Tag Archives: Cherry Vodka

Review: Pucker Me Pleased

Posted on August 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

Flavored vodkas have become a dime a dozen on liquor store shelves. Some are creatively clever with wild infusions from bacon to tarragon and lavender. Standard flavors are relatively easy to interchange no matter which quality brand one chooses from the shelf. When one stares at the rows of flavored vodkas it is a little difficult to choose one brand of vanilla vodka from another. Usually the decision comes down to price point or picking up a tried and true favorite brand. However there are those flavors that stand out a little more than others due uniqueness in flavor.

The line of Pucker Vodkas clearly stands out with their faint sweetness and truly pucker worthy sweet tart flavors. Citrus is no longer just a hint of orange, lemon and lime rolled into one. Citrus Pucker brings “ooo la la” mouth watering excitement to the lips. It defies ordinary. Definitely designed with Girls Night Out in mind and times when flavorful fun happy hour supersedes old fashioned classics.

Citrus Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Dry powder orange / citrus with hint of sweetness.

Taste: Definite pucker worthy sour right from the start! Lemony / orange with bit of artificial feel. Sour to sweet combination is intriguing.

Can see this as a terrific flavored vodka mixing spirit. Great basis for lemon drop cocktails and shooters with nice appeal for various other fruity drinks on the agenda.

Lemon Drop – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Citrus Pucker Vodka

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

3/4 measure O3 Premium Orange Liqueur

1-1/2 measure Lemonade

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Sugar for Rim

Slide lemon around rim of chilled cocktail glass. Dip lemony rim in sugar. Set aside. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon wheel.

Sour Apple Sass Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Makes the mouth water. Reminds me of apple flavored Jolly Ranchers and apple flavored Laffy Taffy. Smells like sweetly ripened granny smith apples.

Taste: Hint of sweetness. Terrific tart apple flavor. Just marvelous for mixing all sorts of apple cocktails. Caramel covered apple comes to mind right off the bat. Perfect for fun fruity apple shots, too.

Sassy Apple Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Sour Apple Sass Pucker Vodka

1/2 measure O3 Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 measure Ginger Ale

1/4 measure Lemon Juice

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

Cherry Tease Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Not as tart as the other Pucker Vodkas. Bitter cherry with vanilla sweetness. Hint of lush coming through. Not quite “fresh” cherry aroma.

Taste: Smoother and less tart than the other Pucker Vodkas. Vanilla definitely blended into the flavor. Dark cherry, artificial in flavor.

Chocolate Covered Cherry – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Cherry Tease Pucker Vodka

3/4 measure White Crème de Cacao

2 measures Cranberry Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Drop in cherry to sink to the bottom of the glass.

Just WOW! Chocolate, cherry and vanilla combine exactly right. Though the spirit comes across a bit artificial in flavor when tasted neat, Cherry Tease Pucker Vodka clearly stands up to the test when mixed in cocktails.

Grape Gone Wild Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Laffy Taffy grape flavor is the automatic first impression. Sweetness, lush aroma. Not fresh grape, but the ideal sweetened grape candy feel.

Taste: Little more artificial with scant taste of perfume. Totally grape in flavor through and through.

Italian Kiss – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Grape Gone Wild Pucker Vodka

1/2 measure Amaretto

2 measures Cranberry Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

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

Nice flavor. Surprising how well the flavors of grape and amaretto combine in this cocktail. Grape flavored vodka doesn’t necessarily have to mean candied fruit cocktails.

A special Girls Night Out evening recently brought women to the bar to sample the Pucker Vodka line. Sour Apple Sass Pucker Vodka proved to be a huge hit. Ideas for more cocktails and shots were created and sampled on the spot proving the terrific versatility of this particular spirit. Women commented on the pleasing bottle design with its fun factor and sleekness.

Pucker Vodka samples for review and Girls Night Out tasting provided by representatives of Beam Global Wine & Spirits. Please email Cheri for more information about featuring specific brands in Girls Night Out parties.

