Category Archives: Valentine’s & Lover’s Cocktails

La Rosa: That’s Amore

Posted on September 16, 2011 | 2 Comments

La Rosa is a fabulous cocktail as is, but make it even better by skipping the Rose Champagne and go for a Brut Champagne as topper instead. Brut Champagne will help balance the sweet for a well rounded out cocktail.

La Rosa – created by Julie Reiner

2 Strawberry Slices

1/2 measure Simple Syrup

2 measures Blanco Tequila

1 measure Amaro

3/4 measure Fresh Lemon Juice

1-1/2 measure chilled Rose Champagne

1 edible Pansy for Garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberry slices with the simple syrup. Add ice and the tequila, Amaro and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into a white wine glass, top with the Champagne and garnish with the pansy. This recipe was found in Food & Wine Cocktails 2008.

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 – ©2011 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 Cocktails, Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Amaro, Averna, Champagne, Julie Reiner, Tequila

Gifting the Black Rose

Posted on February 14, 2011 | 3 Comments

Though the black rose does not actually exist in nature, when given as gift the meaning is larger than life – pardon the pun. Symbolically the black rose means “death or farewell.” However, when paired with a lover’s holiday the Black Rose could take on new meaning beyond gloomy. A toast to burying the past with nod to hopeful beginnings is always a wonderful way to begin one’s finest hour or any Happy Hour – don’t you think? If nothing else, the Black Rose is sure fire way to begin a conversation.

Black Rose

1 ounce Bourbon

1 ounce Cognac

1/4 ounce Grenadine Syrup

3 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

1 Dash Angostura Bitters

Lemon Zest Twist

Combine all liquids with ice in mixing glass. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled glass – no ice. Garnish with lemon twist. Other forms of the Black Rose call for bourbon, grenadine splash and one bitters only served either on the rocks or without rocks in an Old Fashioned glass. Recipe source: Difford’s Guide book

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Black Rose, Bourbon, Classic Bitters, Cognac, Grenadine, Valentine's Day, Whiskey

Soul Kiss Cocktail for Lovers

Posted on February 12, 2011 | 2 Comments

The Soul Kiss Cocktail provides the perfect recipe for snuggle success. This old style cocktail adds charm to cool evenings and cozy occasions with its dry vermouth and Dubonnet Rouge inclusion. Rather than use Canadian Whiskey the original recipe called for I’ve substituted Tennessee Whiskey. Soul Kiss Cocktail contains a wee amount of bitterness on the back end, but a tad more Dubonnet Rouge adjustment would fix that in a jiffy. Take advantage of cooler temperatures and heat things up with a drink recipe embracing the essence of the season; Soul Kiss Cocktail.

Soul Kiss Cocktail

2 ounces Tennessee Whiskey

1/4 ounce Dry Vermouth

1/4 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

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

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 Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Canadian Whisky, Dry Vermouth, Dubonnet, Orange Juice, Valentine's Day, Whiskey

Most Tempting Cocktail

Posted on January 7, 2011 | 2 Comments

Temptation is that dreadful juxtaposition of honor colliding with willful desire. It is deep, penetrating, indulgence coinciding with the mind numbing knowledge that enticement is mere steps from utter catastrophe and sheer delight. However, share tempting pleasures with those you treasure and the outcome just might offer welcome appeal. Contemplate Temptation carefully.

Temptation

2 ounces Rye Whiskey

1/2 ounce Dubonnet Blanc

1/2 ounce Absinthe

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

Orange Twist Garnish

Place liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir until thoroughly chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass or champagne saucer. Garnish with orange twist. Notation: If you find absinthe a tad overwhelming use these instructions instead – Place absinthe in cocktail glass with ice. Swirl to coat glass. Toss absinthe coated ice. Set aside. Place remaining ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into prepared absinthe washed cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh orange twist.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, Cointreau, Dubonnet, Rye, Triple Sec, Valentine's Day, Whiskey

Flying solo on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

More and more singles are embracing February 14 as their evening to hit the town, romance the night and party till dawn. Valentine’s Day is no longer a couples only evening. Single status no longer means sitting at home in bathrobe, house slippers and hair rollers with a box of Kleenex and half eaten tub of ice cream. Single means short skirts, silky shirts and high heels partying with girlfriends with cocktails in hand. It’s flirting with whomever one chooses, whenever one wants. Erin Meanley, writer for Glamour.com, highlights more benefits of staying single in a coupled up Valentine’s Day world. Erin says, “Being single makes your social life less complicated in a way.” It couldn’t be truer for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy your single self and shake things up a bit.

