Category Archives: Cocktails

Cocktails and drink recipes covering a multitude of spirit categories from contemporary to classic styles.

Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey Spring Drink Recipes

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey Bottle Photo 028

You’ll notice Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey doesn’t say “moonshine” on the label. It’s White Whiskey, not moonshine. It isn’t backwoods, bootleg liquor of the illicit sort. It isn’t unaged whiskey, otherwise known as white dog. This is one-of-a-kind, aged whiskey, made from the same mash bill Jacob Beam started with so long ago in 1795.

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey Bottle Photo 031

It’s white whiskey that could be consumed straight or on the rocks, but why do that when there are plenty of drink recipes with whiskey available to tweak with this spirit variation?

Jacob’s Ghost is aged for at least one year in charred, white oak barrels yielding a light-bodied 80-proof whiskey. It is clean and crisp on the nose with hints of light vanilla and sweet corn undertones. The aging process renders a smooth, sweet flavor with hints of smoke, rounded out by soft barrel notes on the finish. – Brand fact sheet information

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey Bottle Photo 033

Some like Jacob’s Ghost just the way it is, but it’s also fun to shake things up a bit with a few whiskey cocktail drink recipes. The whole speakeasy movement and throwback to Prohibition Era cocktails has brought new thought to reinventing the way classic cocktails are fashioned. The following are a few brand recommended drink recipes for spring sipping.

Southern Storm – created by Tony Devencenzi, San Francisco

1-1/2 ounce Jacob’s Ghost White WhiskeyJacob's Ghost Southern Storm Whiskey Drink Recipe

1-1-2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1-1/2 ounce Ginger Beer

4 to 5 dashes Angostura Bitters

Pineapple Wedge Garnish

Combine whiskey and juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Add dashes of bitters. Garnish with pineapple wedge.

You thought you knew the easy 2 ingredient beer cocktails; Shandy and Shandy Gaff. Now get to know them a little better by adding some ghostly spirit to the cocktail.

Jacob’s Shandy – created by Lynn House, Chicago

1 ounce Jacob’s Ghost White WhiskeyJacob's Ghost Shandy Whiskey Drink Recipe

2 ounces Lemonade

1 ounce Light Beer – chilled

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Combine whiskey and lemonade in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into chilled rocks glass – no ice. Top with chilled beer. Garnish with lemon wheel.

The Moscow Mule is a classic vodka drink recipe with simple two ingredients. Jacob’s Ghost sweetens the deal by making this a white whiskey drink recipe with dazzling ginger liqueur topped with the traditional ginger beer.

Clermont Mule – created by Larry Rice, Kentucky

1 ounce Jacob’s Ghost White WhiskeyJacob's Ghost Clermont Mule Whiskey Drink Recipe

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1/4 ounce DeKuyper Ginger Liqueur

Ginger Beer

Build liquids in rocks glass over fresh ice in order given, saving ginger beer until last. Stir gently. Top with ginger beer.

Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey began selling nationwide February 2013 for suggested retail price of $21.99 for 750ml bottle.

Tasting notes & cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of Beam Global – Jim Beam on Facebook – JimBeamOfficial on Twitter

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Auchentoshan Classic Scotch Cocktail

The premier destination to buy fine wine on the Internet.

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Classic 002 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Many believe using a single malt Scotch in a mixed drink is a crime. Using a single malt can add a rich, through-the-line taste and aroma that can’t be beat. The following recipe shows just how great using a single malt can be. Plus, it’s the perfect way to introduce Scotch to the less initiated. – media materials

David Clelland, International Whisky Specialist, introduces Auchentoshan Classic in the video below. He also demonstrates the Glasgow Kiss.

Glasgow Kiss – created by Fat Radish Restaurant, NYC

1-1/2 ounce Auchentoshan ClassicAuchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Classic 013 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/2 Fresh Pear

1 teaspoon Pear Jam

5 Cardamom Pods

1/2 ounce Orange Curacao

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Triple Pear Fan Garnish

Muddle cardamom pods and fresh pear in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add remaining liquid ingredients with ice. Shake to blend. Double strain into an old fashioned glass over crushed ice. Garnish with triple fan garnish.