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, Girl's Night Out, Reviews

Tagged Amaretto, Apple Vodka, Cherry Vodka, Citrus Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Creme de Cacao, Fresh Lemon, Ginger Ale, Girl's Night Out, Grape Vodka, Lemonade, O3 Premium Orange Liqueur, Orange Liqueur, Premium Orange Liqueur, Pucker Vodka, Vodka

Inspiring Holiday Dessert Shots

Posted on December 3, 2010 | 1 Comment

Tempting holiday desserts abound as far as the eye can see during the holiday season. Restaurants have adopted mini desserts to draw consumers in with smaller portions. Entertaining options highlight holiday tasting parties rather than full on dinner parties. The temptation of petite samplings, miniature sizes with a smidgen of taste in adorable little packaging has been borrowed in part from the cocktail bar and the world of popular shots.

Shots have long been the go-to fast pour to get the party started or way to end an evening of frivolity. Different times of year and occasions call for special themes of drinks. Holiday time calls for indulgent dessert style shots.

Almond Cookie

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1/2 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

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

Notation: Sometimes Amaretto can overwhelm, but in this case the butterscotch smoothes out the almond flavor so it doesn’t overshadow. Instead this little shot comes across a little soft natured as is intended with cookies.

Black Forest Cake – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Cherry Vodka

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1/2 ounce Irish Cream

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

Notation: Light chocolaty mocha flavor with cherry laced delicately throughout.

Carrot Cake

1/2 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

1/2 ounce Irish Cream

1/2 ounce Goldschlager

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

Notation: Quite good with lots of cinnamon goodness packing spice for this dessert shot.

Peppermint Bonbon

3/4 ounce Peppermint Schnapps

1/4 ounce Chocolate Syrup

Layer chilled ingredients into a shot glass.

Notation: Lovely layered shot, but be sure to have a stir straw handy to make sure none of the chocolate goes to waste.

Raspberry Brownie Bite – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1/2 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

1/2 ounce Heavy Cream

Combine coffee and raspberry liqueurs in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into pony or shooter glass. Float heavy cream over top by slowly dripping cream over back of bar spoon.

Notation: Wow! Not only does this particular shot make a glorious entrance to the party with its rich color and lavish coat of cream on top, but the taste truly is luxurious.

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 Christmas Cocktails, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Amaretto, Butterscotch Schnapps, Cherry Vodka, Chocolate Syrup, Christmas, Coffee Liqueur, Goldschlager, Heavy Cream, Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnapps, Raspberry Liqueur, Shot-tails, Vodka

Hot Chocolates for Happy Holidays

Posted on November 23, 2010 | 1 Comment

There’s nothing more richly satisfying than coming in from bone chilling temperatures to find a nice warming cup of liquid chocolate waiting to satisfy the taste buds. Wrapping frigid fingers around a steaming hot cup of cocoa feels pretty darn nice, too! Slip into something darkly decadent, richly rewarding and comfortingly creamy this holiday season.

Jack’s Cozy Cocoa

3/4 ounce Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Splash of Peppermint Schnapps

Hot cocoa

Whipped Cream

Chocolate Shavings Garnish

Pour Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and peppermint schnapps into prepared hot cocoa. Add dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Deep Chocolate

1-1/2 ounce Leblon Cachaça

1/2 ounce Jago Cream Liqueur

1/2 ounce Navan

4 ounces Hot Chocolate

Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings Garnish

Place Cachaca and liqueurs in large heat proof mug. Add hot chocolate. Stir. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Angel’s Beso

1-1/2 ounce Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila

Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate

Cocoa Powder for Rim

Warm heat proof goblet by filling with heated water. Empty. Rim goblet with cocoa powder. Add tequila and prepared hot chocolate. Stir and serve.

Hot Chocolate Delight

1-1/2 ounce Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

3/4 ounce DeKuyper Hazelnut Liqueur

1/2 ounce DeKuyper Crème de Menthe – green

Hot chocolate

Whipped Cream

Place bourbon and hazelnut liqueur in preheated mug. To with prepared hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream garnish. Drizzle green crème de menthe over top.

