Tag Archives: Classic Cocktail

Single Malt Scotch Cocktail: Cameron’s Kick

Posted on April 11, 2013 | Comments Off

We have quality single malt scotch for your enjoyment.

In the world of single malt scotches, you’re more likely to see an old fashioned glass with glistening scotch resting neatly or nestled snuggly within a few chilly rocks than served in a chilled martini glass cocktail style. But in the world of mixed drinks, scotch cocktails are seeing an increase in popularity. There are diehard scotch enthusiasts who believe the spirit shouldn’t be tainted with more than a bit or air, water or possibly a cube of ice. But adventurous consumers demand more. They’ve tasted and sampled the scotch. Now they want to explore and experiment with scotch cocktails.

Cameron’s Kick Scotch Cocktail

Like so many classic cocktails, Cameron’s Kick can be found with numerous recipe variations. I prefer this particular recipe with a Speyside single malt scotch for deeper, richer flavor. The one I used means “Valley of the Deer” in case you’re curious. I also cut the Orgeat syrup to 1/2 ounce for a little less sweet. Orange bitters are a nice addition. Garnish is not called for in the original recipe, but I think this scotch cocktail lends itself rather nicely to a thin orange peel twisted over the top to glean the essential oils and then discarded.

Cameron’s Kick

1-1/2 ounce Scotch

1-1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Orgeat (Almond) Syrup

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

Wine Chateau carries a large selection of quality Scotch for your enjoyment including Single Malt Scotch. The scotch meaning “Valley of the Deer” that I used is in there too! Psst…It’s in a green bottle.

The Cocktail Data Base lists the Cameron’s Kick Cocktail with 1 ounce Scotch, 1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey, 3/4 ounce Lemon Juice and 2 dashes Orange Bitters. There’s no almond syrup, so this recipe might come across a wee bit pungent.

Many other writers, such as Jake Lahne of Smile Politely, use the recipe of 1 ounce each Scotch and Irish Whiskey and 1/2 ounce each Lemon Juice and Orgeat Syrup. Like others, Jake calls for blended scotch rather than single malt scotch. Single malt verses blended is all a matter of preference. Bill’s comment over at Cocktails at the Cove regarding the way the lemon juice disguises the taste of the scotch and whiskey is the reason I prefer a heartier single malt scotch for this particular drink.

It’s a Scotch cocktail after all. I want to taste the scotch!

Post sponsored by Wine Chateau. All commentary and opinions are my own.

Comments Off

Posted in Sponsored Posts, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Almond Syrup, Cameron's Kick, Classic Cocktail, Fresh Lemon, Irish Whiskey, Orange Bitters, Orgeat Syrup, Scotch, Single Malt Scotch, Sponsored Post, Whisky, Wine Chateau

Champs Elysées Classic Cocktail

Posted on April 5, 2013 | Comments Off

Champs Elysees Cocktail 008 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The Champs Elysées Cocktail is a classic cocktail that is beginning to make a comeback on more bar menus. It tucks in rather nicely with other classic cocktails such as the Sazerac, Blue Moon, Last Word, Blood & Sand and Aviation. When time is taken to measure and blend these classic cocktails correctly, they are superb!

I was pleasantly surprised to find the Champs Elysées Cocktail recently on the I.O. Speak cocktail menu at Indian Oven. It reminds me a little of a Sidecar without the obvious sugared rim. Chartreuse is an interesting diversion from the Sidecar’s usual Cointreau inclusion. I’ve altered the drink recipe below just slightly to my taste. The cocktail recipe I found calls for 1/2 ounce simple syrup and 1 dash Angostura bitters. I preferred a little less sweet and the peach bitters complemented the flavors in this cocktail perfectly in my opinion.

Champs Elysées Cocktail

1-1/2 ounce Cognac

1/2 ounce Green Chartreuse

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup

2 dashes Peach Bitters

Lemon Twist

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

Some recipes include an optional 1/2 egg white in the drink recipe for texture. If adding egg white, include egg white with other liquids to shaker before ice. Dry shake to blend. Add ice and then shake again vigorously to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

The Champs Elysées cocktail is named after the touristy northwestern Parisian boulevard; Avenue des Champs-Elysées. This classic cocktail is an ideal cocktail to celebrate Bastille Day, July 14, or the world famous bicycle race, Le Tour de France.

Comments Off

Posted in Classic Cocktails, Daily Holidays

Tagged Angostura Bitters, Bastille Day, Champs Elysees Cocktail, Chartreuse, Classic Cocktail, Cognac, Fresh Lemon, Le Tour de France, Peach Bitters, Simple Syrup

Review: EPIC Classic Vodka

Posted on March 22, 2013 | Comments Off

Epic Classic Vodka 051 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Made with vodka imported from France. Imported by Sazerac Company, Louisville, KY. Product of Canada.

Triple distilled vodka with natural flavors. Epic is crafted with hand-selected wheat harvested from the Champagne region in France and distilled in the Cognac region.

