Tag Archives: Cranberry Juice

Happy Birthday Italian Cream Cake Martini & Giveaway

Posted on May 13, 2013 | 7 Comments

Italian Cream Cake Martini inspired by my favorite dessert cake! – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I shared my favorite cookie with you a few weeks ago when National Oatmeal Cookie Day graced the calendar. Today I’m sharing my all-time favorite cake with you; Italian Cream Cake. There isn’t a holiday for it that I know of. But, my birthday is tomorrow, May 14. If I’m not blowing candles out from a stack of Oatmeal Cookies, it’s usually from a homemade Italian Cream Cake.

Italian Cream Cake Martini is inspired by the Italian Cream Cake recipe for a Happy Birthday cocktail

My Happy Birthday Cocktail! – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I rarely see this particular cake in many bakeries. When I do, it’s usually some sort of mix without all the bells and whistles. I like my cake with all the bells and whistles if you know what I mean. I want my Italian Cream Cake dense and full of shredded coconut, not just coconut flavoring. There should be walnut chunks packed in there. And I like this particular cake served ice cold. Cream cheese icing with shredded coconut and more nuts sprinkled in there, too. That sounds pretty picky, I know. But I rarely eat desserts. I figure if I’m going to eat it, I want to thoroughly enjoy it.

Italian Cream Cake Martini Recipe

This year I nixed actual cookies or cake from the birthday plan. But I still wanted to enjoy a little dessert decadence. Just as the Oatmeal Cookie gets its shot at cocktail heaven, the Italian Cream Cake receives its place in cocktail glory.

Italian Cream Cake Martini – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Vanilla Vodka

3/4 ounce Malibu Coconut Rum

1/4 ounce Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

3/4 ounce Pineapple Juice

Maraschino Cherry & Lime Peel Garnish

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

I did think about using Praline Pecan Liqueur or a walnut liqueur for more authentic flavor since Italian Cream Cake recipes usually call for pecans or walnuts. Hazelnut liqueur is a bit easier to find making this recipe accessible for more people. The flavor works perfectly. There is nice cake batter flavor with the Vanilla vodka. It blends wonderfully with the coconut rum for the coconut flavor I love so much in the original cake recipe. Nut and pineapple flavors round out the cocktail just right. Dessert in a glass. Gotta love it!

But what would a birthday be without gifts?!

The Birthday Giveaway

Lolita Birthday Candle Glass

Grey Goose Recipe Cards

Birthday giveaway includes Lolita Happy Birthday glass candle, Grey Goose recipe cards, Mary Kay skin care sampler set, Vosges truffles, Appletini Shower Smoothie, and a few more girly gifts shown in the photo. (Background items such as flowers not included)

Fill in entry form below:

I would love it if you shared this giveaway on Facebook. Sharing does not count as an entry but I would definitely appreciate it.

Contest open from May 13 – 31, 2013 midnight CST. Contest is only open to US residents over the age of 21. Please read the Giveaway Policy.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share your comments

I would love to know… What is your favorite birthday cake, cookie, cocktail or dessert treat? Tell me in the comments section!

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Cocktails, Giveaways

Tagged Birthdays, Coconut Rum, Cranberry Juice, Frangelico, Giveaways, Italian Cream Cake, Italian Cream Cake Martini, Malibu Rum, Pineapple Juice, Vanilla Vodka

3 Sea Breeze Drink Recipe Variations

Posted on April 26, 2013 | Comments Off

Many of us have come to know the Sea Breeze drink as one of the more popular drinks of the 70’s. But did you know the Sea Breeze was really a Prohibition Era recipe born in the late 1920s? This makes the Sea Breeze a drink to add to your growing list of classic cocktails.

Sea Breeze Cooler & Galliano Breeze

The 1920s version of the Sea Breeze contained gin and grenadine. By the 1930s it became the Sea Breeze Cooler with gin, apricot brandy, grenadine, lemon juice and mint sprig garnish. I’ve seen internet chatter of a later version of the Sea Breeze using Galliano and Blue Curacao, but I’ve been unable to find an exact recipe. However, I did find a Galliano Breeze on Italian Food that you might find interesting.

We know how to make the modern day version of the Sea Breeze, so let’s talk about how to convert it for low calorie consumption.

Low Calorie Ocean Breeze

The Sea Breeze drink is a simple three ingredient cocktail. This makes flavor substitution a breeze for low calorie drink recipes. Take advantage of superbly crafted vodka flavor infusions for quick, low calorie cocktails. Rely on fresh squeezed fruit juice and low calorie bottled fruit juices.

