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.
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
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,
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
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,
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
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
Moon Curser
Rich, velvety, and tropical. A complex, toasted-nut blend of aged rum and sherry, layered with caramelized banana, dark coffee, and bright pineapple.
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
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,
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
Golden Anchor
an elegant mix of honey, flowers and oxidatives notes
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
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
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
Where Flor Begins
A delicate and mineral cocktail inspired by the white albariza soils of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Built around Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa, it enhances its
Sobremesa
Rich and dark upfront, with the raisined sweetness of Pedro Ximénez-style sherry meeting fresh espresso and a warm brandy backbone. Gin Mare's herbal,
