Manhattan Special Cocktail

Posted on June 19, 2013 | Leave a comment

Manhattan Special Cocktail uses Bourbon or Rye, Benedictine, Sweet Vermouth and Cherry Garnish – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Manhattan Special Cocktail calls for cocktail glass serve. The particular evening I sampled the Manhattan Special I was feeling a bit more on the rocks than swooning over a cocktail. It was a beautiful evening spent out on the deck with moderate temperatures. It felt like the perfect evening for an oversized glass with oversized ice ball and a very special variation on the classic Manhattan.

The Manhattan Special Cocktail Recipe

Manhattan Special looks a bit like Jupiter. I like that! Manhattan Special Cocktail uses Bourbon or Rye, Benedictine, Sweet Vermouth and Cherry Garnish – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Just a note… as my friend Tom Ufer commented, the Manhattan Special looks a bit like Jupiter. I like that!

Manhattan Special

1-1/2 ounce Rye or Bourbon

1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/2 ounce Benedictine

1 dash Classic Bitters

Cherry Garnish – optional

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir until completely chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

By the way… that Jupiter look was made by first placing a large ice ball in a slightly oversized, rounded glass. Pour rye over ice ball followed by vermouth and Benedictine. Do not stir. Add dash of bitters. {I added about 3 dashes of bitters and no cherry}. Watch the rings just start to float around the ice ball.

Manhattan Special Cocktail Notes

I opted for Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey at 100 proof for the Manhattan Special. Rittenhouse is an affordable rye with cinnamon notes. Benedictine and vermouth carry the cinnamon notes to a higher level with enough weight and sweetness to smooth out any rough edges in the rye.

What Makes My Manhattan Special ?

People ask me all the time, “What is your favorite bourbon.” The short answer; I don’t have a favorite bourbon. I have favorite bourbons for favorite recipes. My bar cabinet is stocked with five, six or maybe ten different brands at any given time. These are the bourbons I purchase, not bourbon samples. The longer, more accurate answer; I have particular bourbons I favor for particular drinks. I have particular glasses I favor for particular drinks and cocktails, too.

Maker’s Mark Manhattan with Carpano Antica Formula is just one variation of a classic Manhattan – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

My typical Manhattan is made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula and usually Angostura Bitters. The cherry might be one of my Bourbon Spiced Cherries, a Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, or one of those regular every day ice cream topper cherries you find at the grocery store. I might even skip the cherry.

Praline Pecan Pie Manhattan uses Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Praline Pecan Pie Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Bitters and Orange Twist – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I also make a Praline Pecan Pie Manhattan cocktail variation with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Praline Pecan Liqueur with orange twist that is heavenly. {That is my opinion, of course. Sample it and tell me your thoughts, please!}

Then again I venture way off course with Tony Abou-Ganim’s Just For Mary cocktail. Look closely at the ingredients and you find the awesomely delicious wayward Manhattan; (ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Lillet Blanc, Orange Bitters and Brandied Cherry Garnish. Trust me. It is a must try more than once kind of cocktail. I have.

So really, I don’t have one favorite bourbon. I have several bourbons I like to drink neat, on the rocks and in cocktails. They all taste a little different and I choose them like I choose a pair of shoes. Am I feeling laid back? Dressy? Spicy? Sassy? Bourbons are the same. They are spicy, sophisticated, sweet, dry, rounded, floral, dry, etc. You name it, bourbon has it. There is a recipe and mood to fit it. Choose wisely. Stir it. Sip it. Enjoy it. Try it again.

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Posted in Cocktails, Short Drinks

Tagged Angostura Bitters, Benedictine, Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula, Classic Cocktails, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Manhattan, Orange Bitters, Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Tony Abou-Ganim, Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Naked & Famous Cocktail

Posted on June 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

Mezcal, Chartreuse and Aperol weave together a little Naked & Famous cocktail magic in this beautifully hued classically styled cocktail. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

If you saw the Naked & Famous cocktail on a local cocktail menu it would most definitely catch your eye. The name alone conjures up celebrity images we might rather scrub from our memory. However, the Naked & Famous cocktail ingredients beg a second glance.

Mezcal, Chartreuse and Aperol weave together a little Naked & Famous cocktail magic in this beautifully hued classically styled cocktail. Joaquin Simó of Death & Company, NYC, deconstructed the Last Word cocktail and gave it a breath of new life in the Naked & Famous cocktail recipe.