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $12.99 / 750ml

Availability: Epic began shipping to approximately 30 US states in February with the goal to become nationwide as the year progresses.

EPIC Vodka will be available in Peach, Whipped Cream, Kiwi Strawberry, Cherry, Cake and Coconut flavors at 70 proof / 35% alcohol. More flavors projected at a later date.

EPIC Classic Vodka Tasting Notes

Color: Clear Epic Classic - Peach Vodka 045 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Aroma: Faint vanilla. Little to no burn.

Tasted Neat: Slight burn. No metallic taste which is sometimes the case when tasting vodka neat. Roundness. Soft vanilla. Faint pepper.

Mouth Feel: Medium. Nice weight to this one.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: All the usual vodka cocktail suspects really. I would definitely sip this on the rocks with a lime or lemon twist.

Epic suggests an EPIC Martini using 1-1/2 ounce EPIC Classic Vodka and 3/4 ounce Dry Vermouth with Olive Garnish. They also veer toward James Bond style; shaken rather than stirred.

Epic embraces the ‘here and now’ lifestyle. The life you’re living right now; it’s the life that matters most with the people who matter most. Significant moments aren’t just identified by milestones such as birthdays, graduations, promotions and weddings. Memories are built upon some of the most minor occurrences; backyard barbeques, impromptu neighborhood gatherings, tailgate parties and unexpected guests. The most memorable, most epic experiences aren’t always the scrapbook events.

These everyday events taking place in your life; these are the Epic moments to embrace as THE “real” life. Let Epic be the brand that brings easy mixing, affordability and simplicity to your gatherings.

Review sample courtesy representatives of representatives of EPIC Vodka & Sazerac – @EPICVodka on Twitter – EPICVodka on Facebook

Comments Off

Posted in Reviews

Tagged Classic Cocktail, Dry Vermouth, EPIC Classic Vodka, EPIC Martini, EPIC Vodka, Martini, Sazerac

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.

Comments Off

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

Bloody Mary Sunday

Posted on February 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

Sundays usually bring to mind family time, relaxation, and tradition. For me, no matter where I am, Sunday mornings remind me of my oldest brother. He’s a bachelor living in this great two bedroom house that he fixed up with the best wooden floors and this fabulous front porch meant for drinking coffee and working on crossword puzzles, which is exactly what he does on Sunday mornings until the coffee pot runs dry. When the coffee pot is empty he announces that it is Bloody Mary time. It isn’t just any Bloody Mary. No. It is my brother’s Bloody Mary. It is an event. It is a meal to be savored and enjoyed.

The Bloody Mary had never been among my favorite drinks or even top twenty or hundred for that matter, until I tried one that my brother made. I liked tomato juice. I liked V8 juice. I like vodka. I like spicy. So I couldn’t figure out how combining all of those things never worked out in a drink. It didn’t make sense to me. This was a drink I tried over and over again, because I really wanted to like it. It seemed pretty basic with a shot of vodka, some pepper, Tabasco, celery salt and Bloody Mary mix. Basic was all wrong. Sometimes basic is just getting by. Just getting by is rarely ever fun. The recipe I am sharing today is a blend of a vodka infusion I learned, my brother’s recipe, and some tweaks I added along the way.

Garnishing is the key and there is so much more than the mere celery stick. I like to use a skewer of queen sized jalapeño stuffed olives in addition to the celery stick to stir with. A pickle spear does quite nicely as well. A few cocktail shrimps speared and dunked go rather nicely with this drink. Go wild! As I said, the Bloody Mary is not just a drink. It is an event, a meal even. If you can find a spicy coarse salt for the rim garnish that would give this drink extra punch as well.

Bloody Mary Vodka Infusion

For the vodka infusion you will need a jar with lid large enough to hold the contents of the following:

1 Bottle Tito’s Vodka

1 Fresh Red Bell Pepper – seeded & sliced

1 Fresh Jalapeno Pepper – seeded & sliced

5 Peeled Garlic Cloves

5 Whole Black Peppercorns

Funnel & Cheesecloth

Combine all of the above ingredients in a jar. Seal and place in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours. Ingredients may be left longer if desired, but this is not necessary. I recommend keeping the original liquor bottle for returning the infused vodka to later. After 48 hours, remove the infusion from the refrigerator. Double up cheesecloth over the funnel and place funnel inside the Tito’s vodka bottle. Strain infusion into the original bottle, throwing out the peppers, garlic and such. Place infused vodka in the refrigerator or freezer for storage. Do not keep infused vodka at room temperature as it may mold.

Bloody Mary Recipe – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Infused Vodka

1/2 Fresh Lime – Squeezed

6-8 dashes Worcestershire Sauce

4-6 dashes Tabasco Sauce

2-3 dashes Classic Bitters

3 dashes Celery Salt

2 dashes White Pepper

2 dashes Garlic Powder

2 dashes Onion Powder

Clamato Juice

Coarse Salt Garnish

Slice lime around rim of highball glass. Dip into salt. Fill with ice. Season ice with peppers, salts, seasoning and sauces. Add infused vodka. Top with Clamato juice. Squeeze in 1/2 fresh lime and drop into glass. Garnish with celery, olives, bell pepper slices, etc…

Tito’s is a handmade vodka crafted in an old fashioned pot still by Texas’ first and oldest distillery. It is distilled six times, making for an incredibly clean finish. If you would like more information about Tito’s vodka go to www.titos-vodka.com.

