Tag Archives: Cherry Brandy

Tullamore D.E.W. Original: Irish True

Posted on March 11, 2013 | Comments Off

Tullamore DEW Original 006 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

This year Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey celebrates an “Irish True” year with the opening of the new Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre in Tullamore, Ireland. The new Tullamore D.E.W. packaging highlights the brand’s history, founder and namesake, Daniel E. Williams, with the initials, D.E.W., placed prominently on the bottle.

Tullamore DEW 010 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Daniel was a distillery worker who had a vision and stayed true to that vision. He became the general manager and brought modern conveniences and technology of the day to the distillery so he could make his whiskey his way. The Irish True way.

Tullamore DEW Original 008 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Tullamore D.E.W is a unique blend of three types of Irish whiskey; pot still, malt and grain whiskey. It was the first and remains the only international Irish whiskey to pioneer this unique blend of three. The malted and unmalted barley used in the whiskey is dried in enclosed kilns, rather than over peat fires. This creates a smooth, yet complex taste rather than one of peated smokiness.

Tullamore DEW Original 013 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The original Tullamore D.E.W. blend is recognized for its smooth, gentle flavor. It has also won numerous awards including the much-prized trophy at the International Spirits Challenge, the highest accolade in the drinks industry.

Tullamore Dew 018 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Tullamore D.E.W. Official Brand Tasting Notes

Color: Medium amber gold

Aroma: Mild blend of spicy, lemony and malty notes, with charred wood and vanilla undertones

Body: Light bodied, sweetish spices, buttery and rounded with light citrus fruitiness

Palate: Warming, pleasant maltiness with toasted wood and vanilla hints

Finish: Smooth and gentle, the complex flavors lingering

Reference Price: $24

“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time – a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” ~ Adrienne Cook

You can be Irish True too. Toast St. Patrick’s Day with Tullamore D.E.W straight, on the rocks or in these St. Patrick’s Day themed cocktails.

The 1829

1 ounce Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey

1 ounce Orange Juice

1 ounce Lillet Rouge

1 ounce Cherry Brandy

Orange Slice or Orange Twist Garnish

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh orange slice or fresh orange peel twisted over drink and dropped in. Notation: Bols or Heering Cherry Liqueur can be used as Cherry Brandy. Flavor profile was not designed to fit with Maraschino Liqueur flavor. (cocktail photo provided by Susan Magrino Agency)

The Irish Ward

1-1/2 ounce Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey

1/2 ounce Grenadine

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wheel. (cocktail photo provided by Susan Magrino Agency)

Cocktail recipes and tasting notes sponsored by representatives of Tullamore D.E.W. – @TullamoreDew on Twitter – TullamoreDew on Facebook

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

Tagged Cherry Brandy, Fresh Lemon, Grenadine, Irish True, Irish Whiskey, Lillet Rouge, Orange Juice, Sponsored Post, St. Patrick's Day, The 1829, The Irish Ward, Tullamore D.E.W.

After Five

Posted on September 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

As the saying goes, “It’s five o’clock somewhere.” The expression could be heard early morning, mid day, holiday or weekend, but the implication sets the tone for thirst quenching sip start up. Knowing someone somewhere in the world sits lingering over cocktails during happy hour is all the justification some desire to catch the wave of liquid bliss a little earlier in the day in their little corner of the world. What time will your happiest hour begin?

After Five Shot

1/3 measure Coffee Liqueur

1/3 measure Irish Cream

1/3 measure Peppermint Schnapps

Carefully layer chilled liquids in shot glass in order given.

After Six Shot

1/4 measure Coffee Liqueur

1/4 measure Irish Cream

1/4 measure Peppermint Schnapps

1/4 measure Vodka

Carefully layer first three chilled liquids in shooter glass in order given. Float vodka on top.

After Dinner Shot

1 /2 measure Brandy

1/2 measure Cherry Brandy

Dash Lemon Juice

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

After Eight Shot

1/3 measure Irish Cream

1/3 measure Coffee Liqueur

1/3 measure White Crème de Menthe

Carefully layer chilled liquids in shot glass in order given.

No matter what time the cocktail hour bell rings, please sip responsibly.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged After Dinner Shot, After Eight Shot, After Five Shot, After Six Shot, Brandy, Cherry Brandy, Coffee Liqueur, Creme de Menthe, Fresh Lemon, Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnapps, Vodka

Star Bangled Spanner

Posted on June 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

Fun layered shot to kick off 4th of July celebrations.

Star Bangled Spanner

1/4 ounce Green Chartreuse

1/4 ounce Triple Sec

1/4 ounce Cherry Brandy

1/4 ounce Crème Yvette

1/4 ounce Yellow Chartreuse

1/4 ounce Blue Curacao

1/4 ounce Brandy

Chill all spirits prior to using. Build shot in the order given, carefully layering one upon the other.

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Posted in Independence Day, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged 4th of July, Blue Curacao, Brandy, Chartreuse, Cherry Brandy, Creme Yvette, Independence Day, Shot-tails, Star Bangled Spanner, Triple Sec

Osocalis Brandies

Posted on December 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Cherry Blossom

1 measure Brandy

2/3 measure Cherry Brandy

1/2 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 measure Grenadine

1/2 measure Lemon Juice

Sugared Rim Garnish

Rim cocktail glass with sugar. Set aside. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared glass.

The Osocalis Brandies bottle photo is available for digital download in the Wine & Spirits stock photography Gallery.

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Osocalis Brandy samples for review courtesy representatives of the brand

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Brandy, Cherry Brandy, Fresh Lemon, Grenadine, Osocalis Brandy, Premium Orange Liqueur, Stock Photography

Labor Day: Labor Free 2 Ingredient Cocktails

Posted on September 2, 2011 | 1 Comment

Two ingredient cocktails are an ideal way to enjoy a labor free Labor Day weekend of entertaining friends while still enjoying relaxation time as host. Simple drinks with few ingredients remain flavorful, satisfying and keep prep time to a minimum. The Highball could be one of the most popular two ingredient drinks. Its open ended option of base spirit and mixer of choice provide an endless combination of flavors for all to enjoy. There are many more two ingredient cocktails and drinks to explore. Choose to include suggested garnishes or leave the drink bare.

Highball

2 measures Base Spirit of Choice

3 measures Mixer of Choice

Place base spirit (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, etc…) in highball glass over fresh ice. Top with mixer (club soda, tonic, juice, etc…).

Appetizer

3 measures Dubonnet Rouge

1 Orange – freshly squeezed

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Camparosa

2 measures Campari

3 measures Grapefruit Juice

Orange Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange slice.

Cherry Cooler

2 measures Cherry Brandy

3 measures Cola

Lemon Slice Garnish

Place brandy in highball glass over fresh ice. Top with cola. Stir. Garnish with lemon slice.

Comfortable Screw

1-1/2 measure Southern Comfort

3-1/2 measures Orange Juice

Orange Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Kentucky Cocktail

3 measures Bourbon

1 measure Pineapple Juice

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

Whisky Mac

1-1/2 measure Scotch

1 measures Ginger Wine

Place scotch in an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger wine. Stir.

The Golf Cocktail calls for a simple third ingredient to round out the flavor.

Golf Cocktail

3 measures Gin

1 measure Dry Vermouth

3 dashes Classic Bitters

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Find more suggestions for the weekend in Easy Two Ingredient Drink & Shot Recipes.

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Posted in Labor Day

Tagged Bourbon, Campari, Cherry Brandy, Dry Vermouth, Dubonnet, Gin, Ginger Wine, Labor Day, Scotch, Southern Comfort, Two Ingredient Cocktails

Take a Shot at Halloween Horror Movies

Posted on October 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

Horror movies receive huge followings no matter how cheesy or predictable the plot line. Someone creepy lurks in the dark, women in high heels always trip and fall and there is always a particular character that steals the show as the number one psycho that haunts dreams for eternity. No matter how sinister the character or bone chilling the nightmares become for weeks after the movie, crowds flock to see sequels for years to come to relive the spine tingling feeling of fear all over again. Halloween season is the perfect time of the year to swallow those fears, literally and figuratively. Bottoms up to the characters who terrorize the big screen. Cheers!

Chuckie

1-1/4 part Vodka

3/4 part Triple Sec

1/4 part Pineapple Juice

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into shooter glass.

Freddy Kruger

1 part Ouzo

1 part Herbal Liqueur (Jager)

1 part Vodka

Carefully layer chilled liquids in shot glass in order given.

Ghostbusters

1/2 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Gin

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

1/2 ounce Benedictine

1/4 ounce Half & Half

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain and divide equally between two shot glasses. Long drink variation: Skip the half & half. Fill Collins glass with ice. Add all other liquids and top with cola.

Creature from the Black Lagoon

1 part Sambuca

1 part Herbal Liqueur (Jager)

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into shot glass. Variation: Add an additional part of green crème de menthe.

Nightmare on Any Street

3/4 ounce Gin

3/4 ounce Red Dubonnet

1/2 ounce Cherry Brandy

1/4 ounce Orange Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain and divide equally between two shot glasses.

Continue your search for fun Halloween shots, cocktails and mocktails within the Halloween Cocktails category.

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Posted in Halloween Cocktails, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Amaretto, Benedictine, Cherry Brandy, Dubonnet, Gin, Half & Half, Halloween, Halloween Cocktails, Herbal Liqueur, Horror Movies, Jagermeister, Orange Juice, Ouzo, Pineapple Juice, Sambuca, Shot-tails, Triple Sec, Vodka

National Comic Book Day: Super Hero Cocktail Recipes

Posted on September 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

Do you follow a favorite super hero through the pages of comic books? If so, you might be interested to know that today has been set aside as National Comic Book Day. Perhaps a masked man wearing spandex tights will be lurking around the corner handing out free comic books. Better yet a damsel in distress (with broken high heel shoe of course) about to be preyed upon by some evil bad guy will be in your path today and you can swoop in to save the day. You will be the super hero of your own comic book.

Who are the favorite super hero comic book stars of all time anyway? I don’t really have the answer to that question, but the top answer on my Twitter page hands down was Spiderman.

White Spider

1 ounce Gin

1 ounce Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1 teaspoon Simple Syrup

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

White Spider starts sweet first and then moves to tart quite quickly. Right away it smoothes again with a vanilla finish leaving one with the feeling that another sip is in order to decipher what just happened. This is similar to extremely well made lemonade that will come around full circle and bite you where it really counts if you keep sipping and wondering what just happened. Soon enough the White Spider will let you know it just did you in.

Back in the day of Spiderman cartoons on television all the guys thought Angelica Jones, A.K.A. Firestorm, was the bomb…or bombshell that is.

Bombshell

1 part Tequila

2 parts Dry Marsala

Splash Campari

Splash Cherry Brandy

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine the ingredients in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with lemon twist.

Iceman was also one of Peter Parker’s college friends who always plunged from the sky on his own super ice ramp. Sure beats a ski lift any day, but imagine the melt down cleanup…

Frostbite

1 ounce Tequila

3/4 ounce White Crème de Cacao

3/4 ounce Heavy Cream

Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cream becomes nice and frothy. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Frostbite makes a fabulous dessert style cocktail. Use tequila with kick to it; something with depth of character, spicy in base. Skip the mixto and go for 100% agave with pepper, vanilla and caramel note to complement the cacao and nutmeg. This drink recipe isn’t too heavy on sweetness, but long on satisfaction.

Batman fans are truly in luck. As one Twitter user pointed out Batman’s character strengths were his lack of ‘super human power’. His super power happened to be detective work and dedication to honing his physical perfection. It didn’t hurt that he was massively wealthy and could afford every super toy imaginable, but that’s another story. Batman’s character list is long as well as the cocktail recipe possibilities that could be paired with any number of them friend or foe.

The Dark Knight

1-1/2 ounce Sambuca

4 ounces Cola

1/2 ounce Homemade Grenadine

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Build in a highball glass over ice, topping off with grenadine as float. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Gotham Martini

3 ounces Smirnoff Vodka

1/2 ounce Blackberry Brandy

1/2 ounce Black Sambuca

3 Blackberries for Garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice. Shake ten to fifteen seconds. Strain into a well chilled martini glass. Add blackberries on a skewer for garnish.

Gotham – created by Robert Hess 2002

1/2 teaspoon Absinthe

3 dashes Peach Bitters

2 ounces Brandy

Lemon Twist Garnish

Coat a chilled small rocks glass with absinthe. Add peach bitters and brandy. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cat got your tongue? Drooling over the feline qualities of Cat Woman with her nicely ripped up and haphazardly sewn together leather duds? Every girl needs an outfit like that with whip and high heels to match.

The Reluctant Tabby – created by Gary Regan

1-1/4 ounces Dubonnet Rouge

1/2 ounce Limoncello

1/4 ounce Scotch Whisky

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a wine goblet. Garnish with lemon twist

This is just a fun little cocktail. The Reluctant Tabby plays up Dubonnet Rouge with fantastic appeal. Possibly it’s the Scotch that downplays the sweet factor of limoncello. Whatever it is, it just works. Dubonnet just rolls over the tongue with luscious sophistication and flavor. Love this little sipper. Gary Regan created a winner here…of course.

Cat’s Eye

2 parts Gin

1-1/2 parts Dry Vermouth

1/2 part Kirsch

1/2 part Lemon Juice

1/2 part Water

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frost forms on the outside of the cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled goblet.

If the Joker happens to be your favorite villain with his wicked grin…

Dry Smile

1 part Mandarin Vodka

1 part Cinzano Extra Dry

1/2 part Orange Curacao

Juice from 1/2 Lemon

1 tablespoon Strawberry Syrup

Pineapple Juice to Taste

Strawberry Garnish

Combine vodka, Cinzano, Curacao, lemon juice and strawberry syrup together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Taste. Add pineapple juice to create the desired finished taste to your liking. Garnish with strawberry.

The most bizarre, albeit fun, answer I received when asking about superhero favorites was Bananaman. This was one I’d never heard of, but saw a short video firsthand as ‘proof’ of his existence. It appears he begins as a boy, so it seems appropriate this superhero begin with a Mocktail recipe rather than cocktail.

Banana Coffee Break

10 ounces Milk

4 tablespoons Coffee Powder

5 ounces Vanilla Ice Cream

2 Bananas – sliced and frozen

Brown Sugar to taste

Pour milk and coffee powder into blender and combine. Add half of the ice cream and combine again. Continue to add remaining ice cream until all is thoroughly blended. Add bananas and brown sugar to desired sweetness level. Blend until thoroughly combined. Divide mixture between two glasses. Garnish with fresh banana slices if desired.

Since adults enjoy a good read about Bananaman…the adult cocktail to suit those needs.

Banana Cocktail

1 part Advocaat

1 measure Crème de Banane

1 ripe Banana

Club Soda

Combine Advocaat, crème de banane, and banana in a blender with one cup ice until thoroughly blended. Pour into a chilled highball glass. Top with club soda.

Find a few more interesting daily cocktail dates and holidays to celebrate by following the link.

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Posted in Daily Holidays

Tagged Absinthe, Advocaat, Blackberry Brandy, Brandy, Campari, Cherry Brandy, Cointreau, Creme de Cacao, Dry Vermouth, Dubonnet, Gin, Kirsch, National Comic Book Day, Sambuca, Scotch, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey

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

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 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

Cherry Samba

Posted on December 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

What often interests me is what is being stirred, shaken and whipped up in kitchens across the United States. When best friends get together for girls night out, what are they mixing up with the bottle they purchased at the liquor store?

Cherry Samba – ala Julianna Cain

1 measure Cherry Brandy

1 measure Cachaca

1 measure Lemon Juice

1 Egg White

1 measure White Cranberry

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until egg is nice and frothy. Strain into a champagne flute.

The ingredients Julianna mentioned intrigued me, so I wanted to try this drink recipe right away. However, traditional cranberry juice is all I had stocked at the time. White cranberry juice is a little sweeter. That being said before my tasting notation; Cherry Samba tastes great with a hint of bitter edge to it. It does not veer too far to the sweet side like so many cocktails on bar martini listings today. As Julianna aptly recognizes in her area of the country, many consumers are a little put off by raw egg white in cocktails, but it adds such nice froth to the drink. The egg white is unrecognizable in the flavor of the drink. If you make this cocktail for friends, they will never realize it is in there.

Cheri Samba – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

3/4 measure Cherry Brandy

1 measure Cachaca

3/4 measure Cranberry Juice

1/4 measure Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Egg White

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until egg white is frothy. Strain into a champagne flute. Garnish with speared maraschino cherry.

Since many like a little sweetness added to the cocktail the Cheri Samba tweaks the original version Julianna sent out and adds a little variety with hint of sweetness. The Cachaca comes through slightly more with a hint of sweet softness since the fresh lemon juice is dialed back in this version. Maraschino cherry garnish is definitely not needed for taste, but adds a nice finishing touch.

I would love to know what you mix up at home for your Girls Night Out, Poker Night or what your specialty drink happens to be. Consumers of the United States are picking up bottles of spirits off the shelf of liquor stores and consuming them neat, on the rocks, in long drinks and cocktails. Email me… what cocktail have you created?

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Cachaca, Cherry Brandy, Cranberry Juice, Egg White, Fresh Lemon, Girl's Night Out

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

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