Rouge Noir

1-1/2 ounce Combier Rouge

1/2 ounce Combier Orange Liqueur

4 ounces Brut Champagne

Orange Zest Garnish

Place Combier Rouge and Orange Liqueur in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briefly to chill. Strain into champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with orange zest.

Combier Rouge contains hints of pepper and licorice. It’s blend of guignes and Morello cherries give it deep ruby color and spicy sweet cherry flavor. Combier Rouge contains no added sugar. The sweetness stems naturally from the fruits used to create this 400 year old liqueur.

Noir by definition refers to genres of crime prose or film featuring cynical characters in austere settings. Rouge is the reddish coloring of cheeks or lips. It would certainly be a crime to allow the fiery glow of Valentine’s Day go to waste while singles mingle it up at bars and clubs around the country enjoying the freedom of flying solo.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Champagne, Combier Rouge, Premium Orange Liqueur, Valentine's Day

Rainforest Romp Rendezvous

Posted on February 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

You find the one who makes your toes tingle and heart flutter. The catch; the one is not your existing significant other. A secret rendezvous might seem like a good idea, but think twice. No one likes to get caught, but it is definitely the nature of the game when affairs of the heart are concerned. Christopher Beam of Slate.com explores the pitfalls of the best laid plans of those politically connected when affairs of the heart come into play. Rather than take the wayward course with ‘Dear John’ letter as end result, check out VeeV Acai Spirit’s Rainforest Romp for a tryst of the cocktail kind.

Rainforest Romp

2 ounces VeeV Acai Spirit

Ginger Ale

Splash of Pomegranate Juice

Rose Petal Garnish

Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with rose petal. Stir.

Ah-SIGH-ee You Checking Me Out

2 ounces VeeV Acai Spirit

1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1 ounce Simple Syrup

3 dashes Grenadine

Champagne

Rose Petal Garnish

Combine all ingredients except champagne in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a martini glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with rose petal.

VeeV has been created from 100% organic Idaho grains, is infused with Acia Berries, uses renewable wind power for its distillation process and recycled materials for its bottle and labeling. VeeV Acai Spirit donates $1 of every bottle sold back to the rainforest.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Champagne, Fresh Lemon, Ginger Ale, Grenadine, Pomegranate Juice, Simple Syrup, Valentine's Day, VeeV

Thinking About a Fresh New Beau

Posted on February 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

It doesn’t matter whether the man sharing bed space has been in a woman’s life for a week, a month or years; she still wants to know what goes on inside his head. No matter how much chatter goes on in the kitchen, living room or cocktail bar the real burning question women want to know is ‘do these jeans make me look fat?’ All kidding aside, everyone has insecurities as well as desire to fulfill fantasies. The only way to appease the apprehension of what a man might be thinking is to ask. Judy Dutton, writer for Redbookmag.com, did exactly that. Judy cut right to the chase and got to the heart of the matter by asking men what they really think about during sex. This insight into what men think will have anyone primed for a steamy evening for two.

New Beau

1-1/2 ounce Lucid Absinthe

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Club soda

Cucumber wheels

Kiwi fruit

Cucumber

Place two cucumber wheels, two peeled kiwi wheels and simple syrup in bottom of double rocks glass. Muddle. Add ice and Lucid Absinthe. Top with club soda. Garnish with unpeeled kiwi wheel on rim of glass.

