Tag Archives: Blackberries

Bacardi Dragon Berry & Torched Cherry Make Summer Entertaining a Breeze

Posted on June 15, 2010 | Leave a comment

The entire purpose behind the highly successful Bacardi Dragon Berry flavored rum and newest release, Bacardi Torched Cherry, appears to be fun, fun, fun. To gain the highest enjoyment from summer lovin’ fun, ease of preparation must be factored into the equation. While splashes of cola or toppers of lemonade might be the first ‘go to’ mixer for Dragon Berry and Torched Cherry, fresh fruits of the season muddle up a few more tasty options without too much fuss.

The next time you’re thinking pool party, backyard barbeque or neighborhood cul-de-sac party, think brief recipe directions, a few bowls of fresh fruit, measuring utensils and Bacardi flavored rum. Display ingredients on a table for guests to build their own cocktails. This adds hands on enjoyment to the mix while allowing mingle time for the host. All around summer fun and refreshment for all to enjoy!

Bacardi Dragon Berry Nectar

1/2 part Bacardi Dragon Berry Flavored Rum

1/2 part Bacardi Coconut Flavored Rum

1 part Simple Syrup

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

4 Fresh Blackberries

4 Lime Wedges

4 Fresh Raspberries

Muddle 3 each: raspberries, blackberries and lime wedges with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add rums, fresh lime juice and ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into glass of fresh crushed ice. Garnish with remaining lime wedge and skewered berries.

Bacardi Torched Cherry Breeze

2 parts Bacardi Torched Cherry Rum

3 Slices Cucumber

1-1/2 parts Pineapple Juice

1 part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

1/2 part Simple Syrup

Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle cucumbers and simple syrup in cocktail shaker. Add remaining liquid ingredients. Shake to chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

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 Cocktails

Tagged Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, Bacardi Torched Cherry, Blackberries, Coconut Rum, Cucumber, Fresh Lime, Pineapple Juice, Raspberries, Simple Syrup

World Cup Soccer Party Celebration Cocktails

Posted on June 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

World Cup celebrations roll around once every four years. Become part of the festivities by throwing your own World Cup Soccer watch party. Whether you are a soccer fan, inspired by the enthusiasm of worldwide sports competition and participation or just in on the action for fun and frivolity there is surely a team to cheer for while lifting a glass in spirited toast.

The sprinkling of recipes below represents a few of the nations competing along with a spirit choice from the respective countries. Enjoy the zeal of competition while cheering for the home team!

England’s spirit of choice: Gin

Though the classic Collins contains no muddled fruit with garnish of cherry and orange slice only, this version adds a striking color and summertime fruit flavor for something unique.

Black Cherry Collins – created by Cheri Loughlin

Adapted from classic Collins recipe

6 Fresh Cherries (save 1 for garnish)

3 Fresh Blackberries

1-1/2 ounce Gin

3/4 ounce Simple Syrup

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Club Soda

Gently muddle cherries and blackberries in bottom of mixing glass. Add gin, simple syrup and lemon juice with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into tall glass. Top with Club Soda. Garnish with remaining fresh cherry.

Mexico’s spirit of choice: Tequila

Why be lured into the same Margarita fare where tequila is concerned? It’s summer after all. Venture from the usual. Kick off the sandals with the Summer Vacation.

Summer Vacation – Good Spirits, A.J. Rathbun

1 ounce Silver Tequila

1 ounce Yellow Chartreuse

4 ounces Fresh Orange Juice

Orange Slice Garnish

Fill highball glass with ice. Build drink over ice in order given. Garnish with orange slice.

U.S.A. spirit of choice: Bourbon

Nothing says good ole U.S.A. like bourbon. Sure, neat or on the rocks is definitely the way to go most days of the week, but live a little. Show the world bourbon is as sophisticated as the next spirit. Dress it with sweet seduction.

Urban Bourbon – Good Spirits, A.J. Rathbun

2 ounces Bourbon

1/2 ounce Tuaca

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with fresh lemon twist. Stir gently. Sip gracefully. Notation: Original recipe in Good Spirits book calls for 3/4 ounce Tuaca.

France’s spirit of choice: Absinthe

When the score is tied at zero and you’re looking for your team to score, this is definitely the go to cocktail. If nothing else, loaded with Absinthe it is definitely THE cocktail on the list to score points in the room for most defined flavor.