Reprinted from previous Intoxicologist site.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Classic Cocktails

Tagged Bloody Mary, Clamato, Clamato Juice, Classic Bitters, Classic Cocktail, Fresh Lime, Garlic, Infusion, Jalepeno, Pepper, Peppercorns, Red Bell Pepper, Tabasco, Tito's Vodka, Tomato Juice, Vodka, Worcestershire Sauce

Spiced Cherry Manhattan

Posted on December 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

The holiday season always turns my attention toward more classically styled drinks such as the Manhattan due to its warmth and the feeling of tradition. A great way to dress the drink for the holiday season, while keeping in tune with its classic nature is the addition of spiced cherries. Homemade spiced cherries can be made in batches so there are extra jars to give as gifts.

The Spiced Cherry Manhattan is an adaptation of the classic cocktail. The homemade Bourbon Spiced Cherries bring lush flavor and terrific kick to the cocktail without the usual sweet vermouth and bitters addition.

Find the recipe for Bourbon Spiced Cherries and other essential syrup recipes in the Bar Basics section.

Spiced Cherry Manhattan – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Bourbon

1/2 ounce Bourbon Spiced Cherries Syrup

Bourbon Spiced Cherry Garnish

Combine bourbon and syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice or strain into chilled cocktail glass according to preference. Garnish with bourbon spiced cherry.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Classic Cocktails

Tagged Bourbon, Bourbon Spiced Cherries, Cherries, Classic Cocktail, Holiday, Manhattan, Spiced Cherry Manhattan

5 on Friday: Bucket List Cocktails

Posted on October 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

1. Many have seen Anvil’s 100 Classic Cocktails You Must Try. If you haven’t, go take a look for some real cocktail inspiration. How many have you already sampled and what would you add to the list?

2. Some of my top choices made into the 21 Must Try Classic Cocktail Recipes post. Reader suggestions have extended the list beyond 21 drinks. If you have something to add, let me know.

3. Conversation on Twitter lead the way to the Top 10 Classic Cocktails as recommended by chat participants. A few were new to me at the time. Hopefully you’ll find something there to whet your cocktail hour appetite.

Then there are those cocktails that seem to rise to the top of the popular cocktails list time after time. These are the favorites that never seem to go out of style.

4. Many tweak and recreate The Aviation cocktail. No matter the variances in measurements, it’s always an oldie but goodie.

5. Whether you garnish with lime wedge or maraschino cherry, the classic Gimlet shines brightly as an easy two liquid ingredient cocktail.

There are certainly more cocktails to add to this list. What would you include in a Cocktails Bucket List? Share your ideas in comment or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Classic Cocktails, Five on Friday

Tagged Anvil, Bucket List, Bucket List Cocktails, Classic Cocktail, Five on Friday

5 on Friday: Fall into Halloween Fun

Posted on October 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

Can’t miss with the Caramel Apple Martini, fun for fall & for a Halloween Party hit!
Go classic with Blood & Sand. Great name, great taste.
Feel like stirring up a bit of trouble… Toiling in Trouble Sour. Amaretto Sour fans will love you!
Another must for Halloween season; Corpse Reviver 2. You haven’t lived until you’ve sipped the Corpse!
Simple nightcap worthy cocktail for fall; Hangman’s Noose.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Fall & Thanksgiving, Five on Friday, Halloween Cocktails

Tagged Classic Cocktail, Five on Friday, Halloween, Halloween Cocktails

5 on Friday: Tailgate Essentials

Posted on September 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

Five Things Tailgate Essentials - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Baby Guinness layered shot. Two ingredients. Delicious.
Jack Daniel’s Pigskin Punch. Easy make & take recipe for a crowd.
Egg optional in this Chicago Sour using Black Cherry Vodka.
The classic standby; Rum & Coke with a few variations to keep it interesting.
And of course the classic Irish Coffee.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Five on Friday, Football & Tailgating

Tagged Classic Cocktail, Coffee, Five on Friday, Football Drinks, Shot-tails, Tailgate Essentials

Rusty Nail

Posted on August 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

Labor Day closes out the summer season while gathering in family and friends. An excellent crowd pleaser is this two ingredient drink which is an easy favorite among scotch drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts riding the wave of Speakeasy couture. The version below tweaks the classic Rusty Nail recipe by dialing down the sweetness factor a notch so more scotch shines through in the flavor profile.

Rusty Nail

1-1/2 ounce Blended Scotch Whisky

1/4 ounce Drambuie

Build in an old-fashioned glass over ice. No garnish.

Please remember buzzed driving is impaired driving which is the equivalent to driving drunk. Plan ahead by arranging for a cab or designated driver.