The Lucid Garden utilizes fresh fruit and vegetable flavors bringing youthful freshness to your romantic cocktail hour. Lucid Absinthe is the spirit brand responsible for bringing Absinthe back to the United States in 2007 after a lengthy ban on Absinthe.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, Club Soda, Cucumber, Kiwi, Lucid Absinthe, Simple Syrup, Valentine's Day

Pink Elephant

Posted on February 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

February 14 has become a dreaded day for some due to the demands to go to extravagant lengths to demonstrate undying devotion. Yet, Valentine’s Day is becoming more and more like the white elephant in the room. The term White Elephant refers to a gift whose cost or upkeep exceeds its value. Apply the term to Valentine’s Day and it becomes a real eye opener. While there is indeed value in couples keeping romance alive, there is no need to keep that notion to one day. Since the spirit of flirtation, love and hooking up whether it is short term or for the long haul is alive and well in singles and couples it makes sense to include all in the spirit of what Valentine’s Day.

Pink Elephant

1-1/2 ounce Amarula Cream

1 ounce Chocolate Liqueur

3 ounce Raspberry Puree

2 ounce Merlot

3 ounce Heavy Cream

2 teaspoon Sugar

Mint Sprig & Raspberry Garnish

Place Amarula Cream, chocolate liqueur, raspberry puree and Merlot in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass. In a separate shaker add cream and sugar. Dry shake (no ice) vigorously. Carefully layer cream on top of liquid in martini glass. Garnish with fresh skewered raspberry and mint sprig.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Amarula Cream, Chocolate Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Raspberry Puree, Valentine's Day, Wine

Enjoy a Naked Lady

Posted on February 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

People think up wild and crazy ideas for Valentine’s Day gift giving. One blaringly obvious idea that should be at the top of everyone’s ‘what not to do’ list has been justifiably covered by Cosmopolitan writer, Mina Azodi, in 8 Reasons Not to Make a Sex Tape. It is slightly hilarious that there had to be an editor’s note at the beginning of the article stating that there is information of a sexual nature contained within the commentary. Wouldn’t that be obvious with the title of the article, ’8 Reasons Not to Make a Sex Tape’? Just saying. The piece is quick and to the point while hitting the high notes of why this sort of exhibitionism is just not a good idea when really all your guy really desires is a Naked Lady…

Bacardi Naked Lady

1-2/5 parts BACARDI Superior Rum

1-2/5 parts Sweet Vermouth

1/5 part Apricot Brandy

1/5 part Grenadine

1/5 part Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Lemon Zest Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon zest.

Granted, this is ‘just’ a Naked Lady cocktail recipe and your guy might have other things in mind if you bring up the subject of naked ladies and sex tapes this Valentine’s Day. Please flirt sensibly and enjoy your Naked Lady responsibly.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Apricot Brandy, Bacardi Rum, Fresh Lemon, Grenadine, Rum, Sweet Vermouth, Valentine's Day

San Valentin

Posted on February 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

In 5 Times You shouldn’t Text Him, Number 2 – Don’t text ‘When you’re drunk’ hits the nail on the head. The rule applies to everyone; in a relationship, out of a relationship, brother, sister, best friend or otherwise. Just because someone is listed in your phone on speed dial or otherwise doesn’t mean they want to hear from you at 3am slurring words or giggling asking for a drink recipe (yes, happens to me frequently). It isn’t funny, attractive or cute. It is just plain annoying and wakes people from a good night’s sleep. Oh, and prospective guy or girlfriends most likely won’t stick around long with frequent drunk texting either. It will certainly nix your chances for that great Valentine’s Day date just around the corner.

Jot down the recipe and have it at the ready. Don’t call to ask. CAZADORES Tequila makes this drink recipe easy enough for anyone to look like a pro with a just handful of ingredients combining for a winning sparkling sensation.

Cazadores’ San Valentin

1 ounce Cazadores Reposado Tequila

1-1/2 ounce Pink Guava Nectar

3/4 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

Martini & Rossi Prosecco

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine Cazadores Tequila, nectar and liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with Martini & Rossi Prosecco. Garnish with lemon twist.