Tag Archives: Basil

American Harvest Farm to Table Cocktail Recipes

Posted on April 1, 2013 | Comments Off

I am a tried and true vodka lover. I sip it on the rocks; with or without a lime peel. In an extremely Dry Martini with lemon twist; extremely dry means just vodka shaken or stirred with ice only please. No complicated drink recipe there. In the case of American Harvest Organic Spirit, I would even choose equal parts vodka to gin on the rocks or martini style. What I’m saying is American Harvest is easily sippable. I think it’s a great value for the money and it will be a winner when mixed in an abundance of cocktail recipes.

Speaking of cocktails and drink recipes, American Harvest launched fully prepared. They have some great recipe suggestions for spring with more cocktail recommendations in the future. The two recipes below utilize garden fresh herbs, vegetables and berry fruits for the freshest farm to table cocktails. Read on and stay tuned.

Local Harvest

2 ounces American Harvest Organic Spirit

4 Fresh Basil Leaves

3 Lime Wedges

3 Thin Slices Cucumber

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

Basil Leaf & Cucumber Slice Garnish

Muddle basil, lime and cucumber in mixing glass. Add American Harvest, agave nectar and ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with basil leaf and cucumber slice.

Very Berry Harvest

2 ounces American Harvest Organic Spirit

4 Fresh Mint Leaves

4 Blackberries

4 Raspberries

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

Ginger Beer

Crushed Ice

Blackberries, Raspberries & Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and berries in mixing glass. Add American Harvest, agave nectar and crushed ice. Gently swizzle. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with berries on a cocktail pick and mint sprig.

What is American Harvest Organic Spirit?

Organic Vodka & Organic Flavor. Snake River USA

American Harvest is handcrafted in small batches from organic winter wheat grown on a family owned and sustainably managed American farm. It is distilled and bottled in Rigby, Idaho using water from aquifers deep beneath the Snake River plain. American Harvest is the creation of Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., a third generation family business that is 100% US owned and operated.

American Harvest has no artificial additives or preservatives and is produced with a continuous column distillation process and charcoal filtration to ensure the integrity and purity of the spirit. The American Harvest Distillery is USDA Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth. – American Harvest media materials

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $23.99

American Harvest Tasting Notes

Color: Clear

Aroma: Faint hint of peppercorn. White pepper maybe. Roundness like vanilla, but not quite as lush.

Tasted Neat: Definite vanilla. Rich vanilla. Hints of sweetness like buttery butterscotch, but the spirit isn’t sugared. Bit of nut skin like macadamia nut oiliness. Pink peppercorn maybe. Barely any burn. Rolls over the tongue nicely. Perhaps a wee hint of coffee. Proves that vodka is no longer the “tasteless” spirit. Almost brings the vodka and rum categories a little closer together where taste and flavor are concerned.

Mouth Feel: Excellent viscosity. Lingering flavor.

Comparable Spirit: The premium vodka category is becoming more affordable and less comparable from one brand to another. Like I mentioned, once considered a completely blank slate spirit, vodka is lifting the veil and allowing consumers to discover there’s more to it than raucous burn.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. & American Harvest – American Harvest on Facebook – @AHOrganicSpirit on Twitter

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

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Posted in Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Agave Nectar, American Harvest, Basil, Blackberries, Cucumber, Farm to Table Cocktails, Fresh Lime, Ginger Beer, Local Harvest, Mint Leaves, Organic, Organic Cocktails, Organic Spirit, Raspberries, Sidney Frank Importing Company Inc, Very Berry Harvest, Vodka

Concannon Irish Whiskey & a True Irish Coffee

Posted on March 13, 2013 | Comments Off

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 Concannon

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 Smash

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 Whiskey – Concannon Irish Whiskey on Facebook – All opinion & personal commentary is my own.

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Posted in Cocktails, Sponsored Posts, St. Patrick's Day, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged An Old Fashioned Concannon, Basil, Classic Cocktail, Cocktail Video, Coffee, Concannon Irish Whiskey, Concannon Raspberry Basil Smash, Fresh Lemon, Heavy Cream, Irish Coffee, Irish Whiskey, Old Fashioned, Orange Bitters, Raspberries, Simple Syrup, Sponsored Post, St. Patrick's Day, Sugar, Vanilla Infused Sugar

Nilla Basil Daiquiri

Posted on January 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

Sugar free syrups tend to lean a little heavier on the sweet side than actual sugar in my opinion, so cut back just a wee amount when amending a drink recipe for low calorie options. Remember it is always much easier to add in more sweetener than it is to adjust for over sugaring a cocktail. The Nilla Basil Daiquiri may not taste exactly like one with runny honey, but this is a quality drink that still tastes fabulous without the basic boring diet feel.