Cuppa Good Cheer

1-1/2 ounce SKYY Infusions Cherry

1/2 ounce White Creme de Cacao

4 ounces Hot Chocolate

1 ounce Half and Half

Whipped Cream

Red Sprinkles

Maraschino Cherry

Place vodka and liqueur in large heat resistant mug. Add steaming hot cocoa and half & half. Stir. Top with whipped cream. Add sprinkles. Plop maraschino in middle for a festive holiday hat topper.

Castries Cocoa

2 ounces Castries Peanut Rum Creme

4 ounces Hot Cocoa

Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sprinkles Garnish

Combine ingredients in a preheated mug. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. For a twist, add a splash of banana flavored liqueur.

Official Site Tasting Notes: Milk chocolate flavor with a creamy blend of peanuts. Add a touch of banana liqueur for a tropical touch. Indulge on cold winter nights, preferably with a warm body.

Red Hot Chocolate – created by John Ginnetti

1 ounce Campari

2 ounces Brandy

3 ounces Whole Milk

1/2 ounce Heavy Cream

2 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Chips

Hand-cut Marshmallow or Peppermint Stick Garnish

Place milk, cream & chocolate chips in milk frothing cup used for espresso. Froth milk as you would for cappuccino. When milk is hot remove frothing wand and whisk vigorously until chocolate is completely melted. Add Campari and Brandy. Pour into large heat resistant mug. May be garnished with 1 large hand-cut marshmallow or red peppermint stick. Originally served at 116 Crown in New Haven, CT.

Coco Loco

2 ounces Flor de Caña 7-year-old

1/2 ounce Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur

Thin slice of Habañero Chili

Dash of Cinnamon

2 teaspoons of Brown Sugar

2 ounces of milk

Grated Pistachios Garnish

Whipped Cream – optional

Place rum, liqueur and milk in small pot set to simmer. Add chili, cinnamon and sugar. Stir continuously until heated. Pour mixture into heat resistant mug. Add whipped cream and grated pistachios garnish.

MexiCabo Hot Chocolate

1-1/2 ounce Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila

4 ounces Hot Chocolate

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

Whipped Cream

Place tequila and coffee liqueur in large coffee mug. Top with steaming hot prepared cocoa. Stir. Top with dollop of whipped cream.

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Posted in Barista Cafe, Christmas Cocktails, Fall & Thanksgiving

Tagged Bourbon, Brandy, Brown Sugar, Cachaca, Campari, Castries Peanut Rum Creme, Cherry Vodka, Chili Pepper, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Liqueur, Coffee Liqueur, Cream Liqueur, Creme de Menthe, Half & Half, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Hot Chocolate, Milk, Peppermint Schnapps, Pistachios, Rum, Tequila, Vanilla Liqueur, Whipped Cream, Whiskey, Winter Warmer

Monday Night Football Kickoff Cocktails

Posted on September 27, 2010 | Leave a comment

If you listen closely in the distance the constant buzz and commotion of a fan base simmering with enthusiasm for the love of football can be heard before the first leaf of fall drops from the trees. Love of football begins with small towns and little leagues to Friday night high school cross town rivalries and continues through college and beyond. Living for the weekend isn’t just a saying when football season begins. It makes Monday a little more bearable when the work week rolls around too. Thank goodness for that little thing called Monday night football.

Go Team! – created by Joel Meister, Chicago

2 Lime Wedges

5 – 8 Mint Leaves

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1 ounce Stolichnaya Vanil Vodka

1 ounce Stolichnay Ohranj Vodka

1/2 ounce Midori Melon Liqueur

Club Soda

Muddle lime wedges and mint leaves with simple syrup in bottom of mixing glass. Add ice, vodkas and liqueur. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda.

Chicago Sour – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

2 parts Effen Cherry Vodka

1 part Simple Syrup

3/4 part Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Egg White – optional

3 drops Angostura Bitters

Skewered Maraschino Cherries Garnish

Place liquids (and optional egg white if including) in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly until frothy. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Add bitters to top of drink. Garnish with skewer of maraschino cherries. Pasteurized Egg Beaters can be used in place of fresh egg whites if desired.

