Monthly Archives: November 2009

Vintage Cocktail: The 75

Posted on November 27, 2009 | Comments Off

Not to be confused with the French 75 consisting of gin topped with champagne; this vintage cocktail recipe with Armagnac and Absinthe is taken from a page in Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails Deluxe Edition written by Ted Haigh, aka Dr. Cocktail. Dr. Cocktail’s rendition calls for Calvados inclusion, but Armagnac has been used as a rather nice substitution.

The 75

2 parts Armagnac

1 part Gin

1/4 part Homemade Grenadine

Wash glass with Absinthe

Place ice in cocktail glass with approximately 1 teaspoon of Absinthe. Set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Swirl Pernod with ice to coat cocktail glass and discard Pernod soaked ice. Strain contents of shaker into cocktail glass.

The original recipe calls for 1/4 part Absinthe rather than washing the glass with Absinthe. However, including the full measure called for overwhelms the cocktail leaving little more than the taste of absinthe with the remaining ingredients becoming less noticeable. In this adaptation the hint of Absinthe washed in the glass gives the aura of Pernod with slightest taste which lingers in a lovely way. The cocktail recipe still hovers upon the sweet side, but contains a nice nutty blend with the Armagnac inclusion.

Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails Deluxe Editionby Ted Haigh would make a wonderful holiday gift for the classic cocktail lover on your gift giving list this season. Depending upon where you purchase, this book retails for approximately $20.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, Armagnac, Classic Cocktail, Gin, Grenadine, Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails

Apple of My Eye Cocktails

Posted on November 24, 2009 | Comments Off

There are vague memories in childhood of being in an orchard gathering fresh apples with my mother and siblings for baked goodies. I could romanticize it and say it was all fun and games with tree climbing, hide and seek and bushels of fun, but in all honesty I can’t remember. To this day the real memory is the beauty of rows upon rows of trees with beautiful apples ripe for the plucking. The part of the country I spent time very young also has gorgeous foliage during the fall. Ripe, crisp apples remind me of fall no matter the time of year. They are best crisp, lightly sweet with lingering tart in the finish. Plucked Apple balances an apple’s crispness with fresh plucked feel.

Plucked Apple – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 part Apple Rum

1/2 part Sour Apple Pucker

1-1/2 Cranberry Juice

Build in an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Tastes like a fresh granny smith apple. Crisp, tart, clean flavor with sweetness balanced by the tart.

The little dessert in a glass without all the baked crust trappings – that is the goodness within the Apple Tartlet cocktail. No need to peel and slice apples, roll out fresh pie crust or sprinkle cinnamon and sugar all over the floor of the kitchen. Of course, one could always whip up an Apple Tartlet cocktail and then begin the process of baking. Pie crust cookies are indeed ‘the bomb’ with their crisp layers of flaky deliciousness. Personally I’d go for dessert cocktail and pie crust cookies, saving the apples for garnish another day.

Apple Tartlet – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 part Berentzen ApfelKorn Schnapps

1/2 part Amaretto

1/4 part Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps

1/2 part Irish Cream

1 part Half & Half

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into a cocktail glass.

Buttered Apple is great for going the long haul. This easy sipper builds nicely over ice using widely available spirits. Sit back and relax while watching movies, football or playing games with family. Making memories over the Thanksgiving holiday time is more than gathering for turkey dinner and Black Friday shop ‘til you drop. Bring out decks of cards and poker chips, start up a game of Monopoly or Risk, or begin flipping through old photo albums while classic black and white movies play in the background. Enjoy the moment without rushing.

Buttered Apple – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 part Apple Rum

1/2 part Sour Apple Pucker

1/4 part Butterscotch Schnapps

2-1/2 parts Ginger Ale

Build over ice in a highball glass. The Butterscotch Schnapps warms the apple flavor up with a sort of burnt brown sugar feel that is very appealing.

