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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.
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
Pura Raza Española
The drink is meant to be salty and juicy with acidity from vinegar, making everything bright and light
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
Flor & Vine
Flor & Vine is a crisp, wine-led Sherry cocktail that follows the grape through different stages of its journey.
Golden Anchor
an elegant mix of honey, flowers and oxidatives notes
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,
Second Draw
A spirit-forward, elegantly dry cocktail showcasing Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos at its core. London Dry Gin adds structure, dry vermouth lifts the aromatics,
Fourth Deck
A bright and elegant stirred cocktail that balances the saline dryness of Lustau Fino Sherry with fresh melon, citrus and alpine herbs. Layers of Midori,
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.
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.
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
Thank you old friend
Before you drink it, it’s better to take a bite from the pitch
La Sobremesa
Rich notes of dried fruit, caramel, and toasted nuts are lifted with a touch of coffee and bright citrus. Smooth and balanced, the finish is warm but bright,
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
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