Naked & Famous Cocktail Recipe

Joaquin Simó of Death & Company, NYC, deconstructed the Last Word cocktail and gave it a breath of new life in the Naked & Famous cocktail recipe. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Naked & Famous

3/4 ounce Mezcal

3/4 ounce Yellow Chartreuse

3/4 ounce Aperol

3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass or coupe.

Naked & Famous Cocktail Tasting Notes

In my opinion the Naked & Famous cocktail only resembles the Last Word cocktail by use of Chartreuse, lime juice and using ingredients in equal measure. It tastes lovely. Just don’t expect the Last Word. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

In my opinion the Naked & Famous cocktail only resembles the Last Word cocktail by use of Chartreuse, lime juice and using ingredients in equal measure. This is where similarities get twisted. But then again, Naked & Famous is a reinvention rather than restoration. The ingredients mingle to produce a nice smoky grapefruit flavor. Aperol brings that hint of bitter grapefruit peel. Chartreuse adds just enough sweetness. The cocktail is completely balanced and refreshing. Just don’t expect it to be the Last Word.

A Word About Zignum Reposado Mezcal

Joaquin Simó favors a substantially smoky mezcal in the Naked & Famous cocktail due to the small measure of mezcal used. As clarification and not to misrepresent Joaquin’s mezcal use in the Naked & Famous cocktail, Joaquin recommends a different mezcal than the one I had on hand that I am mentioning below.

Zignum Reposado Mezcal & Green Chartreuse – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I used Zignum Reposado Mezcal. I also used Zignum Reposado Mezcal {and Chartreuse} in The French Intervention cocktail while reviewing The Drunken Botanist book.

Zignum Reposado Mezcal is smoky sweet with hints of earth, like fresh mown grass with the sweet smell of fresh spring rain. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Zignum Reposado Mezcal aroma is smoky sweet, not sugary sweet. Earthy sweet. Like sweetness associated with sweet aroma of fresh mown grass. Possibly even the aroma of fresh spring rain and the smell of fresh tamped soil after the rain. The aroma is fresh sweetness of Mother Earth. Though Mother Earth hasn’t played very nice this spring. Hint of vanilla in the nose. Something similar to honey and orange.

Zignum Reposado Mezcal Taste: Earthy. Immediately lush, honey. The taste goes directly to the spicy, earthy flavor one expects from Mezcal. – photo and tasting notes by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Zignum Reposado Mezcal Taste: Earthy. Immediately lush, honey. The taste goes directly to the spicy, earthy flavor one expects from Mezcal. Orange blossom sweetness. I picture bees gathering nectar from blossoms. Rather nice and then BANG! The spicy flavor kick hits. My lips even felt the spice and went a little numb. That’s sheer WOW factor.

The color is a little darker than gold.

There is honey in the flavor, but not sweet like honey. I like it. I could sip this SLOWLY neat {and have since the first tasting}. Better yet, pour Zignum Reposado Mezcal over a large ice ball and watch it work its magic in the glass.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Zignum Mezcal. Follow @ZignumMezcal & @ZignumUSA on Twitter and facebook.com/Zignum

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Posted in Cocktails, Spirits

Tagged Aperol, Chartreuse, Death & Company NYC, Fresh Lime, Joaquin Simó, Mezcal, The Last Word, Zignum Mezcal

All the Beautiful Berries Sangria Recipe

Posted on June 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

All the Beautiful Berries Sangria contains fresh blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries. – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

When you can’t decide which berry is the best, you need the All the Beautiful Berries Sangria recipe.

Grocery stores know how to hook consumers. They place all the gorgeous, ripe berries center stage in the produce department. Then they have huge platters of fresh ripe berries with tasting picks so we can sample the luscious, succulent berries right there on the spot. Of course every season is perfect for berries, but summer is the peak season for beautiful, delicious, huge berries. Who can resist?! Yeah, me neither.