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Posted in Fall & Thanksgiving

Tagged Amaretto, Berentzen ApfelKorn Schnapps, Butterscotch Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Ginger Ale, Goldschlager, Half & Half, Irish Cream, Rum, Sour Apple Pucker

Holiday in a Glass: Fall to Thanksgiving Cocktails, Martinis & Drink Recipes

Posted on November 23, 2009 | Comments Off

The whisper of winter’s arrival surrounds us with wisps of wind, sprinklings of snowflakes and the smoky aroma of toasted firewood rising from neighborhood chimneys. Though fall has not officially passed us by, Thanksgiving gives way to the last rich tastes of the season and glorious opening to celebrations that continue ahead. Embrace the season and all its sipping delights.

Autumn Wind

2 parts Gekkeikan Haiku Sake

1/2 part Gekkeikan Plum Wine

3/4 part Honey

2 parts Pomegranate Juice

1/2 part Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and green apple slice.

Haiku Jasmine Green Tea Saketini

3 parts Gekkeikan Haiku

2 parts Jasmine Green Tea or regular green tea

Splash of sour mix

Garnish with lime or lemon

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lime or lemon wedge.

Baileys Cherry Cafe

2 ounces Baileys with a hint of Coffee

1/2 ounce Captain Morgan Rum

1 dash Maraschino cherry juice

Rim a martini glass with cinnamon and sugar. Then drizzle cherry juice in the glass to layer. Shake Baileys and Captain Morgan with ice, strain and enjoy.

Amor de Cosmos

1-1/2 ounce Canadian Club Whisky

1 Tablespoon Grenadine Syrup

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

Splash Ginger Ale

Splash Club Soda

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine whisky, syrup and juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Add splash each of ginger ale and club soda. Garnish with maraschino cherry

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

2 ounces Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka

1/2 ounce Crème de Banana

1/2 ounce Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Eggnog

Cinnamon Stick Garnish

Shaved Chocolate Garnish

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick and shaved chocolate.

Amaretto Crème Brulee

1-1/2 ounce Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka

1 ounce Licor 43

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1 splash Cream

Brown Sugar & Lemon Wedge Garnish

Rim lip of glass with lemon wedge and dip into brown sugar. Set aside to dry. Chill glass. Pour all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

Mon Cheri

2 ounces Blanche Armagnac Laubade

3/4 ounce Cherry Liqueur

1-1/4 ounce White Crème de Cacao

1/2 ounce Dark Crème de Cacao

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Place Armagnac, cherry liqueur and white crème de cacao in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into cocktail glass. Carefully drizzle outer edges of cocktail with 1/2 ounce of dark crème de cacao. Drop maraschino cherry in center of cocktail for garnish.

Chocolate Espresso

1/4 ounce Vanilla Vodka

1/4 ounce Amaretto Almond Liqueur

1/4 ounce Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1/4 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/4 ounce Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

1/4 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1/2 ounce Espresso

2 dashes Chocolate Syrup

Swirl chocolate syrup around inside of martini glass. Chill. Place remaining liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

Drambuie Espresso Martini

1-1/2 ounce Drambuie

1 ounce Creme de Cacao

1 ounce Espresso

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

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Posted in Fall & Thanksgiving

Tagged Amaretto, Armagnac, Canadian Whisky, Cherry Liqueur, Chocolate Liqueur, Chocolate Syrup, Chocolate Vodka, Club Soda, Cranberry Juice, Creme de Banana, Creme de Cacao, Drambuie, Eggnog, Espresso, Fresh Lemon, Ginger Ale, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Irish Cream, Plum Wine, Pomegranate Juice, Rum, Sake, Sour Mix, Tea, Vanilla Vodka

Dessert Inspired Holiday Shot Recipes

Posted on November 19, 2009 | Comments Off

Several options arise for those in the mood for dessert during the holidays yet either don’t want to take the time for baking or prefer tempting libations within itty bitty glasses. You may have seen the mini desserts contained within shot style glasses popping up at restaurants in the last few years. Why bother with little custards, puddings and cakes inspired by shots and shooters? Go for the original creations that inspired the dessert revolution.

What are fall, Thanksgiving and family for the holidays without the tasty goodness of apple pie? Sure, it’s usually piping hot out of the oven with the warming aroma to lure one into the kitchen, but this one takes a little less time to prepare with less mess and still packs on a great crust around the edges. *wink wink* Yeah, it was worth a shot. I can’t see mom in the kitchen swigging this back either, but one just never knows…

Hot Apple Pie Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 part Apple Rum

1/2 part Hot Damn Cinnamon Schnapps

Graham Cracker Crust Garnish

Crush graham crackers to fine grain. Rim shot glass in cinnamon schnapps. Dip in graham cracker crumbs. Set aside. Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into shot glass.

