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.
Quezon City
A lightbodied riff on a Manhattan, meant to be enjoyed in hot weather with good food.
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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
Creoli
Creoli combines Manzanilla sherry, unaged rhum agricole, Grand Marnier and Orange Angostura bitters. Dry and elegant, it opens with saline notes and fresh
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
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
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,
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
Bolero Verde
Bright, herbaceous, and refreshing. This cocktail balances fresh celery with the botanical intensity and the subtle spice of Green Chartreuse and falernum.
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,
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.
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.
Hasta el Amanecer
Blackberries add a fruity tart note that compliments cola notes from the Vermut and ties in the subtle notes of stone fruit from the brandy. The beet sugar
The Solera Hour
Elegant, dry and layered, with aromas of almond, citrus zest and white peach. The palate opens with delicate orchard fruit before revealing roasted nuts,
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.
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
Festival of Light
This is a savory cocktail with hints of vegetal and citrus notes. Perfect to be served with a seafood-based meal. The cocktail name refers to the light