All the Beautiful Berries Sangria Recipe

Every season is perfect for berries, but summer is the peak season for beautiful, delicious, huge berries. Who can resist?! Yeah, me neither. All the Beautiful Berries Sangria recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

All the Beautiful Berries Sangria – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

16 ounces Fresh Strawberries

6 ounces Fresh Blackberries

6 ounces Fresh Blueberries

6 ounces Fresh Raspberries

1 Fresh Lime

8 ounces Brandy

3 ounces Coconut Rum

3 ounces Velvet Falernum Liqueur

3 ounces Orgeat Almond Syrup

2 – 750ml Bottles Moscato Wine

Hull fresh strawberries and cut into quarters. Slice lime into wheels and cut wheels in half. Place all fresh fruits in large pitcher. Top with brandy, coconut rum, Falernum liqueur, Orgeat and Moscato wine. Stir. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Stir briefly before serving. Serve in goblet over ice. Place a spoonful of berries in each cup when serving.

All the Beautiful Berries Sangria Recipe Notes, Tips and Tricks

The berries soaked up quite a bit of the alcohol in the marinating process. To distribute the flavor I placed about 1/3 cup of berries in a goblet and very lightly mashed them with the back of a spoon. All the Beautiful Berries Sangria recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

All the Beautiful Berries Sangria recipe started with a basic Sangria recipe. This recipe developed to include a little more fruit than the basic recipe uses as a guideline. I couldn’t resist adding more berry fruits, because the berries were so delicious. I also served this Sangria a little differently than usual. The berries soaked up quite a bit of the alcohol in the marinating process. To distribute the flavor a bit I placed about 1/3 cup of berries in a goblet and very lightly mashed them with the back of a spoon. The idea is not to crush them, but just release some of the flavor back into the Sangria. This way there are not pockets of pure fruit alcohol.

Try skipping the ice and top the Sangria off with chilled Ginger Ale, Club Soda or flavored sparkling water for a little something different. All the Beautiful Berries Sangria recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I am not a huge fan of ice in my Sangria, so I actually skip the ice in mine. Serve yours with or without ice. If the Sangria is too strong for you without ice melt, top with a bit of club soda or ginger ale. But make sure your club soda or ginger ale is well chilled first. Other options to consider are flavored sparkling waters that complement the Sangria flavor.

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Posted in Pichers & Punches

Tagged Blackberries, Blueberries, Brandy, Coconut Rum, Falernum, Moscato, National Moscato Day, Orgeat, Raspberries, Sangria, Strawberries, Velvet Falernum

Simple Syrup Recipe

Posted on June 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Having a basic Simple Syrup recipe in your personal cocktail recipe folder is essential for every home bartender. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Having a basic Simple Syrup recipe in your personal cocktail recipe folder is essential for every home bartender. The super easy {DIY} Simple Syrup recipe is less expensive than buying simple syrup. Simple Syrup only takes a few minutes to make from gathering ingredients to capping the finished product for storage. It would take you longer to go borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor than it would take to make this super easy Simple Syrup recipe.

Simple Syrup Recipe

A Homemade Simple Syrup Recipe will stay fresh in sealed container in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. I use one ounce of vodka as preservative in my simple syrup recipe. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Simple Syrup

1 cup Granulated Sugar

1/2 cup Distilled Water

1 ounce Vodka – optional

Place granulated sugar and water in saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously. Heat until sugar is completely melted and mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat. Allow to cool. Add vodka as preservative if desired. Strain into glass bottle. Seal with lid. Refrigerate.

Simple Syrup Recipe instrucktions: Place granulated sugar and water in saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously. Heat until sugar is completely melted and mixture just begins to simmer. Allow to cool. Add 1 ounce vodka. Strain into glass storage container. Refrigerate. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Simple Syrup Recipe Storage and Notes

Clean and reuse emptied liquor bottles for your simple syrup recipe, sour mixes and other infusions. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I store my homemade simple syrup recipe batches in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. Simple syrup recipes that contain real fruit might need to be made in smaller batches as they have a shorter shelf life to remain fresh.

Distilled water is not entirely necessary in the Simple Syrup recipe. I use distilled water or bottled water depending on what I have in the pantry at the time. This way I know I am not getting any tap water additives or minerals in the Simple Syrup recipe mixture. I used tap water for a long time and honestly, I am not sure if it makes a huge difference.

Vodka is also used as a preservative in very small quantities to extend the shelf life of some homemade skin care products.

Simple Syrup recipe ingredients are granulated sugar, water and vodka as preservative. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Once you have the basic Simple Syrup recipe committed to memory, flavored simple syrups are the next step to creative cocktail mixology.

Add your comment: What flavored Simple Syrup recipes would you recommend to others?