You’ve heard the warning before – ‘don’t try this at home.’ I’m telling you ‘try this at home’ … the layering part that is. I don’t care which shot you try to layer. Pick one. Pick a favorite from a recipe book or another website. Just do it! Heaviest spirits go on the bottom, lightest spirits toward the top. I tried this at home and I was stoked that it actually worked! The trick is slowly slipping the liqueurs over the back of a spoon into the shot glass rather than just pouring them into the glass atop each other. Give it a whirl. It’s pretty cool!

Chocolate Amaretto Soufflé

1 part Crème de Cacao

1 part Amaretto

1 part Heavy Cream

Layer ingredients in a shot glass.

Layer Cake proves not every layered shot will turn out as planned. Difficult to notice from the photo, but this layered shot was not as easy to build as the previous layered shot. Lesson learned; they won’t all turn out perfect. But if measured correctly, the flavor will remain the same throughout. The difference is most likely shot glass or the weight difference between

Amaretto and Apricot Brandy since those were the only two variables between Layer Cake and Chocolate Amaretto Soufflé. Amazing how different one ingredient makes in taste, texture and look.

Layer Cake

1 part Crème de Cacao

1 part Apricot Brandy

1 part Heavy Cream

Layer chilled ingredients in a shot glass. Ingredients layer easier when applied over the back of a bar spoon or ordinary table spoon.

As is important with any shot I can think of offhand, one of the most important features is make sure the ingredients are cold. Many shots play on the ability to mess a person up quickly as may be exemplified by listening to two women approach the bar Friday evening and say this to the bartender, “Give us two of your strongest shots.” They didn’t ask for a particular flavor, sweet, sour or base spirit. The intent was to just get hammered or gain a little liquid courage. Maybe a thump on the head would suffice since they obviously didn’t care what they might gulp down in the glass. There are some tasty shots out there. Find a few you like. Remember how to make them and order those when you’re feeling like a celebration shot to start or end the evening. Knowledge is empowerment even in the realm of shots. They might be going down fast, but make sure they have a little flavor.

Mississippi Mud Pie

3/4 part Coffee Liqueur

1/2 part Southern Comfort

1/4 part Heavy Cream

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a shot glass.

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Posted in Fall & Thanksgiving, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Amaretto, Apple Rum, Apricot Brandy, Cinnamon Schnapps, Coffee Liqueur, Creme de Cacao, Heavy Cream, Hot Damn Cinnamon Schnapps, Rum, Shot-tails, Southern Comfort

Scotch Cocktail Recipes: Bobby Burns & My Darling

Posted on November 18, 2009 | Comments Off

Last week a new cocktail creation contest rolled out on The Intoxicologist Facebook page: Scotch. Participants were invited to create a simply made cocktail using five ingredients or less. Participants were welcome to use scotch of their preference, but I would be recreating the cocktails with Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch and Grant’s Blended Scotch.

When I stopped in at a local bar & restaurant, Boiler Room, that serves fabulous old style cocktails this past weekend, the bartender asked if I’d like to try a Scotch cocktail he had been playing around with for the new cocktail menu; the Bobby Burns. Bobby Burns isn’t new, but Chris put a great new spin on it with the inclusion of barely there allspice rim that he and the chef worked out. There is also a little fiddling with the ingredient ratios that make Bobby Burns a Boiler Room knock out.

Bobby Burns – Chris Engles, Boiler Room – Omaha, NE

2 parts Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch

1-1/2 part Carpano Antiqua Formula

1/4 part Benedictine

Lemon Twist

Allspice

Combine Glenfiddich, Carpano and Benedictine in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. Dip fresh lemon strip twist into fresh allspice. Rub lemon twist with allspice around rim of cocktail glass and place twist in cocktail.

