KSM-Speakeasy-recipePhotography by Aaron Patton, Doug Stremel & Julie Mead
 

These speakeasy-style recipes from hidden bars across the state bring bold flavors, local flair, and a touch of Prohibition-era magic to your home bar.

Shake up your home bar with craft cocktail recipes straight from some of Kansas' most iconic hidden lounges. Whether you’re in the mood for a zesty tequila twist, a low-ABV coffee treat, or a timeless Sidecar, these recipes bring a taste of Kansas cocktail culture right to your glass.

From the bold creativity of John Brown’s Underground in Lawrence to the moody, apothecary vibes of Wichita’s Dockum Speakeasy and the vintage elegance of Ellinwood’s Underground Saloon, each recipe celebrates the artistry behind Kansas' cocktail renaissance.
 

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John Brown’s “The Devil, in Spanish”

A bold and inventive cocktail featuring tequila, pistachio, pomegranate, and ginger beer.
From John Brown’s Underground | Lawrence, KS

Ingredients:
  • 1¼ oz additive-free ElVelo Tequila Blanco
  • ¼ oz pomegranate liqueur
  • ¼ oz pistachio liqueur (or 1 oz pistachio tea)
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 4 oz ginger beer
Instructions:
  1. Fill an 8–10 oz glass with ice.
  2. In a shaker with ice, combine tequila, pomegranate and pistachio liqueurs, lime juice, and bitters.
  3. Shake for 20 seconds.
  4. Strain into prepared glass and top with ginger beer.

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The Underground Saloon Sidecar

A classic cocktail that echoes the glamour of Prohibition-era lounges.
From The Underground Saloon | Ellinwood, KS

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Hennessy Cognac
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz triple sec

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
  2. Strain into a small glass.

KSM-Speakeasy-recipe

The Antidote

A refreshing zero-proof option that’s citrusy, cool, and totally alcohol-free.
From Dockum Speakeasy | Wichita, KS

Ingredients:

  • 5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz cucumber syrup
  • Soda water

Instructions:

  1. Stir lime juice and syrup in a 12 oz glass.
  2. Add ice and top with soda water.

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Drugstore Cowboy

A rich, velvety low-proof cocktail perfect for slow sipping.
From Dockum Speakeasy | Wichita, KS

Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz espresso
  • 1 oz brown sugar simple syrup
  • 3 oz vanilla cream (lightly whipped)
  • 2 dashes black walnut bitters

Instructions:

  1. Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Pour into a 12 oz glass filled with fresh ice.