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.
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,
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
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.
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!
Late Shift
A sherry-forward stirred cocktail built around Lustau Los Arcos. Cognac adds texture and structure, rye whiskey brings subtle spice, and Bénédictine
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.
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.
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
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
Golden Anchor
an elegant mix of honey, flowers and oxidatives notes
东方Ombra
Eastern Light & Shadow Flavor is like light—it travels through time and leaves memories behind. My cocktail is inspired by the meeting of East and
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
Albariza
Este cóctel esta inspirado en el color de la tierra albariza, el sabor es la esencia del amontillado combinado con un dulce agave y se balancea con las
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
Common Thread
Nose: bright lemon oils, walnut, gentle spice, subtle oak Palate: orchard fruit, orange peel, citrus, baking spices, walnut Finish: Long lingering dark
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