Chris’ take on the Bobby Burns cocktail flavors out fabulously with allspice rounding out the deal. The aroma lures one in for the first sip. Carpano Antiqua Formula creates an excellent sounding board for the Glenfiddich Scotch. Benedictine leaves just enough spice in the finish. The kicker here is the allspice. It definitely begins the cocktail and seals the deal beginning to end.

After tasting through entries for the scotch cocktail creation contest Bob Stafford’s, My Darling, took winning place. There were a handful of great entries, but My Darling kept the integrity of Scotch flavor in mind and simplicity for duplication at the same time.

My Darling – Bob Stafford

1-1/2 parts Grant’s Blended Scotch*

1/2 part Cointreau

1/2 part Plymouth Sloe Gin

1/2 part Fresh Squeezed Clementine Juice

2 dashes Regan’s Orange Bitters

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker filled 1/2 way with ice. Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Rub rim of glass with a Clementine twist and garnish drink with the twist. *Bob used Johnnie Walker Black Blended Scotch Whisky

This cocktail rang out a little sweeter than my preferred taste for cocktails, especially Scotch cocktails – however My Darling plays to the strengths of Scotch rather than cover it up. This is a great cocktail for someone who wants to play with the flavor of Scotch without going hard core straight on the rocks.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Contests, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Allspice, Benedictine, Boiler Room Omaha, Carpano Antica Formula, Chris Engles, Classic Cocktail, Clementine, Cointreau, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch, Grant's Blended Scotch, Orange Bitters, Scotch, Sloe Gin

Classic Style Armagnac Cocktail Recipe: 14 Juillet

Posted on November 16, 2009 | Comments Off

Armagnac Castarède Tasting Notes:

Straw to golden color. Soft nut flavor with hints of ripened fruit, possibly faint floral in the finish. Light in consistency, delicately sweet with nut skin lingering on the tongue. Beautiful spirit! Easily sipped as is, with a single cube to melt gracefully at will or in superbly built cocktails meant to highlight its wonderful qualities.

14 Juillet – Good Spirits by A.J. Rathbun

1-1/2 ounce Castarede Armagnac VSOP

1 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a cocktail glass.

This classic style martini plays upon the flavor of the Armagnac nicely. A little of the nut tone is allowed to show through under the orange and lemon balance. I like this one. It reminds me of simple, well built classic cocktails. Definite drink recipe to add to your repertoire of must try cocktails, especially during the holiday season.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Armagnac, Castarede Armagnac, Cointreau, Fresh Lemon, Good Spirits, Premium Orange Liqueur

Savoring the Flavor of Hendrick’s Gin Classic & Contemporary Cocktail Recipes

Posted on November 9, 2009 | Comments Off

Hendrick’s Gin ventures toward the side of the unusual with its cucumber tones, medicinal shaped bottle and off the cuff sense of humor in marketing. But this rather curious Gin begs to be reckoned with among more ‘traditional’ styled Gins consumers might be more familiar with in classic martinis and cocktails. The flavor settles upon the palate with much the same juniper tone conventional Gin contains, but then lovely flora sneaks up behind giving Hendrick’s wonderful kick. Some find it all cucumber, but there is a certain amount of floral or perfume to this one making it perfect for tweaking an ordinary cocktail into something extraordinary.

Unusual Negroni

1 ounce Hendrick’s Gin

1 ounce Lillet Blanc

1 ounce Aperol

Orange twist

Combine ingredients and shake well with ice. Serve up and garnish with an orange twist.

Delightful. Light rather than heavy, most likely due to the Lillet Blanc rather than sweet vermouth. I like this one very much. If the Classic Negroni ranks high on your list of cocktail loves, the Unusual Negroni should rank high on your list of ‘must try’ cocktail recipes. Two more must try Negroni cocktails on your list this season; Naughty Negroni using a champagne topper and Art’ Negroni with Cynar Artichoke Liqueur/Aperitif. All three of these twists on the classic Negroni make excellent choices for holiday gatherings this season with their classic style and flair for the unique. The Negroni cocktail is a quick build mixed drink, low on the difficulty factor.

