A few of David Wondrich's favorites from the realm of the least fussy cocktail, published in the January 2012 issue. For all suggestions, shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. (Or do it over rocks. Your call.)

The Safe Path

[Liquor + liqueur based on that liquor]

bourbon + bourbon-honey liqueur

mezcal + crema de mezcal

aged aquavit + kümmel (both caraway flavored)

The Middle Road

[Sipping liquor + mellow liqueur]

Banks 5 Island rum + blue curaçao

Laird's Bonded applejack + Bärenjäger honey liqueur

Plymouth gin + St. Germain liqueur

The Way of Madness

[Overproof liquor + intense liqueur]

Thomas H. Handy rye (129 proof) + Green Chartreuse (110 proof)*

Royer Force 53° cognac (106 proof) + Luxardo maraschino

Ardbeg Scotch + 1 oz Fernet-Branca with ice (So smoky and bitter that we christened it "the Road," after the grim Cormac McCarthy novel. Kinda grows on you, though.)

*If shaking these in a metal shaker, wrap a towel around it first; the higher proofs mean the shaker can get extra cold and may burn your hands.

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