Ocean Breeze – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka

3 ounces Light Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit Wedge Garnish – optional

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with small grapefruit wedge if desired. – Approximately 88 calories (I used Charbay Vodka while creating this cocktail, but use the brand you like the best.) Find calorie counts for some spirits and mixers in the Counting Calories chart found on this site.

The Sea Breeze drink recipe is a member of the New England Highball family of recipes. It enjoys company with the Cape Cod or Cape Codder, Bay Breeze, Madras, Sex on the Beach, Woo Woo and a few other off-shoot drink recipes. These drinks are ideally shaken over ice to create a foamy surface on the top of the drink before serve. Perhaps this is a reminder of the surface of the sea.

Comments Off

Posted in Low Calorie

Tagged 3 Ingredient Cocktail, Apricot Brandy, Blue Curacao, Charbay Vodka, Classic Cocktails, Cranberry Juice, Galliano, Galliano Breeze, Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Grapefruit Vodka, Grenadine, Low Calorie Cocktail, Lower Calorie, New England Highballs, Ocean Breeze, Sea Breeze, Sea Breeze Cooler

Get Bikini Ready with Low Calorie Cocktails

Posted on April 10, 2013 | Comments Off

You know spring is in the air when scraps of fabric (ie: bathing suits) begin appearing on the sleek and slender mannequins that line our favorite retailers. Just the thought of spring and eventual summer brings warmth to my ice cold toes. But slipping into a bikini at the first sign of sunshine season sends a chill up my spine. If I want to enjoy Happy Hour, beach body means mixing low calorie cocktails at the bar.

There are several low calorie cocktails on the market in ready to serve bottled or prepackaged form. If you’ve already found a product you like that keeps you on track counting calories to keep your girlish figure, then definitely keep doing what works for you. I get bored with the same cocktail over and over. I refer to the low calorie cocktails I’ve created through the years for variety as well as the Counting Calories chart when I want to look up calorie count on various spirits.

Now grab your bikini and let’s head to the beach!

Tropical Beach – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Coconut Rum or Vodka

1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps

1-1/2 ounce Light Cranberry Juice

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

Tropical Beach contains lovely coconut back. It is a light, fruity low calorie cocktail worthy of a tropical vacation. Slip into your bikini and relax. Tropical Beach is simple to make and flavorful without blowing your calorie budget.

Approximately 110.5 Calories

Many of the drinks in the low calorie cocktail category on this site fall within the 100 to 150 calorie range. They are full sized cocktails with full bodied flavor. If you get the munchies while sipping, Greatist has 88 snacks to nosh without the guilt. They’re all under 100 calories! I’m totally into rocking the beach bod by moving and shaking. Women’s Health Magazine has a plan to get you bikini body ready in no time!

Bring on the sunshine, bikinis and cocktails… low calorie cocktails that is!

Comments Off

Posted in Low Calorie

Tagged Coconut Rum, Coconut Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Low Calorie Cocktail, Lower Calorie, Peach Schnapps, Tropical Beach

2 Blood Orange Vodka Spring Drink Recipes

Posted on March 31, 2013 | Comments Off

SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka Bottle with Tasting Glass 097

The classic Negroni cocktail recipe is always a personal favorite go-to drink for summer or winter sipping enjoyment. When it was time to review the SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka, a variation of the Negroni instantly came to mind. Blood orange and grapefruit flavors both go rather nicely with the Negroni flavor profile. They seem to thin the drink recipe out a bit for warmer weather sipping. This makes the drink a great refresher. The cocktail recipe variation below just might be the ticket for soaking up a little sunshine.

By the way, March 31 is Oranges and Lemons Day. A Vodka infused with orange or blood orange would be perfect for the day!

Blood Orange Negroni

1 ounce SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka

1/2 ounce Campari

1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth

2 ounces Club Soda

Orange Slice Garnish

Fill highball glass two thirds full with ice. Add liquids to glass in order given, topping with club soda last. Garnish with orange slice.

If you feel like sipping something a little different (Orange Sorbet, Prosecco, SKYY Blood Orange Vodka and Orange Juice), then check out the Blood Orange Sgroppino drink recipe photographed and described in great visual detail on the Italian La Bella Vita blog. This cocktail looks amazing and sounds delicious!

Orange Breeze

2 ounces SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

Orange Twist or Orange Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist or orange slice garnish. (More drink recipes like this one provided by Campari America on flickr in the SKYY Infusions Blood Orange tag.

What is SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka?

Vodka infused with natural blood orange flavors. SKYY Infusions Blood Orange is made with real blood oranges and SKYY Vodka. It is carefully infused with all-natural ingredients with the goal of irresistibly crisp, fresh taste and lusciously sweet blood orange. – Information printed on bottle label

70 Proof / 35% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price:$15 to $19 range depending on area

Availability: Main market area is United States and Canada.

SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka Tasting Notes

Color: Clear

Aroma: Reminds me of opening a fresh bag of candy sweet tarts. Powdery sweet with bit of sugary tartness. Makes my mouth water a little. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Sweetness, though it is minimal. Very little burn. Orange with hint of bitter, like the oily skin of orange. Not lush. Bit fruity like you might expect from cocktail fruit juice, but not as sweet. Definitely reminds me more of candy flavor rather than natural fruit flavor. Slightly artificial tasting as it doesn’t seem to roll over the tongue with layered lushness. Seems a bit one dimensional in its streamlined flavor.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Campari America

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

Comments Off

Posted in Cocktails, Daily Holidays, Reviews

Tagged Blood Orange Negroni, Blood Orange Sgroppino, Blood Orange Vodka, Campari, Campari America, Club Soda, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lemon, La Bella Vita, Negroni, Orange Breeze, Orange Vodka, Oranges and Lemons Day, Pineapple Juice, SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka, SKYY Vodka, Sweet Vermouth, Vodka

Review: EPIC Peach Vodka

Posted on March 25, 2013 | Comments Off

Epic Peach Vodka 047 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

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

EPIC Peach Vodka Tasting Notes

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

Aroma: Peach for sure. Sweet succulent peach. Not sugary peach, but juicy peach. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Sweet! Not as sweet as liqueurs, but was definitely surprised at the sweetness in this 35% alcohol flavored vodka. Some flavored vodkas of this same alcohol content are not nearly as sweet. Peach flavor is very good. Ripe peach. Some burn. Slight artificial flavor in the aftertaste, but nice juice peach in the initial taste.

Mouth Feel: Medium. Bit thinner than the EPIC Classic, but still rolls over the tongue rather nicely.

Epic Peach - Stoli Peachik Comparison 056 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Comparable Spirit: Compared this to Stoli Peachik which contains peach flavor and is the same 35% alcohol content. EPIC Peach is much sweeter with more peach flavor and less burn.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: I see fresh spring cocktails in my future. Variations on Fuzzy Navels for sure. Simple Peach Vodka and Sprite (Zero if watching the girlish figure) or Soda would be a breeze.

EPIC Vodka has a few recommendations as well…

EPIC Cosmo

1-1/2 ounce EPIC Peach

3 ounces Cranberry Juice

Splash Peach Schnapps

1 teaspoon Lime Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Though they didn’t call for it, I think a fresh or even frozen peach slice would make a wonderful garnish!

EPIC Georgian

2 ounces EPIC Peach Vodka Mango Peach Margarita 3 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

1/2 ounce Elderflower Liqueur

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Oh, my! I can totally see this one blended into a frozen poolside sipper, can’t you?! Throw in some frozen peaches and whirl away!

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

Comments Off

Posted in Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Cosmo, Cranberry Juice, Elderflower Liqueur, EPIC Cosmo, EPIC Peach Vodka, EPIC Vodka, Fresh Lime, Orange Juice, Peach Schnapps, Peach Vodka, St-Germain, Stoli Peachik

Review: Crown Royal Maple Finished

Posted on March 21, 2013 | Comments Off

Crown Royal Maple Finished 005 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Crown Royal Maple Finished combines Crown Royal Whisky with a touch of maple flavor. The liquid is then sent through a unique maple toasted oak finishing process for added smoothness. The iconic purple bag has been altered Crown Royal Maple Finished 011 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin to fit the look and feel of this first variant to the Crown Royal brand. The Crown Royal Maple Finished bag is brown with gold embroidery to complement the copper and auburn highlights found in the whisky. – Brand fact information

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $25 range

Availability: Nationwide

Crown Royal Maple Finished Tasting Notes

Color: Beautiful copper in the bottle. Appears lighter in the glass, but still contains deep reddish, auburn highlights. Crown Royal Maple Finished 021 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Aroma: Just opening the bottle released immediate maple aroma. Smelled just like maple syrup. Made my mouth water for pancakes and bacon smothered in maple syrup. Also detected caramelized brown sugar. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Some burn. Some sweetness. Can really taste the caramelized brown sugar. Warming. Lovely maple flavor. Bit of vanilla, buttery. Lightly, sweetened maple. To be honest, I wish maple syrup were as gently sweetened while remaining as lush on flavor as this has come across in the first sampling. I love the balance of sweetness to maple flavor.

Mouth Feel: Medium with nice lingering maple finish and warmth.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: Leaning towards classic Praline Pecan Pie Manhattan 143 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin cocktails, the Manhattan makes perfect sense with this flavor profile. I might try using a mix of Praline Pecan Liqueur and Sweet Vermouth to enhance the maple flavor. There’s an example of this Manhattan variation using Woodford Reserve in the Praline Pecan Pie cocktail I created in 2010.