Nilla Basil Daiquirí – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

Inspired by the Basil & Honey Daiquiri

3 Basil Leaves

1-1/2 Bar Spoon Vanilla Syrup Sugar Free

2 measures Rum

1/4 Lime – Squeezed

Basil Leaf Garnish

Muddle three basil leaves with vanilla syrup and lime juice. Add rum and ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with remaining basil leaf. Total approximate calories based upon 1 measure equals 1 ounce: 132 calories.

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 Low Calorie

Tagged Basil, Daiquiri, Fresh Lime, Lower Calorie, Rum, Vanilla Syrup

Review: Three Olives Tomato Vodka

Posted on August 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

In theory a tomato infused vodka makes perfect sense. For months I have had various infusions in my freezer to hammer down that perfect Bloody Mary drink sensation. These infusion experiments have worked out rather well with peppercorns, fresh garlic, jalapeño pepper and various other spices. But clearly it would always be nice to be able to grab a readymade vodka infusion off the liquor store shelf rather than make my own.

When word came around that Three Olives had Tomato Vodka on the way, my liquor friends in the business and I were already throwing around ideas of what would be great in it…fresh fennel, coriander seed and pink sea salt maybe. It would possibly be great in a straight up dirty martini. Then there is the thought of a drop of Absinthe in a tomato cocktail or Chartreuse. Pimm’s might even be great. What about fresh chive as a garnish? How about fresh thyme or even dill? The possibilities could be endless.

The Three Olives website touts:

“Mary, Mary, Mary. The greatest drink in the world? The “Bloody Mary” – no one knows who thought of the name but who cares? All we know is we just love the taste of fresh tomatoes, pepper, horseradish and spices infused into Three Olives Vodka to create our very own essence of “Bloody Mary.” Drink on the rocks, as a shot or in your favorite martini.”

As a shot this super premium vodka is all tomato. This is a not a roll around on the tongue to savor the flavor type of vodka. The typical vodka drinker will not want to savor the taste, texture and feel of the Three Olives Tomato Vodka unless of course they are a huge tomato fan. While it definitely has the aroma and essence of tomato, it lacked a certain depth in my opinion. Possibly I would refer to it as thin, because the tomato lacked proper support from the other infused flavors. The pepper, horseradish and spices that are infused in with the tomato vodka are nearly indistinguishable.

Recipes for this vodka were not the inventive, distinctive cocktails my fellow enthusiasts and I were hoping for. There were of course the traditional Bloody Mary types and two others that were a bit odd to say the least. The recipes seemed to be lacking in distinctiveness and zest.

Bloody Martini

2 measures Three Olives Tomato Vodka

3-4 drops Hot Sauce

Dash of Spicy Bloody Mary Mix

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass with creole spice rim. Garnish with grape tomatoes and mozzarella ball (speared). Chili pepper flakes optional.

The Bloody Martini fell flat. If it were not for the Stirrings Bloody Mary Rimmer this cocktail would have no flavor at all. The cocktail is bland. It calls for a “dash” of spicy Bloody Mary Mix. This is a difficult measurement for the average bartender, let alone a home bartender looking up the recipe online. Does one know what a “dash” of this or that is? Doubtful. Typically there are 36 dashes in an ounce. A dash is a general term for minuscule quantities. A person is seasoning to taste. I put more hot sauce than the 3-4 drops and an entire half ounce (approx. 18 dashes) of spicy Bloody Mary mix into the Bloody Martini. Neither helped add enough flavor to this cocktail. However, Three Olives stepped up their game with a highly inventive garnish. Too many times cocktails rely on the tried and true lime wheel, olive, or in the case of the Bloody Mary; a celery stalk for garnish. The Bloody Martini has a clever, out of the ordinary speared grape tomato and mozzarella ball garnish. The garnish is what makes this cocktail memorable.

Diablo Rojo

2 measures Tomato Vodka

Top with Bloody Mary Mix

Add a Few Dashes of Hot Sauce and Sliced Jalapeños

Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with speared peppers.

The Diablo Rojo appears to be Three Olives version of the classic Bloody Mary. Going heavy on the dashes of hot sauce in this cocktail did not do enough to give this drink enough flavor. Any number of spices needed for a Bloody Mary may be found in the refrigerator or spice cabinet. Instead of relying on a Bloody Mary mix keep Clamato or Tomato juice handy. Then a few items from your pantry and a fresh lime for added flavor are all you need to mix your own Bloody Mary.

