Indiana Cocktail Recipes: From Local Bartenders and Cardinal Spirits

By Erica Sagon / Photography By Erica Sagon | May 05, 2017

Cardinal Spirits, the craft distillery in Bloomington, has released its first cocktail book with more than 40 original recipes entirely from Indiana bartenders.

Indiana Cocktail Recipes: From Local Bartenders and Cardinal Spirits is divided into seasons and features easy, medium and challenging recipes using Cardinal Spirits products—everything from a two-ingredient Bramble Screwdriver to a complex gin cocktail made with dandelion-root tea and strawberry–black pepper syrup.

The book captures Indiana’s current cocktail scene, and recipes come from bars as far north as South Bend and as far south as Evansville. Several of the recipes are by Cardinal Spirits’ own bartenders, including their most popular cocktails from past menus. Featured Indianapolis-area bars are The Ball & Biscuit, Public Greens, Pure Eatery, Omni Severin, Oakley’s Bistro, Meridian Restaurant & Bar and Rail Epicurean Market.

“We created this book to shine light on the terrific work of Indiana bartenders, and show people how they can re-create that magic when making drinks at home,” says Adam Quirk, co-founder of Cardinal Spirits. “Bartenders in every part of the state are crafting creative, delicious cocktails, often with Cardinal Spirits products. We’re working hard to make the best local spirits we can, and they work hard to showcase our spirits in their best light.”