Green Sneaker

2 parts Vodka

1/2 part Melon Liqueur

1/2 part Triple Sec

1/2 part Orange Juice

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass or strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange wedge.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails @ gmail.com. Copyright 2010 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.

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Posted in Football & Tailgating

Tagged Cherry Vodka, Chicago Sour, Club Soda, Effen Cherry Vodka, Egg White, Football Drinks, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Go Team, Green Sneaker, Melon Liqueur, Midlori, Mint Leaves, Orange Juice, Orange Vodka, Simple Syrup, Stoli Vodka, Tailgate Essentials, Tailgating, Triple Sec, Vanilla Vodka, Vodka

Keep Up with Three Olives Vodka O-Face Contest with the Cherry-O-Punch

Posted on April 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

One of the featured flavors for the Three Olives O-Face campaign was Cherry. The aroma leans more toward that of black cherry with a little sharpness rather than a lot of sweet. There is virtually no burn in the nose as Three Olives seems to be a rather clean vodka. Tasted neat it remains as clear and clean as the aroma represents. Three Olives Cherry Vodka remains smooth, slightly sweet as vodka tends to be with a hint of dark chocolate cherry. There is no alcohol burn even sipped at room temperature. It soothes the throat as it slips down with thorough progression. Since I mention the slight sweetness on the tip of the tongue and this is a flavor infused vodka I will mention it is not sugared vodka such as liqueur is obviously sweetened. Many vodkas contain a hint, degree or fade of sweetness in the initial taste.

As with all Three Olives Vodkas the ultimate goal is satisfaction, an ultimate O-Face for ‘O’bvious pleasure and delighted amusement. Create your ultimate O-Face for stimulating party fun and entertain with the Cherry-O Punch, easily mixed for individual cocktails or punch style for parties.

Cherry-O-Punch– created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Three Olives Cherry Vodka

1-1/2 measure Naked Cherry Pomegranate Power Juice

3/4 measure Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 measure Peach Liqueur

Lemon Twist for Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for fifteen seconds. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist. If making this in batch form for a party: Mix ahead in a pitcher or punch bowl. Serve over ice in small glasses.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Cherry Vodka, Fresh Lemon, Peach Liqueur, Pomegranate Juice, Three Olives Cherry Vodka, Three Olives Vodka

Chocolate Cherry Jubilee

Posted on January 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

Chocolate Cherry Jubilee

1-1/2 ounce Cherry Vodka

1-1/2 ounce Chocolate Vodka

1 ounce Grenadine

Chocolate Syrup

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Drizzle chocolate syrup inside chilled martini glass. Set aside. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into prepared martini glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

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Posted in Daily Holidays

Tagged Cherry Vodka, Chocolate Cherry Jubilee, Chocolate Syrup, Chocolate Vodka, Grenadine, National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, Three Olives Vodka, Vodka

Political Mixology: Donkey & Elephant

Posted on November 6, 2008 | Leave a comment

The Blue Donkey – The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

1-1/2 measure Cherry Vodka

1 measure Blue Curacao

1/2 measure Sour Apple Schnapps

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

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

The Red Elephant –The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

2 measures Vanilla Vodka

1/2 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1 measure Pomegranate Juice

Orange Twist Garnish

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

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Posted in Political Mixology

Tagged Blue Curacao, Cherry Vodka, Political Mixology, Premium Orange Liqueur, Sour Apple Schnapps, The Blue Donkey, The Red Elephant, Vanilla Vodka, Vodka

Cherry Kamikaze Martini

Posted on October 24, 2008 | Leave a comment

Cherry Kamikaze Martini

2 ounces Cherry Vodka

2 ounces Sour Mix

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

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

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Cherry Kamikaze Martini, Cherry Vodka, Sour Mix, Three Olives Vodka, Triple Sec

Cherry Bomb

Posted on September 19, 2008 | Leave a comment

Cherry Bomb

1-1/2 ounce Cherry Vodka

4 ounces Energy Drink

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Build in highball glass over ice. Stir. Garnish with maraschino cherry. Variation: Substitute Cherry Vodka for your favorite flavor vodka and garnish accordingly.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka