Introduction to a Hidden Classic

In a world where cocktails reign supreme, few are as enigmatic as the Amelia. This delicate invention, brimming with the flavors of vodka, blackberry, elderflower, and mint, hails from the ground-breaking bar, Employees Only (EO). Although its reputation buzzes among connoisseurs in pockets of Sydney, Los Angeles, and Singapore, many cocktail enthusiasts remain blissfully unaware of its existence, a fact that quietly underscores its mystery and appeal.

The Genesis of a Modern Cocktail Bar

The tale of the Amelia begins in 2004 Manhattan, where a group of visionary bartenders birthed Employees Only. The bar stood as a sanctuary uniting vibrant cocktail culture with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Unlike today’s structured venues, EO’s bartenders sported white coats but veered away from the stiff formalities, opting for speed, volume, and dynamic interactions. They embraced free-pour techniques, diverging from the developing norm of using jiggers, crafting an environment infused with energy and spontaneity.

Employees Only: A Bar of Distinction

Despite the passage of time, Employees Only holds a unique place among modern bars. It’s the sole establishment to be inducted annually into the World’s 50 Best Bars list since its inception in 2009. This status is a testament to their longevity and the innovative spirit they continue to bring into the cocktail industry. The Amelia remains their crowning concoction, celebrated for luring cosmopolitan drinkers into a delightful realm of nuanced flavors.

Creating the Amelia: Ingredients of Elegance

At its heart, the Amelia is a masterclass in balance:

  • 1.75 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
  • 0.75 oz. lemon juice
  • 0.75 oz. blackberry puree (or blackberries and simple syrup)
  • 4-8 mint leaves

To craft this cocktail, combine the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, then shake vigorously. Fine strain into a coupe glass and adorn with a fresh mint sprig—a flourish of elegance reflecting its vivacious origin.

The Secret behind the Scene

What’s compelling is not merely the drink itself but the ecosystem from which it emerged. At EO, the drinks never took center stage; they were part of a rich tapestry of hospitality and engagement. Drinking an Amelia at home, while enjoyable, provides just a taste of the EO experience. This duality—the cocktail’s accessibility and its inimitable hospitality—keeps Amelia in the shadow, cherished by those who dare to embrace its subtle complexity.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Amelia

The Amelia is far more than a vodka-based cocktail. It’s a symbol, a story of how a drink can bridge the past and present, elegantly orchestrated by a team that transformed the cocktail landscape. Next time you crave something more nuanced than a Cosmo, mix up an Amelia and raise a glass to the undying allure of its hidden story—one sip at a time.

As stated in Robb Report, this iconic cocktail continues to captivate those fortunate enough to discover its refreshing blend.