Fairy Belle

1-1/2 ounce Hendrick’s Gin

1/2 ounce Apricot Brandy

1/2 ounce Fresh lemon juice

1/4 ounce Grenadine

1/4 ounce Simple syrup

Lemon twist

Combine ingredients and shake well. Serve up in a martini style glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Fairy Belle contains this tart/perfumed twist to it that is intriguing. The flavor causes me to sip, roll the liquid around and mull the thought of its unusualness over my taste buds. This mixed drink plays up the floral tones of Hendrick’s Gin more than the previous cocktail recipe. Fairy Belle is an excellent example of contemporary style drinks created from base spirits that are sometimes thought of as ‘old fashioned’ or those only consumed by an older generation. Not so. Gin might have been the spirit of an older generation, but it is also seeing the dawning of a new age.

Hendrick’s Martini

1-1/2 ounce Hendrick’s Gin

3/4 ounce Dry Vermouth

Stir Vermouth and Hendrick’s Gin over ice cubes in mixing glass. Strain into martini glass. Serve with cucumber slice.

Of course the gold standard of practically any gin is the martini. Hendrick’s served up phenomenal gin martinis at the Hendrick’s Enchanted Portal to the Peculiar party at Tales of the Cocktail 2009. I am not so sure this particular recipe is the same proportion followed for what was served then or possibly the vermouth I used is not the same. Play with the proportions a little. Personally I like a little more gin shine through than vermouth. With Gin as extraordinary and unique as Hendrick’s; savor the flavor.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Aperol, Apricot Brandy, Classic Cocktail, Dry Vermouth, Fresh Lemon, Gin, Grenadine, Hendrick's Gin, Lillet Blanc, Simple Syrup

For the Love of Football

Posted on November 7, 2009 | Comments Off

Tailgating during football season is almost as American as apple pie and hot dogs. Tailgate parties set up in parking lots and grassy areas of game day venues have become as popular if not more so as gathering in front of the big screen TV for the big game. The spirit of tailgating in America has become tradition and has spread to more sporting events than just football.

Beyond tailgating is the good old fashioned way of enjoying the great American sport of football; at home in the presence of friends cheering on your team and calling the referee out for plays they called wrong. We never get our two cents in where the play calls lead, but we can call the shots where the drink recipes are concerned. That is where The Intoxicologist gives you the opportunity to decide the best drink recipe for your game of choice whether tailgating or watching the game on the big screen.

When the game just isn’t going your way it’s Aggravation all the way.

Aggravation

1-1/4 part Scotch

3/4 part Coffee Liqueur

1 part Half & Half

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

Someone in the game always displays a fair amount of attitude which in turn gets picked up by someone in the crowd. Pour it, mix it and pass them a little Attitude adjustment.

Attidude

1 part Vodka

1 part Amaretto

1 part Coconut Rum

1/2 part Cranberry Juice

1/2 part Pineapple Juice

Build in a highball glass over fresh ice.

Maybe it’s carrying a Sharpie pen in a sock or being the player constantly on the edge of retirement…everyone has at least one bad habit. Most likely someone in the room watching the game with you has one too. The Bad Habit drink is just the ticket.

Bad Habit

1 part Vodka

1 part Peach Schnapps

Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice.

It doesn’t matter how much you yell and shout at the screen or profess the ‘would of, could of done its’ to your tailgating buds. The real brave souls are the ones on the field lined up toe to toe on the front line. So a toast to them; a Brave Bull.

Brave Bull

1-1/4 part Tequila

3/4 part Coffee Liqueur

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. Stir.

The sidelines, the locker room the dirty uniforms…it all boils down to a little Buffalo Sweat in the afternoon.

Buffalo Sweat

1 part Bourbon

1 dash Tabasco Sauce

Place bourbon in a shot glass. Add dash of Tabasco. Shoot.

A blowout win is sometimes cool, but when the matchup is equal and the game is close things are much more interesting. It also causes a little tension in the air. Beware of Contents Under Pressure.

Contents Under Pressure – created by Patsy Edward

1-1/2 parts Vodka

1/2 part Galliano

1/2 part Grand Marnier

1/2 part Spiced Rum

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice or a margarita glass without ice. Garnish with lemon twist.

Can’t take the last nerve-racking minutes of the game when your team just doesn’t look like they will pull through? Don’t have a nervous breakdown. Have a Cranium Meltdown instead.