Zero Cocktail – Good Spirits, A.J. Rathbun

1-1/2 once Absinthe

1-1/4 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

1/4 ounce Grenadine

Fresh Cherry Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh cherry.

Brazil’s spirit of choice: Cachaca

This Batida will allow you and your guests the freedom of choice. Blender, ice and an assortment of fruit (fresh or frozen) will win you the trophy for best World Cup hostess.

Frozen Fruit Batidas – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Cachaca

4 ounces Sweetened Condensed milk

1 Cup Sliced Fruit (Fresh or Frozen)

Fruit Slice Garnish

Place all ingredients except garnish in blender with approximately 1-1/2 cups crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Add more ice if needed. Garnish with slice of fruit.

Spain spirit of choice: Sherry

This is an updated cocktail from Difford’s Guide #7 adapted from The Savoy Cocktail Book – Harry Craddock, 1930

Coronation Cocktail No. 1

1-1/2 ounce Fino Sherry

1-1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth

1/4 ounce Maraschino Liqueur

2 dashes Orange Bitters

Orange Zest Twist

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh orange zest twist.

Italy’s spirit of choice: Galliano

Every country needs winning spirit, so plan ahead with a champagne cocktail for that celebratory win. Cheers!

Vittoria – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Galliano

1/2 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

1-1/2 ounce Brut Champagne

Combine Galliano, raspberry liqueur and juices in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into champagne flute. Top with Brut Champagne.

New Zealand spirit of choice: 42Below Vodka

From the 42Below Vodka Cocktail World Cup to the 2010 Soccer World Cup – a cocktail from the 21st Century Punch Challenge from Team New Zealand using 42Below Passion Fruit Vodka.

Team New Zealand

Calem Chadwick – Matterhorn, Wellington

Josh Crawford – Hooch, Wellington

James Goggin – Racket, Wellington

‘Nuka Ora’ – (Health from the Earth)

23 ounces 42BELOW Passionfruit Vodka

12 ounces Tanqueray TEN Gin

15-1/2 ounces Nectarine Juice

15-1/2 ounces Homemade Tart Grenadine Syrup

7-2/3 ounces Shiraz

4 ounces Cherry Brandy

90 Teaspoons Apricot Infused Manuka Honey

80 Drops Bitters

Blend quickly. Serve in large wooden mugs.

Cheers! Good luck to all teams participating. – The Intoxicologist

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, Bitters, Blackberries, Bourbon, Cachaca, Champagne, Chartreuse, Cherries, Cherry Brandy, Club Soda, Dry Vermouth, Fresh Lemon, Galliano, Gin, Grenadine, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Manuka Honey Vodka, Nectarine Juice, Orange Bitters, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit Vodka, Raspberry Liqueur, Sherry, Simple Syrup, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Tequila, Tuaca, Wine, World Cup Soccer

Absolut Berri Acai: Mint Condition Cocktail Spirit

Posted on February 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

From the outset Absolut Berri Acai seems to have missed the mad rush on the super fruit high of the little Acai berry. It has had its ups and downs in the press as to the magical benefits of consuming the little super fruit. In my opinion when mixing Acai with liquor in any form the retention for health benefits becomes debatable, so the remaining factor becomes taste. When it comes right down to it the Acai berry indeed infuses flavor into the spirit. Absolut Berri Acai hit upon something rather unique with this particular flavor that surprised my tingling taste buds.

Aroma: Candy-like, sweet, fruity, slight sweet tart catch-like tickle rises in the back of my throat when breathing in the fruity sweetness. No alcohol burn on the nose.

Tasted Neat: Not sweet at all. Definitely all vodka with some of the tattle tale burn. As much as I hesitate to make the connection – there is the fairest hint of cough syrup flavor lingering in the finish reminiscent of days of youth. I also detect a peculiar mint or refreshing feel in the after effect that I wasn’t quite expecting. It is a minty fresh effect as if having just popped a refreshing berry-mint chewing gum stick in my mouth and breathed in deeply. It is cool, lightly fruited and wafting mint as if lace just lilted over the tongue. Quite surprisingly nice really since there is no sticky sweet in this vodka at all.

Tasted Chilled: Some of the burn fades when chilled straight. Some berry flavors come across round, full and lush. Absolut Berri Acai does not round out in this particular fashion. It is an entirely different breed of character.