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Posted in Mixers & Garnishes

Tagged Bartending, Basics, Home Bar, Simple Syrup, Sugar

Little Black Dress

Posted on June 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

Nothing goes better with a Little Black Dress than a night out on the town. Ok, maybe a pair of Kitten Heels or Stilettos. But I’m really talking cocktails here not attire. Pour yourself a Little Black Dress and the perfect date night or girl’s night will follow.

Little Black Dress Cocktail Recipe

Pour yourself a Little Black Dress and the perfect date night or girl’s night will follow. – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Little Black Dress – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1/2 ounce Beefeater Gin

1/2 ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur

1/2 ounce Kahlua Especial Liqueur

1/2 ounce Galliano L’Autentico

2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

Galliano contains 30 herbs, spices and extracts including Mediterranean anise, juniper, musk yarrow, star anise, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla.

Little Black Dress Date Night Ideas

So what about that perfect date night? I’ve read articles about the best date night ideas of all time. One suggests exchanging date night with Saturday brunch. I get it. Sometimes Friday night babysitters are difficult to come by. But brunch in a button down sweater and tassel shoes sitting on a sunny outdoor patio screams mommy has the morning off. There are many day date ideas like running a marathon, mud run or color run together, taking a cooking class or dance class together or packing a picnic and enjoying an afternoon in the park. But an evening at a swanky restaurant wearing a little black dress, high heel shoes with music in the background reminds us we’re still fun loving adults, not just parents.

Little Black Dress cocktail contains gin, Heering Cherry Liqueur, coffee liqueur, Galliano and chocolate bitters. – recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Little Black Dress date night ideas might include:

Concert tickets. Concert tickets to the groovy group from way back when or the hot new band that makes us crank the music up a few notches while we’re stirring Wednesday night’s spaghetti sauce. Follow up with cocktails at a great bar before or afterward.

Wine or Cocktails and Dinner Pairing. Restaurants are changing up their cocktail menus all the time. To introduce patrons to the new menus they often host special dinner pairing events for a limited time for special pricing. Sign up! Go! Dress up. Wear that Little Black Dress. Knock that someone special’s socks off!

Night Clubbing. I don’t mean bachelorette style screaming, 80’s hair band disco ball partying. Look up the local cocktail and bar scene. There are great craft cocktail programs going on in locally owned specialty bars, neighborhood bars primarily known for beer and nationwide restaurant chains and hotel bars. Yes. I said “chain” restaurants and hotels serve great craft cocktails. So go “clubbing.” Make a list of several local bars to visit. Rent a limo, place a cab driver on speed dial or designate a driver for the evening. Visit four or five bars in an evening. Sample one drink {and one appetizer if there is one on the menu} and move on to the next venue. Don’t forget to wear your Little Black Dress. Dress for fabulous!

Add your comment: What is your perfect Little Black Dress date night idea?

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Beefeater Gin, Chocolate Bitters, Fee Brothers Chocolate Bitters, Galliano, Gin, Girl's Night Out, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Kahlua Especial

Gin Punch Recipe

Posted on June 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Gin Punch recipe is excellent for formal events, weddings and holiday parties. It can be made a day in advance and served over decorative ice in rocks glasses for elegant presentation. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Having a great Gin Punch recipe in reserve for on the fly entertaining or formal gatherings is a must for every host. This Gin Punch recipe makes an excellent pitcher style drink for summer entertaining. It also converts to punch style serve for weddings or holidays. Gin Punch is easy to make. The punch tastes fabulous and is a terrific alternative to usual pitcher drinks such as Sangria.

I first served this Gin Punch recipe at a Halloween party a few years ago. People who swore they disliked gin went back for two and three helpings. They loved it! This Gin Punch recipe does not mask the flavor of gin. It does however work with the flavors of gin to enhance the cocktail experience. The Gin Punch is light, refreshing and fruit forward. It works best with gins that lean more toward floral than pine. Don’t worry about purchasing a high end super expensive gin, but buy quality.

Gin Punch Recipe

This Gin Punch recipe is adapted from the Employees Only Speakeasy cocktail book by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric.

Having a great Gin Punch recipe in reserve for on the fly entertaining or formal gatherings is a must for every host. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Gin Punch

Makes 1 large pitcher or 1 punch bowl

3 Fresh Oranges

3 Fresh Lemons

2 Fresh Limes

8 ounces Fresh Strawberries

1/2 Fresh Whole Pineapple

1 – 750ml bottle Gin

1-3/4 cups Fresh Lemon Juice

1 to 1-1/4 cup Simple Syrup – according to sweetness preference

1/2 cup Orgeat or Almond Syrup

1 cup Strawberry Liqueur

3 cups water

1 – 750ml bottle Brut Champagne or Brut Sparkling Wine

Slice oranges into wheels and cut into quarters. Slice lemons into wheels and cut in half. If lemons are large, cut wheels into quarters. Slice limes into wheels and cut in half. Hull strawberries. Slice into quarters. Cut pineapple into one inch cubes. Place cut fruit into punch bowl or large pitcher.

Add gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, almond syrup, strawberry liqueur and water. Stir. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator to marinate for several hours or overnight. Add champagne just before serving. Serve in punch glasses or small coupe glasses.

Gin Punch Recipe Tips and Tricks

The Gin Punch Recipe is easy to make and versatile for pitcher serve for outdoor gatherings or punch bowl service for parties. This Gin Punch recipe was served punch bowl style at a Halloween party. I called it “Graveyard Punch” just for fun. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Gin Punch recipe is extremely versatile. Falernum could be exchanged for Orgeat for flavor variation. Learn how to make Homemade Falernum and Homemade Orgeat for great authentic flavor.

You could also replace fresh strawberries with 1 pint of fresh raspberries & strawberry liqueur with raspberry liqueur.

For decorative purposes make an ice ring with mint leaves frozen into the ice ring. Place the ice ring inside the punch bowl just before serving. For pitcher style serve, freeze mint leaves and / or fruit slices inside large ice cubes. Serve Gin Punch in large rocks glass over decorative ice.

Add your comment: What tips would you give to take a recipe from ordinary to celebratory?

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Posted in Pichers & Punches

Tagged Champagne, Employees Only, Fresh Lemon, Gin, Orgeat, Punch, Strawberry Liqueur

Beefeater 24 Martini

Posted on June 10, 2013 | 2 Comments

The Beefeater 24 Martini is a classic example of why classic cocktails should be served in smaller portions. They are potent and best served and sipped while still icy cold.

At first glance the Beefeater 24 Martini appears to be a three ounce cocktail. However it stirs or shakes out {according to preference} to approximately four plus ounces due to ice melt. The first few sips are heaven. The flavor is light, airy with beautiful grapefruit citrus on the nose. I love the way the Beefeater 24 Gin tea infusion weaves together so nicely with the Lillet Blanc. The Martini is spring-like in some ways with the citrus finesse. Yet is also late night, dim the lights Happy Hour elegant with its stylish tea notes.

Beefeater 24 Martini Recipe

Beefeater 24 Martini ingredient include Beefeater 24 Gin, Lillet Blanc and Orange Bitters – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Beefeater 24 Martini

2-1/2 ounces Beefeater 24 Gin

1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc

2 dashes Orange Bitters

Grapefruit Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir or shake {according to preference} to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Beefeater 24 Martini Sidecar

Make the Beefeater 24 Martini smaller by cutting the ingredients in half. The cocktail stays chilled as you sip and enjoy the company of friends. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Take that first few sips of martini heaven and make it good to the last Martini drop. My theory on straight liquor cocktails or nearly straight liquor cocktails is make them smaller or give them a ride.

I don’t want to gulp my Beefeater 24 Martini. I want to sip and savor my Martini like good conversation, good wine or savory food. This is a cocktail. It is not chug-a-lug beer or shoot it to get wasted shot. This is a Martini. Straight liquor. All alcohol. Straight to your brain. Call a cab. Designate a driver. Martini. Enjoy it.

Make the Beefeater 24 Martini smaller by cutting the ingredients in half. The cocktail stays chilled as you sip and enjoy the company of friends. You double your work having to make the cocktail twice. No worries. Your stir or shaker arm gets a double workout. Another option; make the full Beefeater 24 Martini, serve half in your cocktail glass and half in a sidecar carafe. Add a bit of grapefruit essential oil garnish to the carafe as well as the martini glass. Place the carafe in a dish of ice so it remains chilled. When your martini glass is empty, refresh the glass with the remaining cocktail from the chilled carafe. It’s like doubling your cocktail pleasure.

I often cut classic cocktail recipes in half or serve them in sidecar format. Personally I love smaller cocktail glasses. They remind me of a bygone era when Hollywood shaped film stars rather than created and crashed lives. Smaller, craftier glasses remind me to sip slower rather than wash away the day drink by drink. They also remind me of detail. Detail in the glass. Detail in the drink.

Add your comment: Would you rather a bar serve you a 4 ounce Martini or a 2 ounce Martini with 2 ounce chilled sidecar in reserve?

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Beefeater Gin, Classic Cocktails, Dry Vermouth, Gin, Lillet Blanc

Affordable Spirits for Your Home Bar

Posted on June 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

Fine wine, great deals on spirits too.

Purchasing quality and affordable spirits for the home bar is easier than you might think. Don’t settle for cheap alcohol to fill the shelves. Make a bar plan. Start with the best affordable alcohols available. Build your starter bar from there.

Hundreds of cocktails can be mixed and sipped from just a few bottles of booze. The key is choosing quality affordable spirits. Quality liquor will ensure a quality cocktail; if you follow a good recipe that is.

Affordable Spirits Basics

Stock your home bar with basic affordable spirits first and then add flavored liquors and premium spirits later – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Start with a basic set of affordable spirits that will set the stage for a broad spectrum of cocktail recipe choices. Make sure you know at least five to ten easy 2 ingredient and 3 ingredient cocktails for each liquor you decide to stock in your home bar. We are all creatures of habit. Though we like to try new cocktail recipes, we will often go back to our favorite recipes and those that are quick and easy to make at the end of a long day.

New flavor infusions arrive on the spirits scene every day. Don’t get hooked into purchasing flavored spirits for your basic bar stock. Add flavors later. Flavored spirits can be terrific, but have limited use in a variety of basic drink recipes.

Basic affordable spirits to keep in mind include the following:

Vodka; Gin; Silver Rum; Silver Tequila; Whiskey or Bourbon; Blended Scotch; Brandy or Cognac; Dry Vermouth; Sweet Vermouth; Coffee Liqueur; Peach Schnapps; Amaretto Liqueur; Crème de Cacao

If you love classic cocktails like I do try to make room in your budget for Campari, Maraschino Liqueur, Galliano, Irish Whiskey, Apricot Brandy, Raspberry Liqueur and of course a Sparkling Wine or Brut Champagne.

I usually don’t recommend buying the cheapest alcohol that can be found on the shelf. Finding affordable spirits within a reasonable budget is the goal. There are terrific affordable spirits in the $10 to $20 range.

Affordable Spirits Online

Another option to keep in mind when stocking your home bar is buying spirits online. Often online liquor stores will offer discounts on purchases over a particular dollar amount. Some offer discounts on a particular number of bottles purchased. This might make it easier to include a few of those extra liquors.

Combine your order with a friend or group of friends to make a large order and take advantage of discounts offered. Sign up for an account and become a member of an online liquor store. Some offer special member discounts. Watch the clearance items to take advantage of more affordable spirits you might have otherwise missed.

Finding Affordable Spirits Locally

Find affordable spirits locally by looking for sales and clearance items – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

One of the liquor stores I frequent has a large bargain barrel with clearance wine and spirits. The bottles that go into the barrel are not bad. They are bottles that just don’t move off the shelves quickly enough for the comfort of the store. I have found some great deals on artisanal spirits in the barrel. Honestly if people knew how good some of these spirits are, the liquor store shelves would be empty. Shop around. See if any of your local liquor stores move old inventory for new inventory. It is a great way to find affordable spirits for your home bar.

Another local business is a combination liquor store and event planning service. They supply bartenders and the liquor needed for events. They always have great deals. The owner explained to me a long time ago that sometimes a liquor company will change bottle styles or labels on their product. Local liquor stores want the new product on their shelves, not the old style. Since he uses the product at events most of the time, he doesn’t care if the label or bottle style has changed. The liquid inside is the same. He buys up cases of the old label style for discounted prices and is able pass along those discounts to his customers. Look around at your local businesses. This is just another way to search for affordable spirits locally.

Add your comment: What tips would you give for finding the best affordable spirits for a starter home bar?

Post sponsored by Wine Chateau – All commentary and opinion by Cheri Loughlin

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Posted in Bar Basics, Sponsored Posts

Tagged Affordable Alcohol, Home Bar, Home Entertaining, Sponsored Post, Wine Chateau

Almond Milk Coco Wisp Cocktail

Posted on June 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

Almond Milk contains raw almonds and water as basic starter ingredients – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water. It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians since it does not contain any animal products. I like to use almond milk in low calorie cocktails because it is significantly lower in calories when using plain or unsweetened versions. Almond milk also adds a great nutty kick to the flavor of any drink.

Almond milk gives the low calorie Coco Wisp cocktail silky smooth texture with hint of nuttiness. It feels and tastes like a decadent Pina Colada. Simply marvelous! Just think, almond milk allows you to enjoy all this indulgence without all the calories. Low calorie cocktails never tasted so good!

Low Calorie Coco Wisp Cocktail Recipe

Low calorie Coco Wisp cocktail contains flavorful Almond Milk & tastes like a silky smooth decadent Pina Colada – recipe & photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Coco Wisp – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Coconut Rum or Coconut Vodka

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

2 ounces Unsweetened Almond Milk

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Approximately 90.5 Calories

DIY Almond Milk

Almonds contain a powerhouse of nutrients. To learn more about the powerful punch every almond packs within its nut skin visit www.almondboard.com. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Almond milk can be found in the refrigerated section at your local grocery store. It is also sold in shelf stable containers for longer term storage if needed. Of course there is a do it yourself {DIY} Almond Milk recipe for those of you who love the taste of homemade. You will need raw almonds, water and a blender for basic almond milk. The best recipe I have found for almond milk is by far from Tess Masters.

Tess Masters, The Blender Girl, gives step by step directions of how to make Home Made Vegan Raw Almond Milk on her Healthy Blender Recipes website. You will find suggested uses for the left over almond meal, alternative almond milk flavors and more nut milk recipes to make at home.

To learn more about the powerful punch every almond packs within its nut skin visit www.almondboard.com.

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Posted in Low Calorie

Tagged Almond Milk, Almonds, Coco Wisp, Coconut Rum, Coconut Vodka, Lower Calorie, Pina Colada, Pineapple Juice, Tess Masters, The Blender Girl

Early Summer Cocktail Recipe

Posted on June 4, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Early Summer Cocktail contains Gin, Apricot Brandy, Calvados and Orange Juice. Wonderful for a summer evening cocktail party on the patio. - photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Early Summer Cocktail recipe contains Gin, Apricot Brandy, Calvados and Orange Juice. Wonderful for a summer evening cocktail party on the patio. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The conventional idea of the perfect summer cocktail recipe might be served in a tall glass with glistening ice and soda or tonic water topper. It might include seasonal fruits such as fresh, plump strawberries or juicy watermelons accompanied by fresh from the herb garden garnishes like sweet basil, fresh mint or fragrant rosemary. But why be predictable when there is a world of cocktails to explore?

The perfect summer cocktail recipe just might be your recipe for a successful patio party with cocktail and appetizer pairing. The Early Summer Cocktail recipe pairs wonderfully with an assortment of fresh apple and pear fruits and dried fruits such as dates and apricots. Bring salted and unsalted nuts into the mix such as pecans, pistachios, walnuts and macadamia nuts. Add a gourmet cheese platter with thin sliced breads and wafer crackers. Guests mix, mingle and explore something beyond poolside cocktails.

Welcome to the stylish side of summer.

Early Summer Cocktail Recipe

The Early Summer Cocktail pairs nicely with fresh fruit tray of pear & apples, nuts & gourmet cheeses. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Early Summer

1/2 ounce Gin

1/2 ounce Apricot Brandy

1/2 ounce Calvados or Armagnac

1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Apple Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with apple slice.

The recipe calls for an apple slice garnish, but I used an orange peel instead. I thought the orange peel was more fitting for the drink.

The Early Summer Cocktail recipe called for apple slice garnish due to the Calvados influence, but orange peel works beautifully too. – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

There is beautiful orange, apple and nut skin aroma. This drink turned out a bit sweeter than expected. I supposed I expected a rather brusque, strong tasting drink since it is comprised of primarily alcohol. But the flavor comes across like that of lush dried fruit cake fruits and nut skins. It is freshly sweet, but not fruity, sugary sweet. The Early Summer cocktail recipe is a contemporary cocktail that is classically styled. Rather lovely I think.

Early Summer Cocktail is excellent for summer cocktail parties on the patio – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Add your comment: What is your idea of the perfect summer cocktail?

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Apricot Brandy, Armagnac, Calvados, Gin, Home Entertaining, Orange Juice, Summer Cocktails

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