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The Tom Collins has officially been dethroned. After a pair of years reigning—and elevating its creator to People’s Choice Bartender of the Year at our annual Cocktail Classic—the crown has now been claimed by some serious whiskey business. Enter Il Matrimonio—Sous Terre mix master Sean McKinney’s cover-star stunner, a sultry riff on the classic old-fashioned that marries nostalgia and nuance.
Inspired by a beloved family cookie recipe, McKinney leans into cozy baked-goods vibes—think browned butter, vanilla, star anise and biscotti—spinning them into a soft, indulgent boozy sipper that drinks like a treat without tipping into sweet. And to keep all the richness in check, the layered bitters, saline and whisper of Sambuca make the Buffalo Trace backbone structured, aromatic and impossibly balanced.
Try your hand at spinning your own—then peep more standout sips from this year’s Best Bartender nominees. And be sure to vote for Best Bars & Bartender here.
P.S. Go ahead and mark Nov. 14, 2026, on your cal—when we’ll toast another batch of bests at The Cocktail Classic. Cheers!
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