Another that makes a lot of sense; a really good apple cocktail variation. I played with three variations trying to come up with something that allowed the maple flavor to shine while giving the sensation of a deliciously crisp, yet lush apple.

Sample 1: 1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal Maple Finished, 3/4 ounce Caramel Apple Liqueur, 1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice, 1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice, Lime Twist Garnish. Shake liquids with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with Maple Apple Royale Sample 1 121 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin lime twist. Notes: Tastes like a lush caramel apple. Maple flavor gets a little lost with the caramel. Red cocktail like a juicy red delicious apple.

Sample 2: 1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal Maple Finished, 1/2 ounce Berentzen ApfelKorn, 1/4 ounce Buttershots, 1 ounce Cranberry Juice, 1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice, Lime Twist Garnish. Shake liquids with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime twist. Notes: Detect bit of burnt sugar in immediate taste. Not enough maple shine through. Red in color like a Honey Crisp apple.

As the saying goes, three times a charm. The third sample was my favorite of all.

Maple Apple Royale 144 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Maple Apple Royale – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal Maple Finished

1/4 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

1-1/2 ounce Apple Juice

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Twist Garnish

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

The color stays truer to the spirit with its warmer color. Apple flavor is much clearer. Maple shines through in deeper clarity. Buttery notes of the butterscotch schnapps complements the maple flavor rather nicely. Sipping this is like biting into a lovely buttery caramel covered apple. The buttery caramel is lightly sweetened and the apple remains fresh and crisp tasting.

What others are saying – I placed a photo on Facebook the day I sampled Crown Royal Maple, opening the discussion up for any thoughts and opinions for those who had sampled it, too. This is what others had to say:

Lisa N: I’ve tried only the Crown Royal Maple. Typical Crown Royal flavor with a long maple finish. Reminds me of pancakes. Very good

Warren B: The Crown Royal Maple is all wrong.

Vanessa S: Tried the Crown Royal Maple. Wasn’t impressed.

Rubén C: I’m sure Crown Maple is a good drink cause I’ve tried it. But it should be in cocktail.

Kevin H: Crown Maple has a nice nose of maple. I can’t say I really like it straight. I’m sure that maybe if it was mixed correctly then I may like it more.

Joe G: Both times tasting CR Maple I longed for a side of bacon, which isn’t a terrible thing, but it is just a bit too sweet. Has anyone found a decent mixer?

I recently stopped in at Nosh in Omaha. Brandon was working the bar that evening and told me about a new drink they’re offering. It’s warmed coffee that includes Crown Royal Maple Finish and RumChata with whipped cream and a few grated spices served in a large snifter. I haven’t sampled it yet, but the photo looked good and he made it sound delicious.

Review sample courtesy representatives of The Crown Royal Company – Crown Royal on Facebook – @CrownRoyal on Twitter

Comments Off

Posted in Cocktails, Reviews, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Apple Juice, Apple Martini, Berentzen ApfelKorn Schnapps, Butterscotch Schnapps, Buttershots, Caramel Apple Liqueur, Caramel Apple Martini, Cranberry Juice, Crown Royal, Crown Royal Maple Finished, Fresh Lime, Maple Apple Royale, Maple Syrup, Nosh, Omaha, Praline Pecan Liqueur, RumChata, Whiskey

Nichinan

Posted on February 20, 2013 | Comments Off

This lower calorie cocktail contains complete cherry ecstasy, if that’s possible in a cocktail. Fresh muddled cherries steal the show in this beautifully hued cocktail. Bit of warming factor after the first few sips.

Nichinan – created by Cheri Loughlin

6 Fresh Cherries

1 measure Brandy

1/2 measure Cherry Brandy

1/4 measure Lemon Juice

1 measure Light Cranberry Juice

Cherry Garnish – optional

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

Approximately 131 Calories

Comments Off

Posted in Low Calorie

Tagged Brandy, Cherries, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lemon, Lower Calorie, Nichinan

Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry: Cherry Cran Cooler

Posted on February 16, 2013 | Comments Off

Cherry Cran Cooler

1-1/2 ounce Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry

3 ounces Cranberry Juice

Fresh Lime – Squeezed

Lime Wedge Garnish

Fill highball glass two-thirds full with ice. Add Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry. Top with cranberry Juice. Add squeeze of fresh lime. Garnish with lime wedge. Stir briefly.

Recipe provided by representatives of Brown-Forman / Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort on Facebook – Southern Comfort on Twitter