Wine Chateau carries many of the Auchentoshan expressions including the Auchentoshan Classic. Their site includes basic tasting notes, like the ones below provided by the brand, and lengthy technical notes concerning the process and the distillery.

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Classic 008 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Triple distilled and matured solely in American bourbon casks. The result: a Lowland Single Malt Whisky with the sweet aromas of vanilla and coconut; along with the signature smooth, delicate, Auchentoshan taste. – media materials

Offical Auchentoshan Brand Tasting Notes

Color: Pale Gold

Aroma: Rich vanilla and coconut, hint of green apple and a tang of citrus zest

Taste: Sweet vanilla cream, fresh green apple skin and a little mint

Finish: Fresh, floral zestiness

80 Proof / 40% alcohol – $35 to $45 price range depending upon where you buy

Post sponsored by Wine Chateau. – Tasting notes and recipe courtesy representatives of Campari America and Auchentoshan. Auchentoshan on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: Caliche Rum

Caliche Rum 065 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Caliche Rum is aged up to four years. The purpose of slow blending is to give the rum an extremely smooth, modern characteristic with unique, clean balance of vanilla and citrus flavor and hint of oak. The intention in taste experience is an immediate rum flavor with velvety texture, followed by hints of caramel and vanilla. Citrus lingers slightly providing a crisp note then cleanly disappears with light tannins and oak. – media materials provided by brand representatives

Distilled, aged and bottled by Destilleria Serrallés, Inc. Ponce, Puerto Rico.

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $25 range

Availability: Initially available in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Dallas

Caliche Rum 086 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Tasting Notes

Color: Clear

Aroma: Some burn. Flat. Bit non-descript as far as rum goes.

Tasted Neat: Butterscotch. Quite a bit of burn. Burn does dissipate rather quickly, though. Barely any sweetness. Buttery is faint. Slight vanilla. Hardly any roundness as some rums seem to have. Little bit of toffee. Hint of coffee. Light citrus.

Mouth Feel: Thin

Caliche Wood Top 076 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

I love the rope around the neck of the bottle and the wooden bottle stopper. Interesting design etched in the wood, too. Not a fan of the orange lettering or the actual bottle though. But hey, it’s what’s inside that counts, right?!

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: Rum cocktails always make an appearance on my back deck when warmer weather finally makes its way back around. Pick up a bottle, grab a shaker and enjoy the sunshine.

Caliche Rum has a nice selection of cocktails on their website. I thought you might enjoy the two below for starters.

Cali GrapefruitBurnt Orange Tang copyright Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Caliche Rum

1/2 ounce Campari

1 ounce Grapefruit Juice

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

Club Soda

Grapefruit Wedge Garnish

Combine Caliche Rum, Campari, juice and agave nectar in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Pour into goblet or highball glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Cali Gold

2 ounces Caliche Rum

1 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

3 – 6 Cilantro Leaves

Cilantro Leaf Garnish

Lightly muddle cilantro leaves in mixing glass. Add liquid ingredients with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with cilantro leaf.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Caliche Rum@CalicheRum on Twitter – CalicheRum on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: EPIC Peach Vodka

Epic Peach Vodka 047 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

70 Proof / 35% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $12.99 / 750ml

Availability: Epic began shipping to approximately 30 US states in February with the goal to become nationwide as the year progresses.

EPIC Vodka is available is Classic and will be available in Whipped Cream, Kiwi Strawberry, Cherry, Cake and Coconut flavors at 70 proof / 35% alcohol. More flavors projected at a later date.

EPIC Peach Vodka Tasting Notes

Color: ClearEpic Classic - Peach Vodka 045 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Aroma: Peach for sure. Sweet succulent peach. Not sugary peach, but juicy peach. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Sweet! Not as sweet as liqueurs, but was definitely surprised at the sweetness in this 35% alcohol flavored vodka. Some flavored vodkas of this same alcohol content are not nearly as sweet. Peach flavor is very good. Ripe peach. Some burn. Slight artificial flavor in the aftertaste, but nice juice peach in the initial taste.

