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.
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
Golden Anchor
an elegant mix of honey, flowers and oxidatives notes
Cask & Cane
I created this cocktail at Death and Company Melbourne for the Lustau Solera Standout Competition. I pimped one of my favorite cocktail of all time, the
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
Bolero Verde
Bright, herbaceous, and refreshing. This cocktail balances fresh celery with the botanical intensity and the subtle spice of Green Chartreuse and falernum.
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,
Second Breakfast
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Double strain into a frozen Nick & Nora. Garnish with the lemon twist expressing the oils over
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
Quezon City
A lightbodied riff on a Manhattan, meant to be enjoyed in hot weather with good food.
Circe
Floral and aromatic on the nose, with notes of orange blossom and herbs. A rich, velvety palate of ripe banana, red fruit and bittersweet botanicals, followed
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.
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
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,
Levante
The taste of the sherry ist the star in this drink. All other ingredients support this. In the finish, the drink is strongly reminiscent of a Croissant
Thank you old friend
Before you drink it, it’s better to take a bite from the pitch
