Tag Archives: Cinnamon

Jello Shots Become Bite-Sized Desserts

Mexican Truffle Gelatin Jello Shot 016

Jello shots have been around since 1955 so the story goes. They are the go-to college party shot, Halloween candy shot and (admit it) mom’s little secret treat hiding in the back of the fridge for book club night. Just as classic cocktails and mixology have evolved through the years, Jello shots have gone from amateur night throw back shot to sophisticated connoisseur finger food. Forget the plastic cup. Bring on the tiny appetizer plates. Seriously, in the long, short and wiggly of it all, it’s still alcohol wrapped up in gelatin. Slam it, sip it or nosh it. Any way you bite it there’s alcohol content, so user beware. This isn’t kiddie candy, but Jello shots are still loaded with fun!

These Mexican Truffles are little bite-sized packages of dark chocolate goodness. So good, they are difficult to put down. The whipped cream and cinnamon garnish balance out the tasty morsel with creamy smoothness. Instead of the usual Jello shots that come to mind, these decadent small bite desserts are ideal for cocktail parties, hosting a girls night out game night or wrapping up your own Valentine’s Day box of chocolates.

Mexican Truffle Gelatin Jello Shot 017

Mexican Truffle – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/3 cup Chocolate Milk

1 teaspoon Grenadine

2 Knox Unflavored Gelatin Packets

1/3 cup Reposado Tequila

1/3 cup Hazelnut Liqueur

2 tablespoons Coffee Liqueur

Whipped Cream & Cinnamon Sprinkle Garnish

Place milk, grenadine and gelatin in saucepan. Stir gently. Heat over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved (approximately 7 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat. Add tequila and liqueurs. Stir. Pour into small shallow glass dish. Chill until gelatin is completely set. Cut into approximately 20 to 24 squares or use simple cookie cutter for decorative shapes just before serving. Garnish with dollop of whipped cream and dust with cinnamon powder just before serving.

If you love playing with your food and drink then you’ll love the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen. They have a terrific book with more gelatin style Jello cocktail shot recipes. The Cucumber-Lime Margarita sounds delicious! Check out a few cute gelatin shot ideas on my Pinterest board. There are some amazingly creative people out there!

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

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Easy Barefoot Mulled Merlot

Mulled wine might be most closely be associated with holiday celebrations, but ironically has a single day in March devoted to celebrating its spicy warmth.

March 3is National Mulled Wine Day.

Pull out all the stops (pans, graters, measuring cups and timers) to make an old fashioned traditional mulled wine in an hour or so, or cut right to the chase and enjoy a satisfying and enjoyable cup of Easy Barefoot Mulled Merlot in a few minutes. The choice is yours. Cheers!

Easy Barefoot Mulled Merlot – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 ounces Barefoot Merlot Wine

2 teaspoons Brown Sugar

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

Pinch Ground Cloves and Ground Nutmeg

Cinnamon Stick Garnish

Place liquids and spices in heatproof measuring cup. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds to warm. Stir with cinnamon stick. Recipe can also be multiplied and slow heated in sauce pan over low heat for multiple serve.

Cocktail recipe commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly@BarefootWine on Twitter – BarefootWine on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Café Brulot

Traditional method calls for brandy mixture to be ignited with flame for 5 to 10 seconds then immediately pouring hot coffee over mixture. Stir until flames subside and then divide between two mugs. I’ve opted for less zealous method in the directions. Please use extreme caution when using open flame.

Mulling Spices - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Café Brulot

3 Lemon Twists

3 Orange Twists

4 Whole Cloves

1 Cinnamon Stick

1-1/2 ounce Brandy

1 ounce White Curacao

1-1/2 cups Strong Hot Coffee

Heat citrus twists, spices, brandy and Curacao until warm, but not hot. Pour into coffee. Divide between two coffee mugs.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Sugar & Spice

This spiced up chocolate coffee goes from sugar and spice to holiday glam with the simple addition of candy cane garnish if you so choose.

Mug of Candy Canes

Sugar & Spice – Jennifer Compeau

1-1/2 measure Chocolate Milk

1 measure Mint Syrup

Pinch Each Powered Ginger & Cinnamon

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Whipped Cream & Chocolate Syrup

Lightly rim heat resistant mug with mint syrup. Dip into cinnamon and sugar. Add chocolate milk, mint syrup and spices to mug. Top with fresh brewed coffee. Stir. Top with whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Insert candy cane stir stick if desired.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services 

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Fireside Cappuccino

This mocha flavored cappuccino mix hits the spot on a chilly morning or as a late night treat. Sipping fireside is just an additional bonus if the crackle of a fire is your thing.

Fireside Cappucino 026 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Fireside Cappucino mix is easy to put together and keep on hand rather than run out to the local coffee shop for a quick fix. It’s also a wonderful gift for friends, family or new neighbors.

Fireside Cappucino 018 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Fireside Cappuccino

1 cup Powdered Chocolate Milk Mix

1 cup Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

3/4 cup Unsweetened Instant Coffee

3/4 cup Sugar

1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1 Tablespoon Dried Orange Peel – optional

Combine all ingredients in gallon size Ziplock bag. Shake to thoroughly blend. Mix can be placed in blender or food processor to mix if desired. Store in sealed jar or canister.

Assemble: Place 2 heaping Tablespoons of Fireside Cappucino Mix in heatproof mug. Top with 8 ounces hot water. Stir. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles if desired.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Raspberry Spice Syrup

Raspberry Spice Syrup uses baking spices that can be found in many household pantries. Its versatility makes this a wonderful addition to cocktail recipes and can be used as a delicious syrup topping for pancakes or ice cream.

Raspberry Spice Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 cups Brown SugarSimple Syrups - Grenadine DSC_0005 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1 cup Water

12 ounce Fresh or Frozen Raspberries

2 Whole Cinnamon Sticks

1 teaspoon Whole Cloves

2 teaspoons Mace (dried aril of nutmeg spice)

1 ounce Orange Juice

1-1/2 ounce Vodka (as preservative)

Place all ingredients except vodka in saucepan over medium low heat. Stir continuously while bringing mixture to slow simmer. (Simmer for a few minutes if thicker syrup is desired) Remove from heat. Allow to cool. Stir in vodka as preservative if desired. Strain into container with lid. Store in sealed container in the refrigerator.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Chai Latte

When I go to the bookstore my first stop is the little coffee shop in back. My hot beverage of choice is almost always a Chai Latte. The only exception is when the seasonal Pumpkin Latte makes its way to the menu board. While my preference is still browsing the bookstore with a great Chai Latte in hand, now I can whip up a quick cup of this delicious brew right at home.

Chai Latte 003 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The recipe mix below is terrific to keep on hand and give as a gift. It’s perfect for welcoming new neighbors to the block, taking to a friend’s home as a hostess gift or gifting to anyone on your holiday list.

Chai Latte 010 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Chai Latte

2 cups Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

2 cups Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

2 cups Unsweetened Instant Tea

2 cups Powdered Sugar

2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding (7 ounces total)

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

1-1/2 teaspoons Ground Ginger

1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice

1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/8 teaspoon White Pepper

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl or gallon size Ziplock bag. Mix thoroughly. Blending to get every lump out is optional, but not necessary. Store in airtight bag or container. Place in decorative jars or small canisters with lid for gift giving.

Assemble: Place 2 heaping Tablespoons of Chai Latte Mix in heat proof mug. Top with 8 ounces hot water. Stir. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Riesling Cider

Do you keep instant hot cider on hand for the kiddos? Now you can enjoy a bit of spiked hot cider using the same little packages. Riesling wine complements the apple flavor in this quick and easy recipe.

Riesling Cider 005 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Riesling Cider – created by Cheri Loughlin

5 ounces Riesling Wine

1 ounce Water

1 package Instant Apple Cider

Cinnamon Stick Garnish

Whipped Cream with Allspice Sprinkle optional

Place wine and water in heatproof measuring cup. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Stir in package of apple cider. Stir with cinnamon stick until apple cider is completely dissolved. Transfer to heatproof mug. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle of allspice if desired.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Chili Ginger Cocoa

Chili Ginger Cocoa 025 photo copyright Cheri LoughlinGentle warming spice. Rich without too much sweetness. Great for winter, fall, weekend mornings.

Chili Ginger Cocoa – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Silver Rum

1 package Hot Chocolate Mix

1 teaspoon Crushed Fresh Ginger

1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon

Pinch of Chipotle Chili Pepper

4 ounces Half & Half

4 ounces Hot Water

Whipped Cream & Cinnamon Sprinkle Garnish

Heat Half & Half and water in large measuring cup. Add ginger, cinnamon and chipotle chili pepper. Whisk gently until spices have combined thoroughly. Add hot chocolate mix to spiced mixture. Stir to dissolve. Place rum into heat proof mug. Top with spiced hot chocolate mixture. Garnish with dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: Early Times Fire Eater

Early Times Fire Eater _DSC3910 photo copyright Cheri LoughlinCinnamon Liqueur blended with Early Times Whisky

66 Proof / 33% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99 to $15.99 / 750ml bottle

Availability: Kentucky, Indiana, Washington, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Wisconsin and California as of July 2012. More markets to follow.

Early Times Fire Eater Tasting Notes

Early Times Fire Eater _DSC3945 photo copyright Cheri LoughlinColor: Pale straw color. Slight golden.

Aroma: Strong cinnamon. Fullness. Jolly Rancher cinnamon candy comes to mind. Expectation of medium thickness mouth feel with sweetness.

Tasted Neat: Tastes more like cinnamon disk candies. Warming. Sweet, but sweetness fades to more cinnamon tone. Not fiery hot. Heat minimal. Warming effect is quite pleasant. Perhaps due to whisky inclusion.

I love how the warmth of this liqueur overshadows the sweetness factor. Terrific fun liqueur.

Mouth Feel: Light mouth feel, but far from thin.

Comparable Spirit: Perhaps Fireball Whisky. Could also be substituted for numerous cinnamon liqueurs, but would be lighter on sweetness that usual liqueurs.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails:

One part Early Times Fire Eater, One part Rum Chata (Horchata with Rum). Chill in cocktail shaker. Strain into shot glass. – Tastes like popular cinnamon graham or cinnamon toast cereals.

Could be used in numerous shot drinks that call for cinnamon liqueur.

Stilt WalkerEarly Times Fire Eater _DSC3936 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Early Times Fire Eater

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1 ounce Orange Juice

4 ounces Sprite

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Roll shaker to blend. Transfer to tall glass to serve.

Review sample provided by representatives of Early Times / Brown-FormanCheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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