Mouth Feel: Medium. Bit thinner than the EPIC Classic, but still rolls over the tongue rather nicely.

Epic Peach - Stoli Peachik Comparison 056 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Comparable Spirit: Compared this to Stoli Peachik which contains peach flavor and is the same 35% alcohol content. EPIC Peach is much sweeter with more peach flavor and less burn.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: I see fresh spring cocktails in my future. Variations on Fuzzy Navels for sure. Simple Peach Vodka and Sprite (Zero if watching the girlish figure) or Soda would be a breeze.

EPIC Vodka has a few recommendations as well…

EPIC CosmoVG Pom Cosmo 4 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce EPIC Peach

3 ounces Cranberry Juice

Splash Peach Schnapps

1 teaspoon Lime Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Though they didn’t call for it, I think a fresh or even frozen peach slice would make a wonderful garnish!

EPIC Georgian

2 ounces EPIC Peach VodkaMango Peach Margarita 3 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

1/2 ounce Elderflower Liqueur

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Oh, my! I can totally see this one blended into a frozen poolside sipper, can’t you?! Throw in some frozen peaches and whirl away!

Review sample courtesy representatives of representatives of EPIC Vodka & Sazerac@EPICVodka on Twitter – EPICVodka on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: Crown Royal Maple Finished

Crown Royal Maple Finished 005 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Crown Royal Maple Finished combines Crown Royal Whisky with a touch of maple flavor. The liquid is then sent through a unique maple toasted oak finishing process for added smoothness. The iconic purple bag has been altered Crown Royal Maple Finished 011 photo copyright Cheri Loughlinto fit the look and feel of this first variant to the Crown Royal brand. The Crown Royal Maple Finished bag is brown with gold embroidery to complement the copper and auburn highlights found in the whisky. – Brand fact information

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $25 range

Availability: Nationwide

Crown Royal Maple Finished Tasting Notes

Color: Beautiful copper in the bottle. Appears lighter in the glass, but still contains deep reddish, auburn highlights.Crown Royal Maple Finished 021 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Aroma: Just opening the bottle released immediate maple aroma. Smelled just like maple syrup. Made my mouth water for pancakes and bacon smothered in maple syrup. Also detected caramelized brown sugar. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Some burn. Some sweetness. Can really taste the caramelized brown sugar. Warming. Lovely maple flavor. Bit of vanilla, buttery. Lightly, sweetened maple. To be honest, I wish maple syrup were as gently sweetened while remaining as lush on flavor as this has come across in the first sampling. I love the balance of sweetness to maple flavor.

Mouth Feel: Medium with nice lingering maple finish and warmth.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: Leaning towards classic Praline Pecan Pie Manhattan 143 photo copyright Cheri Loughlincocktails, the Manhattan makes perfect sense with this flavor profile. I might try using a mix of Praline Pecan Liqueur and Sweet Vermouth to enhance the maple flavor. There’s an example of this Manhattan variation using Woodford Reserve in the Praline Pecan Pie cocktail I created in 2010.

Another that makes a lot of sense; a really good apple cocktail variation. I played with three variations trying to come up with something that allowed the maple flavor to shine while giving the sensation of a deliciously crisp, yet lush apple.

Sample 1: 1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal Maple Finished, 3/4 ounce Caramel Apple Liqueur, 1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice, 1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice, Lime Twist Garnish. Shake liquids with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with Maple Apple Royale Sample 1 121 photo copyright Cheri Loughlinlime twist. Notes: Tastes like a lush caramel apple. Maple flavor gets a little lost with the caramel. Red cocktail like a juicy red delicious apple.

Sample 2: 1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal Maple Finished, 1/2 ounce Berentzen ApfelKorn, 1/4 ounce Buttershots, 1 ounce Cranberry Juice, 1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice, Lime Twist Garnish. Shake liquids with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime twist. Notes: Detect bit of burnt sugar in immediate taste. Not enough maple shine through. Red in color like a Honey Crisp apple.

As the saying goes, three times a charm. The third sample was my favorite of all.

Maple Apple Royale 144 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Maple Apple Royale – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal Maple Finished

1/4 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

1-1/2 ounce Apple Juice

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Twist Garnish

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

The color stays truer to the spirit with its warmer color. Apple flavor is much clearer. Maple shines through in deeper clarity. Buttery notes of the butterscotch schnapps complements the maple flavor rather nicely. Sipping this is like biting into a lovely buttery caramel covered apple. The buttery caramel is lightly sweetened and the apple remains fresh and crisp tasting.

What others are saying – I placed a photo on Facebook the day I sampled Crown Royal Maple, opening the discussion up for any thoughts and opinions for those who had sampled it, too. This is what others had to say:

Lisa N: I’ve tried only the Crown Royal Maple. Typical Crown Royal flavor with a long maple finish. Reminds me of pancakes. Very good

Warren B: The Crown Royal Maple is all wrong.

Vanessa S: Tried the Crown Royal Maple. Wasn’t impressed.

Rubén C: I’m sure Crown Maple is a good drink cause I’ve tried it. But it should be in cocktail.

Kevin H: Crown Maple has a nice nose of maple. I can’t say I really like it straight. I’m sure that maybe if it was mixed correctly then I may like it more.

Joe G: Both times tasting CR Maple I longed for a side of bacon, which isn’t a terrible thing, but it is just a bit too sweet. Has anyone found a decent mixer?

I recently stopped in at Nosh in Omaha. Brandon was working the bar that evening and told me about a new drink they’re offering. It’s warmed coffee that includes Crown Royal Maple Finish and RumChata with whipped cream and a few grated spices served in a large snifter. I haven’t sampled it yet, but the photo looked good and he made it sound delicious.

Review sample courtesy representatives of The Crown Royal CompanyCrown Royal on Facebook – @CrownRoyal on Twitter

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Drink in the Beaches of Blue Hawaii

With Spring Break in full swing for some, yet the beautiful beaches out of reach for the vast majority it seems appropriate to bring Hawaii to the masses in the form of drink. Perhaps Hawaii is better known for more unusual drinks using ingredients such as papaya or Li Hing Mui, but the Blue Hawaiian is the cocktail with the namesake. 

Happy 1st Day of Spring! What better way to celebrate spring than dream about catching a few Hawaiian waves. YouTube video posted by gdaniels32. Be sure to click through and subscribe to the original feed and look up the photography at www.beachboyphotography.com.

In researching the Blue Hawaiian, so many versions surfaced it was difficult to decipher which one was the “real” Blue Hawaiian and which ones were the imposters. What also came to the forefront is another drink often confused for the Blue Hawaiian; the Blue Hawaii. These two drinks share a name so similar it is no wonder they are often confused by many a bartender and patron alike. So let’s break down the difference.

A true Blue Hawaiian never contains vodka, but rather rum. It also uses cream of coconut rather than sweet and sour mix. Adversely, the Blue Hawaii uses vodka instead of rum and sweet and sour mix, but no cream of coconut. Both however share something in common always; Blue Curacao. 

Blue Curacao is essentially an orange liqueur infused with the dried peels of the Larahas plant which is derived from the Valencia orange. The difference between Blue and Orange Curacao is the color. Substituting one for the other in a drink will only change the color, not the taste. 

The Blue Hawaii has an advantage over the Blue Hawaiian in that it makes for quite the easy party punch as well as individual cocktail drink. Since the Blue Hawaiian traditionally calls for cream of coconut which needs thorough stirring, shaking or blending, it is not conducive to a punch bowl setting. 

So, you decide. Pour over ice, stir, shake, or put the blender on puree. Set your sights on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, sit back and sip a tall, cool one. Choose one or try them all. 

Fiddler's Green - Blue Hawaiian 111

Blue Hawaiian

1 ounce Light Rum

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Cream of Coconut

Pineapple Chunks Garnish

1 cup Ice

Combine liquids and ice in blender. Blend until all ice is thoroughly blended in cocktail. Pour into highball glass or decorative glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Blue Hawaii

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Sour Mix

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

2 to 3 ounces Orange Juice

Pineapple Chunks & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir to blend. Garnish with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherry.