Cranium Meltdown

1/4 part Coconut Rum

1/4 part 151 Rum

1/4 part Raspberry Liqueur

1/4 part Pineapple Juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a pony glass.

There is always that one play, that singular moment, the seconds that goes down in history. This is the play that goes without a hitch that the booth plays over and over again. Let’s just hope your team is the one who makes the play.

Perfection

1-1/2 part Whiskey

1/4 part Club Soda

1/4 part Ginger Ale

Lemon Twist

Build in an old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Eventually winner takes all.

Victor

1-1/2 part Gin

1/2 part Sweet Vermouth

1/2 part Brandy

Place ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into martini glass.

No sense in leaving with a long face if your team didn’t quite make the cut this time around. Take it on the chin. There is always next week.

Weep No More

1-1/2 part Dubonnet

1-1/2 part Cognac

Splash Lime Juice

Splash Cherry Liqueur

Place ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

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Posted in Football & Tailgating, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Amaretto, Bourbon, Brandy, Cherry Liqueur, Club Soda, Coconut Rum, Coffee Liqueur, Cognac, Cranberry Juice, Dubonnet, Football Drinks, Fresh Lime, Galliano, Gin, Ginger Ale, Grand Marnier, Half & Half, Peach Schnapps, Pineapple Juice, Raspberry Liqueur, Rum, Scotch, Spiced Rum, Sweet Vermouth, Tabasco, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey

Hot Brew: Winter & Holiday Hot Coffee & Espresso Drink Guide

Posted on November 6, 2009 | 1 Comment

Relaxing weekend mornings, after dinner dessert or late evening night cap, fresh brewed coffee dressed with spirited elixirs, creamy add-ins and fluffy toppings with sprinkled spice hit the spot when the swirled chill in the air nips at our heels and licks at our bones. When leaves begin to fade from lush green to golden yellow and auburn and twirl to the ground, thoughts of hot coffee cocktails laced with favorite spirits begin dancing in our head like the sugar plum fairies of Christmas lore. These are the warming drinks that fill us with warmth.

The hot coffee and espresso guide below contains drink recipes with brewed coffee and espresso as well as those that contain coffee liqueurs and espresso spirits.

Brazilian Cream – created by Cheri Loughlin

3/4 part Seagram’s Brazilian Rum

3/4 part Kahlua Coffee Cream

Fresh Hot Chocolate

Grated Nutmeg

Whipped Cream

Cacao Bits Garnish

Place Seagram’s Brazilian Rum, Kahlua Coffee Cream and sprinkle of nutmeg in bottom of large mug or Irish coffee cup. Add fresh hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle of grated nutmeg and cacao bits. Wowser! Talk about the ultimate sweetly, seductive spiked hot chocolate with hint of coffee. Nutmeg definitely adds a nice spice touch with the cacao bits give a wee bit of nutty bitter to the bite.

Jamaican Coffee

1-1/2 parts Coffee Liqueur

4 parts Dark Roast Coffee

Whipped Cream Optional

Place coffee liqueur and fresh brewed coffee in heat resistant mug. Stir. Add whipped cream float to top.

Keoki Coffee

1 ounce Brandy

1 ounce Coffee Liqueur

4 ounces Dark Roast Coffee

Whipped Cream Topper

Place brandy, coffee liqueur and fresh brewed coffee in heat resistant mug. Stir. Add whipped cream float to top.

Gloria

2 ounces Cognac

4 ounces French Roast Coffee

Place cognac in bottom of heat resistant mug. Add fresh brewed coffee. Stir. Serve hot.

Gingerbread Java

1 part Brandy, Rum or Vodka

1-1/2 part Gingerbread Liqueur

4 parts Hot Coffee

Whipped Cream Garnish

Cinnamon Stick

Place base spirit and liqueur in heat resistant mug. Top with fresh brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream. Stir with cinnamon stick.

Newfoundland Night-cap

1-1/4 ounce Newfoundland Screech Rum

1 – 2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar

Coffee

Whipped Cream Garnish

Place Screech Rum and brown sugar in bottom of heat resistant mug. Fill with fresh brewed coffee. Stir to dissolve brown sugar. Top with whipped cream.