Morning Sunshine

1-1/4 measure Tomato Vodka

1/4 measure Basil Infused Syrup

1/2 measure Orange Juice

Shake over ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cherry tomato, orange wedge flag and sprig of basil.

Morning Sunshine calls for specialty syrup. The first scent of Morning Sunshine is the overwhelming tomato. But then the sweet hits you in the taste. The cocktail is not too sweet; however the taste is rather odd. It is not the basil syrup by itself or the orange juice by itself or even the Tomato Vodka alone. It is the combination as a whole. They do not seem to mingle as one. Again, Three Olives came through with a unique and interesting garnish. Morning Sunshine uses a cherry tomato, orange wedge flag garnish with sprig of basil. This garnish is a nice diversion from the ordinary.

Tomajito

Muddle 2 lime wedges, cherry tomato and basil infused syrup

Add 2 measures Tomato Vodka

Shake over ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with soda. Garnish with a lime and cherry tomato flag.

There are a lot of varieties of Mojitos on the cocktail scene. Honestly, I never thought I would see a Tomajito. If you are a tomato lover, you will definitely love this one. I think. There is a lot of soda taste, not too sweet and most unquestionably the tomato is there. I for one cannot get past the tomato flavor. This garnish too added personality and color to this cocktail with the vibrant green lime and cherry tomato flag.

Three Olives Tomato Vodka in my opinion may not be a shot or on the rocks type vodka, but it has tremendous potential for a Bloody Mary. After all, vodka and tomato are two important ingredients in a Bloody Mary cocktail are they not? But, find a Bloody Mary recipe that suits your palate. Give Three Olives Tomato Vodka a try. Neither my review nor anyone else’s review can taste it for you. Only you can do that for yourself. If you are a serious Bloody Mary drinker, Three Olives Tomato Vodka is definitely one you should sample.

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Posted in Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Basil, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary Mix, Club Soda, Hot Sauce, Mojito, Orange Juice, Three Olives Tomato Vodka, Three Olives Vodka, Tomato Vodka

Traditional to Avant-garde St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

Posted on March 9, 2009 | Leave a comment

Why settle for the usual St. Patrick’s Day beer and shot when there are more cool concoctions to quench your thirst? Cocktail recipes might be a dime a dozen, but there are so many floating around the blogosphere and in cocktail books one might be able to reach into the mythical pot of gold and find a lucky leprechaun waiting with an ideal sipper.

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day

The Ugly Leprechaun

1-1/2 ounce Oval Vodka

1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey

1/2 ounce Melon Liqueur

1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

2 ounces Kiwi Puree

Lime wheel for garnish

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

p.i.n.k. Leprechaun Martini

2 ounces p.i.n.k. Vodka

1-1/2 ounce Irish Cream

3/4 ounce Green Crème de Menthe

Chocolate Syrup

Swirl chocolate syrup inside a well-chilled martini glass. Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared martini glass.

Pot o’ Gold– created by Junior Merino

1-1/2 ounce G’vine Gin

3/4 ounce Midori

2 Basil Leaves

3/4 ounce Lime Juice

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

Gooseberry Coins & Basil Leaf Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into tall glass. Garnish with gooseberry coins and basil leaf.

Cocktail recipes sponsored by OVAL Vodka, p.i.n.k. Vodka and G’Vine Gin representatives.

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 Sponsored Posts, St. Patrick's Day

Tagged Basil, Chocolate Syrup, Creme de Menthe, Fresh Lime, Gin, Irish Whiskey, Kiwi Puree, Leprechaun Martini, Melon Liqueur, Midori, Pineapple Juice, Pot o' Gold, Simple Syrup, St. Patrick's Day, The Ugly Leprechaun, Vodka

Is There Such Thing As a Perfect Martini? Jean-Marc XO’s Survey Says

Posted on November 3, 2008 | Leave a comment

With Agent 007 making the news with his preference for vodka martinis (shaken not stirred) I went in search for the “perfect” martini. What I happened upon is a very interesting survey. One hundred bartenders from top clubs and restaurants across the country were asked specifics on what makes a great martini. Hardly a scientific study, but the results are intriguing. As one who once stood behind the bar serving drinks while listening to the triumphs and woes of those who choose to imbibe as well as those designated as drivers, bartenders have a finger (or shaker) on what people tend to order most frequently.