Blend both worlds by trying the Blue Hawaii Cocktail.

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

1 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

1/2 ounce Coconut Rum

1-1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

3/4 ounce Lime Juice

Lemon Twist

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

See alternative reader version of the Blue Hawaii drink.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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The Original Moonshine Cocktails

Moonshine Clear Corn Whiskey 063 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The Original MOONSHINE, or ‘Shine as it is fondly referred to by those who sip and savor the spirit from traditional style mason jars, is clear corn whiskey crafted in the same “authentic tradition that moonshine has been made for hundreds of years.” They mean hand crafted from 100% estate grown corn, distilled four times in a Prohibition era copper pot still. All legal I’s dotted and T’s crossed.

Moonshine Clear Corn Whiskey 061 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

I haven’t seen this product on local shelves, but have seen it available at several online retail venues in the $30 to $40 range. It comes in at 80 proof / 40% abv. Moonshine recommends enjoying ‘Shine neat, on the rocks or in specialty cocktails designed to feature the sweet summer corn flavor of this white whiskey.

The Shiner

1-1/2 ounce Original Moonshine

Lime Twist Garnish

Shake Moonshine in shaker with ice to bruise it up a bit. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime twist.

Moonshine Clear Corn Whiskey 065 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

‘Shine Punch

1-1/2 ounce Original Moonshine

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

1/2 ounce Grenadine

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Club Soda

Blackberries

Muddle small handful blackberries in mixing glass with juices. Fill with ice. Add Moonshine and syrups. Shake to blend. Pour into highball glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of The Original MOONSHINE. @Moonshine on Twitter – Moonshine on Facebook

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Campari & Cynar Potable Bitter Cocktails

Cynar Artichoke Liqueur 008 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Time to celebrate! March 16 is National Artichoke Heart Day!

Dashes, splashes and dabs of bitters have become quite the growing trend in cocktails. Bitters add the faintest hint of nuance to drinks beyond garnishing. Flavors meld together in balanced harmony. Reluctant flavors that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle are given a breath of life by a few robust drops of precise flavor essence. But the small batch specialty bottles of bitters wafting about on back bars and marinating in mason jars with secret recipes aren’t the only bitters mixing magical cocktails.

The flip side to the pungent world of bitters is the potable or drinkable one. Campari is a well-known potable bitter used often in the classic Negroni. Cynar is another. Cynar is a complex Italian digestif often associated with the artichokes it is made from. It contains great depth of flavor from the many botanicals included in the creation process, making it an incredibly complex spirit to work with in cocktails. It works exceedingly well with citrus such as orange juice, grapefruit juice and lemon flavors. The richness of flavor is versatile enough to balance well whether you’re a gin or bourbon fan. Don’t let the category of potable bitter fool you. This isn’t unpleasant bitterness. There’s sweetness, spice, depth and strength of character in the spirit.

Cynar Artichoke Liqueur 013 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The Picket Fence – Ba’sik, Brooklyn

1 ounce Flor de Cana 7 Year Rum

3/4 ounce Cynar

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

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

Campari and Cocktail 020 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Amer Mousseux – Bouchon, Yountville, CA

1 ounce Cynar

1/2 ounce Campari

1/2 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

3 ounces Brut Champagne

Orange Twist

Combine Cynar, Campari and juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with orange twist.

Cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of Campari America. @CampariAmerica on Twitter – Campari America on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.

The Commodore

St. Patrick’s Day celebrates one of Ireland’s patron saints; St. Patrick. But honestly most U.S. merrymakers are more focused on wearing green and making certain they are on the party bus with the most Irish pub stops. Though St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday, it is a national phenomenon. It’s also a day (or evening) some significantly call “amateur night.”

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day

You’ve heard it before, but please party your heart out, tip your bartenders and servers and for pity’s sake, make arrangements for sober drivers and cabs.

Commodore 079 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The Commodore – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Spiced Rum

1 ounce Irish Whiskey

1 ounce Apple Juice

1/8 ounce Agave Nectar

1-1/2 ounce Brut Champagne

Apple Wedge Garnish – optional

Combine all liquids except champagne in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with brut champagne. Garnish with apple slice if desired.