Café Pacifico

1-1/2 ounce Blanco Tequila

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

4 ounces Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee

3 Bar Spoons Cinnamon & Sugar Mix*

Heavy Cream

Cinnamon & Sugar Sprinkle Garnish

Place tequila and coffee liqueur in bottom of heat proof mug. Add hot coffee. Stir in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Float heavy cream on top. Garnish with sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

*Cinnamon & Sugar: 4 parts fine granulated sugar – 1 part ground cinnamon. Mix.

Kentucky Coffee

1 part Bourbon

1 part Coffee Liqueur

1/2 part Hazelnut Liqueur

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Whipped Cream Garnish

Place bourbon and coffee liqueur into heat proof mug. Add Frangelico. Fill with fresh brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream garnish.

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Posted in Barista Cafe, Holidays

Tagged Bourbon, Brandy, Coffee, Coffee Liqueur, Cognac, Gingerbread Liqueur, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Hot Chocolate, Kahlua, Rum, Screech Rum, Seagram's Brazilian Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Winter Warmer

Classic Cocktail Recipes Sparkle: Naughty Negroni & Art’ Negroni

Posted on November 2, 2009 | Comments Off

With the holiday season coming up it is time to begin thinking about celebration cocktails for family gatherings and social events. Thanksgiving and Christmas time of year bring in moments of tradition, heritage and honor generations of the past. Incorporating classic cocktails into modern celebrations is an excellent way to convey a sense of timelessness and elegance to the occasion.

Maria C. Hunt, author of The Bubbly Bar, offers a champagne perspective for holiday celebrations or any occasion a little added sparkle would make it shine brighter. The Bubbly Bar fills champagne flutes and cocktail glasses with The Classics, those which must be Mixed & Muddled and doesn’t shy away from Happy Endings. All of the recipes are beautifully photographed which is a real plus for those who love visual context of the finished product.

As inspiring as The Bubbly Bar is with its vast array of champagne and sparkling wine cocktails, be prepared for prep work with a healthy share of the recipes provided in this book. Numerous recipes require specialty syrups made ahead of time or steeped tea with spice inclusion, cooled before cocktail mixing can begin. Fresh ingredients definitely create the most flavorful cocktails. Planning ahead for what you want to sample is a must with The Bubbly Bar since there are several cocktails with fresh ingredients. Many contain ingredients that might not be readily available or easy to find such as dried pink rose petals for the Vintage Rose or sour cherry syrup for the Sour Cherry. These are just two examples of ingredients that must be ordered online ahead of time if they cannot be found locally. Maria has provided a Resources guide for this purpose. The Bubbly Bar is an excellent sparkling cocktail resource for anyone with a passion for champagne, but not the best source for on the fly cocktail creation. Prepare ahead of time for what your celebration cocktails will be this season.

Naughty Negroni – Bubbly Bar by Maria C. Hunt

1 ounce Campari

1 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/2 ounce Gin

4 ounces Moscato d’Asti Sparkling Wine

Long Spiral of Orange Peel Garnish

Add Campari, vermouth and gin to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into champagne flute. Top with Moscato. Garnish with orange peel.

This is indeed beautiful with the classic dry to bitter flavor characteristic of Campari. Champagne gives the Negroni classic cocktail a delightful holiday spirit making this an excellent choice for celebrations.

One of my favorite cocktails to order out and about is the classic Negroni, but with an artful twist. Cynar with its artichoke flavor foundation is my preferred aperitif for the Negroni classic. The flavor is deeply rich without so much bitter dryness.

Art’ Negroni – Classic Cocktail adapted by The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Gin

1 ounce Carpano Antica Formula

1-1/2 ounce Cynar

Orange Twist Garnish

Combine ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist.

Even though the Negroni cocktail still flavors out fabulously when it warms a little as it is sipped, this drink can also be placed into a small cocktail glass with the remaining half poured into a small sidecar on ice to remain chilled.

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Posted in Champagne & Bubbly, Classic Cocktails

Tagged Campari, Carpano Antica Formula, Champagne, Classic Cocktail, Cynar, Gin, Moscato, Sweet Vermouth

Monthly Archives: November 2009

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