Berrily a Mojito – created by Cheri Loughlin

10 Mint Leaves

3/4 part Simple Syrup

4 Blackberries

10 Blueberries

1/2 Lime – Juiced

1-1/2 part Absolut Berri Acai

Club Soda

Mint Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in bottom of mixing glass. Add berries. Muddle again three or four times being careful not to completely mash. Add in juice of 1/2 fresh lime and Absolut Berri Acai with fresh ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with approximately 1-1/2 part Club Soda. Garnish with mint leaf.

Traditionally Mojitos contain rum, but Absolut Berri Acai leant itself perfectly to this classic cocktail since the berry mint flavor came through astoundingly in the first round of sampling. The Berrily a Mojito takes a few extra seconds to put together due to the muddling, but fresh is best with most cocktails. This one samples out deliciously.

Absolut Berri Acai might not have round, lush and full going for it in the berry realm, but it definitely has creative possibilities for spring and summer cocktails and Sunday brunch champagne cocktails with puree filler. Another definite plus for those Friday night party goers; Absolut Berri Acai will make an excellent base for fun and fruity shots to line the bar.

Absolut Berri Acai Vodka sample for review courtesy representatives of Absolut Vodka.

Since readers already asked a comparison of Absolut Berri Acai Vodka versus Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka seemed necessary for completion of this review. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry contains thicker viscosity, is definitely sweeter and obviously exhibits beautiful color. The cough syrupy flavor and alcohol burn show through a little with the Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry as well when sampled neat. Over all I wouldn’t necessarily say Van Gogh’s flavor is any better or worse than Absolut Berri Acai for cocktail creation. However, the upside of Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry is the color for aesthetics and 70 proof for lower alcohol content. The downside is added sugar. After the bottle has been opened the sugar granulates around the bottle top, so the fact there is sugar retained within the vodka cannot be denied. It also makes it difficult to reopen the bottle since it creates a sugar seal. Added sugar content makes it a little more difficult to add flavored liqueurs and juices for variety drinks without over sugaring cocktails. Color can sometimes become an issue when adding in particular juices and liqueurs as color combines and sometimes one winds up with not so appealing colors of cocktails. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry prices out around $29.99 locally. Absolut Berri Acai has not arrived on shelves locally, but Absolut flavored vodkas price out at $24.99. Representatives for Absolut Vodka and Van Gogh Vodkas have both sent products for review past and present. Neither have been shown preference in this comparison.

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged Absolut Berri Acai Vodka, Absolut Vodka, Blackberries, Blueberries, Blueberry Vodka, Club Soda, Fresh Lime, Mint Leaves, Mojito, Simple Syrup, Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka, Van Gogh Vodka, Vodka

Lure Him in for a Midnight Rendezvous

Posted on February 7, 2010 | Leave a comment

We have all seen THAT woman, THE one who walks into a bar and attracts the eye of every man in the room. She never pays for a drink, collects more business cards and phone numbers than the Yellow Pages and only leaves alone if it was her intention from the get go. She is a man magnet. Christie Griffin, writer for Cosmopolitan Magazine and wingwoman extraordinaire, gives six tips on How to Be a Total Man-Magnet for the woman who is genuinely interested in delving a little deeper than the average pick up line. This isn’t for the gold digger, bubble head or those who think small talk is permission to rat out the faults of all the other women in the joint. Ms. Griffin’s guide just might be the perfect starter guide for those looking for a Midnight Rendezvous with the choicest hottie at the bar.

Midnight Rendezvous

Blackberries

1 Meyer Lemon

1 ounce Averna Amaro

1 ounce Orange Flavored Vodka

2 ounce Ginger Beer

Orange Wheel Garnish

Muddle blackberries in bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add juice of one Meyer lemon, Averna and vodka with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with orange wheel.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Amaro, Averna, Blackberries, Fresh Lemon, Ginger Beer, Premium Orange Liqueur, Valentine's Day

Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila: The Slow Dance

Posted on June 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

Gran Centenario did not cut corners when infusing their Rosangel. This delightful blend uses the Gran Centenario Reposado as starting base before the infusion process begins. Take a look at hibiscus flowers sometime. They are gentle, delicate, flowing even. This is the feel one gets with the first sip of Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila. Rather than yielding a highly perfumed floral spirit, Rosangel lilts on the tongue with a bit of fruit, soft floral and the slightest touch of something deeper; the Reposado it is built upon.

The Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila is the first flavored tequila I believe I may have ever tasted with the exception of Tabasco Tequila. Each is positioned at opposite ends of the spectrum regarding taste and character. The comparison is pointless and only made in the spirit that they both fall in the flavored tequila category. Tabasco Tequila is built for fun, revving up the night and stoking the fire of frivolity. Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila takes the infusion process to a new height of art, complexity and desirability. Rosangel is not built for speed, shooters or tearing down the house. It is a slow dance on the tongue that strokes the senses gracefully as it develops further to stir deeply with the zest of its foundation spirit.

Tread lightly when creating with the Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila. Due to the lightness of Rosangel it is quite easy to overwhelm the flavor of the hibiscus with strong flavored herbs or by using too many heavily sweetened liqueurs. Fresh fruits and herbs in small quantity with gentle or more subtle flavors may work better than more abrupt flavors.

Angel Eyes– created by Jennifer Queen

1-1/2 ounce Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila

1/2 ounce Crème de Violet

1/2 ounce Agave Nectar

4-5 Muddled Blackberries

Squeeze of Lemon

Rose Champagne

Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle blackberries, lemon juice and agave nectar in cocktail shaker. Add tequila, crème de violet with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Fine strain into champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with mint sprig.

Mama Cita– created by Jane Damskey

1-1/2 ounce Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila

3 ounces Mama Cita Mix

2 ounces Cava

Lemon, Lime & Orange Slice Garnish

Build over ice in tall wine glass. Garnish with slices of squeezed lemon, lime and orange.

Mama Cita Mix – (batch)

4 Parts Hibiscus Simple Syrup (32 ounces)

1 Part Orange Juice Concentrate (8 ounces)

1 Part Pineapple Juice Concentrate (8 ounces)

3 Parts Fresh Lemon Juice (24 ounces)

Mix in large pitcher. Seal. Keep refrigerated.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Agave Nectar, Blackberries, Champagne, Cinco de Mayo, Creme de Violette, Fresh Lemon, Gran Centenario Tequila, Hibiscus Simple Syrup, Mexican Independence Day, Mint Leaves, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Rosangel Tequila, Tequila

Rev Up Romance with a Blackberry

Posted on February 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

Putting your Blackberry to good use this Valentine’s Day might not be the first thing that pops into your mind in the romance department, but for some the reasons become perfectly clear. Long distance relationships require a little more creativity in keeping the fun and flirty spark alive. For those with lovers close by, even reclining in the lounge chair right next to them, a little thing like the Blackberry might come in handy when the frisky feeling strikes. Sarah Pierce of Hitchedmag.com enlightens adults on the value of sexting responsibly and playfully for a sizzling Valentine’s Day.

Hennessy Blackberry

2 parts Hennessy Black

3-1/2 parts Cranberry Juice

2-1/2 parts Apple Juice

1 Dash Lime Juice

Blackberry Garnish

Build over ice. Garnish with blackberry.

Share the Hennessy Blackberry cocktail over the miles or side by side with your romantic interest. Sara gives great advice at the end of her article; always sext responsibly. Please sip responsibly, too.

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Apple Juice, Blackberries, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lime, Hennessy Blackberry, Hennessy Cognac, Valentine's Day

The Midnight Kiss

Posted on December 31, 2008 | Leave a comment

Who wouldn’t want a kiss at the stroke of midnight? With this little number The Midnight Kiss is available long before the clock strikes the magic number.

The Midnight Kiss

1 ounce Prosecco

3 ounces NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

2 each Raspberries and Blackberries

Gently muddle raspberries and blackberries in mixing glass. Add prosecco and stir. Pour into champagne flute. Top with NUVO Sparkling Liqueur.

The flavor of The Midnight Kiss is exceptional. However the first swallow is all fruit pulp; hardly lovely for a cocktail in my opinion. Aesthetically this is beautiful to look at as is the case with a Mojito for instance. But muddled drinks jam drinking straws and become continuous mouthfuls of food rather than sipping drinks. Perhaps strain the berries and prosecco into the champagne flute. Love the essence of The Midnight Kiss, but not the fruited floater experience.

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Posted in Champagne & Bubbly

Tagged Blackberries, NUVO Sparkling Liqueur, Prosecco, Raspberries, The Midnight Kiss

Christiania Crowns Shakes Things Up with Blackberry Cocktail Contest

Posted on September 5, 2008 | Leave a comment

Recently Christiania Crowns website sponsored a contest for cocktail of the month. The ingredient to shake up with their ultra premium Christiania Vodka: blackberry. Since I love playing with new cocktail recipes and can hardly pass up a challenge, I entered two cocktails in the contest. I have no idea if either come close to winning the match up against any number of cocktail enthusiasts who entered as well, but it certainly was an entertaining and tasty endeavor. After all, the success is not really in winning the contest. It is in the experimentation.

The cocktails I chose to create began with fresh blackberries. Plump juicy in-season blackberries are hard to beat when it comes to flavor. They are naturally sweet when fully ripe and the color is extraordinary. Both characteristics carry over well in these cocktail creations.

The first cocktail is the Christi Bramble. This drink concoction consists of muddled lemons and lightly muddled blackberries. The blackberries alone did not carry enough weight against the lemon so I chose Black Haus Blackberry Schnapps to enhance the blackberry flavor. Due to the muddling and pulp, this cocktail has to be double strained. However for all your efforts, the Christi Bramble goes the extra mile. This cocktail may be sipped as is or topped off with champagne if you are in a more celebratory mood.

Christi Bramble – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/2 to 2/3 Fresh Lemon (cut into small chucks leaving rind on)

5 Large Fresh Blackberries (Thumb size)

2 measures Christiania Vodka

1/4 measure Black Haus Blackberry Schnapps

1/4 measure Simple Syrup

Lemon Wheel & Blackberry Garnish

Muddle lemons in bottom of mixing glass. Add blackberries and muddle gently. Add remaining liquids with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with thin sliced lemon wheel and fresh blackberry.

Take this over the top by adding 1 to 1-1/2 measures Brut Champagne as the crowning jewel to bring this into the celebratory range.

Oslo Iced Tea is a little something different. This particular recipe takes a little time at first glance in making the tea and simple syrup base, but again your efforts will be rewarded. Using tea for flavoring gives this drink a slight sharpness that otherwise would never be there. It is thirst quenching, colorful and nicely rounded with the blackberry flavor and faint hint of sage. The Oslo Iced Tea is also served in a highball glass over ice as tea rather than a martini glass.

Oslo Iced Tea – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Christiania Vodka

1 measure Blackberry Sage Syrup*

3/4 measure Fresh Lemon Juice

1-1/4 measure Cold Blackberry Sage Tea**

3 Fresh Blackberries cut in half

Lemon Wheel, Blackberry & Sage Leaf Garnish

Combine ingredients (including cut blackberries) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with thin sliced lemon wheel, blackberry and sage leaf.

Blackberry Sage Syrup

Bring one cup of water to boil. Add two round bags of The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage flavor tea to the water. Let steep for approximately ten minutes. Remove the tea bags. Add one cup of super fine sugar. Stir until dissolved. It may be necessary to place mixture in the microwave for 30 – 60 seconds to reheat. Stir well. Refrigerate to chill. Keep refrigerated between use for up to two to three weeks.

Blackberry Sage Tea

Bring water to boil. Place three round bags of The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage flavor tea in a two cup measuring cup. Pour boiling water over tea bags and allow to steep for approximately ten minutes. Remove tea bags. Refrigerate to cool. Keep refrigerated between uses.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Blackberries, Blackberry Sage Syrup, Blackberry Sage tea, Blackberry Schnapps, Christi Bramble, Christiania Crowns, Christiania Vodka, Fresh Lemon, Oslo Iced Tea, Sage, Simple Syrup, Tea, Vodka

Tag Archives: Blackberries

Bacardi Dragon Berry & Torched Cherry Make Summer Entertaining a Breeze

World Cup Soccer Party Celebration Cocktails

Absolut Berri Acai: Mint Condition Cocktail Spirit

Lure Him in for a Midnight Rendezvous

Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila: The Slow Dance

Rev Up Romance with a Blackberry

The Midnight Kiss

Christiania Crowns Shakes Things Up with Blackberry Cocktail Contest

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