Barefoot Brut Champagne and Shellback Spiced Rum were used during the creation of this recipe, but feel free to use spirits and bubblies you keep on hand.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Concannon Irish Whiskey & a True Irish Coffee

St. Patrick’s Day tradition brings to mind corn beef and cabbage, leprechauns, green beer, Irish soda bread and of course Irish Coffee. Irish Coffee started in the early 40’s in Ireland and was introduced in America in 1952. It has since become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day.

John Concannon,Brand Ambassador to Concannon Irish Whiskey and 4th Generation Vintner, met up with Larry Silva, the general manager of Buena Vista Café in San Francisco, the birthplace of Irish Coffee in America, to see how a true Irish Coffee with Concannon should be made. Watch the video for Larry’s suggestions and watch how easy and fast multiple Irish Coffees can be whipped up just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Concannon True Irish Coffee

6 ounce coffee glass – preheated. 2 sugar cubes. Couple ounces fresh hot coffee – stir to dissolve sugar. Generous helping of Concannon Irish Whiskey. Top with lightly blended heavy cream.

Concannon Irish Coffee 600

Easy! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Photo provided by The Baddish Group

But St. Patrick’s Day goes on all day. Pace yourself! You’re going to want even more recipes. Keep reading!

Concannon Irish Whiskey is an independent spirit of Ireland developed as a joint collaboration between Livermore Valley-based Concannon Vineyard and Ireland’s Cooley distillery.

Concannon Irish Whiskey 031 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin copy

Concannon Irish Whiskey is a refined blend of malted barley and corn, craft distilled for proper balance of character and purity. It is matured in bourbon barrels for a minimum of four years, then mellowed in Concannon Petite Sirah wine barrels for four months before blending. John Concannon refers to this as the “Concannon Effect.” This process gives Concannon Irish Whiskey its unique fruity character and full, clean balanced taste. ~ Information from product facts

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $25 range / 750ml

Availability: Nationally distributed in the U.S. since 2012.

Concannon Irish Whiskey received Best New Irish Whiskey of the Year in 2012 from the International Spirits Competition (NYISC).

Concannon Irish Whiskey 027 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin copy

Concannon Irish Whiskey Official Brand Tasting Notes

Visual: Light golden wheat

Aroma: Toasted malt, red fruit and vanilla

Palate: Balance of honey sweet, spice and citrus

Finish: Medium-length. Warming and round, with hint fresh oak

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: Concannon Irish Whiskey recommends the following cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day and year round sipping enjoyment.

An Old Fashioned ConcannonConcannon Old Fashioned 600

2 ounces Concannon Irish Whiskey

Orange Zest

2 Spoons Vanilla Infused Sugar

3 dashes Orange Bitters

Lightly muddle sugar, orange zest and bitters in bottom of tumbler style glass. Add 1/3 of whiskey and a few ice cubes. Stir, ensuring sugar has lifted from base of glass while mixing. Add another 1/3 of whiskey with few cubes of ice. Stir, mixing whiskey and sugar. Repeat with remaining whiskey. Photo provided by The Baddish Group

By the way… If you want to see something that looks really delicious, visit the Concannon Irish Whiskey website (website & Facebook link at the end of post) and click on the Mix It Up link for more cocktail recipes. Find the Roses & Oranges cocktail created by Master Mixologist Gillian Boyle. She used Orange Marmalade and fresh Rosemary. Her cocktail creation simply looks divine!!!

Concannon Raspberry Basil SmashConcannon Raspberry Basil Smash 600

1-1/2 ounce Concannon Irish Whiskey

5 to 8 Fresh Raspberries

1/3 ounce Simple Syrup

3 to 4 Basil Leaves

1/4 ounce Lemon Juice

Basil Sprig & Fresh Raspberries Garnish

Muddle raspberries and basil in cocktail shaker. Add remaining liquids with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh cracked ice. Garnish with basil sprig and fresh raspberries. Photo provided by The Baddish Group

Post sponsored by representatives of Concannon Irish WhiskeyConcannon Irish Whiskey on Facebook – All opinion & personal commentary is my own.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.