Martinis may have started out as a gin based drink, but now they are primarily created with vodka. 58% of the bartenders surveyed rely on the shake method, while 22% said it didn’t matter. A well chilled martini is most important. Experts recommend in-home bartenders shake their martini for twenty seconds for the best results. The most unclear area of the entire study is in the “how dry” section. Is the perfect martini glass “coated” with vermouth, does it use “a few drops” of vermouth, “a whisper” or a half-ounce or more? The clear answer of course is up to the consumer. The more vermouth one uses, the more the martini will taste like smooth water rather than retain the characteristics of the premium vodka. Most bartenders serve their martinis straight up, preserving the integrity of the drink. They overwhelmingly serve in chilled glasses. Garnish is always last, sometimes overlooked in other cocktails, but never neglected in a martini. The olive is the number one preferred martini garnish, with lemon twist, then lime, bleu cheese stuffed olive and lastly an orange slice. The varieties of garnish are endless.

With the “how to” out of the way, the number one question becomes ingredient. We already know the clear choice is vodka, but which one? The survey came from Jean-Marc XO, The World’s Finest Vodka. According to The Beverage Tasting Institute, Jean-Marc XO is “a startlingly flavorful and elegant vodka that clearly pushes the limits of the unflavored vodka category. Truly world class, expertly made and unique vodka.” They gave Jean-Marc XO a rating of 97. I found only one other vodka on The Beverage Tasting Institute’s listing within the 96 – 100 rating range.

With more research one finds Jean-Marc XO is luxury vodka distilled nine times in French copper Alambic stills in the Cognac region of France. The complexity of wheat flavors is derived from four of the finest French wheat varietals available combined with natural spring water filtered through Grande Champagne limestone. It is the limestone that partially gives Jean-Marc XO its lengthy, elegant feel. There are hints of anise and sweetness in this smooth confection. The silky texture, intricacy of flavor and multifaceted aroma coalesce for a vodka experience like no other. While Jean-Marc XO is intended to be sipped neat, it is excellent for the straight up Martini.

With a little creative indulgence based on the survey the perfect martini might look a little something like the following:

Jean-Marc XO Martini – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Jean-Marc XO Vodka

Misting to 1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place ice in a chilled martini glass.

If you prefer to coat your glass with vermouth, add vermouth to the iced martini glass. Set the martini glass aside while preparing the vodka. Place ice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Toss ice and vermouth out of martini glass. Strain vodka into martini glass. Garnish with olive. If you choose a lemon or lime twist, it is best to zest your lemon or lime over the glass quickly just before straining the vodka into the glass. This way all the essential oil zests into the glass for the freshest taste.

If you prefer more than a vermouth coating on your glass, place the desired amount of vermouth in the cocktail shaker with the vodka. However, be sure to keep your martini glass chilled whether it is in the freezer or by filling it with ice. Shake vodka and vermouth over ice in the cocktail shaker for 20 seconds. Strain into martini glass. Garnish.

Persistent search unearthed a few cocktail recipes as well.

Smoking XO

1/4 ounce Laphroaig

Into a clean dry martini glass swirl until glass is coated pour out remainder.

Chill 3 ounces XO Vodka

Stain into prepared glass

XO Italian Style

In a shaker place ice

3 ounces XO Vodka

2-3 fresh basil leaves

Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini. Garnish with 3 balls of Bononcini.

XO Cherry

1/4 ounce Cherry Brandy

Into a clean dry martini glass swirl until glass is coated pour out remainder.

Chill 3 oz XO Vodka

Stain into prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist

Pom XO

In a shaker filled with ice

Add 3 ounce XO Vodka

1/2 ounce Pomegranate Juice

Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Pear XO

In a shaker filled with ice

Add 3 ounces XO Vodka

1/2 ounces Pear Brandy

Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Basil, Cherry Brandy, Classic Cocktail, Dry Vermouth, Jean-Marc XO Vodka, JMXO, JMXO Vodka, Laphroaig, Martini, Pear Brandy, Pear XO, Pom XO, Pomegranate Juice, Smoking XO, Vodka, XO Cherry, XO Italian Style

Tag Archives: Basil

American Harvest Farm to Table Cocktail Recipes

Concannon Irish Whiskey & a True Irish Coffee

Nilla Basil Daiquiri

Review: Three Olives Tomato Vodka

Traditional to Avant-garde St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

Is There Such Thing As a Perfect Martini? Jean-Marc XO’s Survey Says

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Tag Archives: Basil

American Harvest Farm to Table Cocktail Recipes

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Concannon Irish Whiskey & a True Irish Coffee

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Nilla Basil Daiquiri

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Review: Three Olives Tomato Vodka

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Traditional to Avant-garde St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

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Is There Such Thing As a Perfect Martini? Jean-Marc XO’s Survey Says

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