediterranean herbs and a long oxidative finish.
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
