Tag Archives: Fresh Lime

Groovy Red Rock Colada Cocktail Recipe

Groovy Red Rock Colada Cocktail uses Bacardi flavored rums – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Groovy Red Rock Colada Cocktail uses Bacardi coconut & peach flavored rums – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Cocktails aren’t just about Pre-prohibition Era style drinks, molecular mixology, making our own signature bitters and who has bragging rights to the most expensive cocktail on the planet served with the largest sparkling gem in the well of the glass. Most often cocktails are purely for living in the moment. They are simplistic recipes for hectic days. Drink choices reveal a person’s mood, whimsical wants and ordinary needs. Cocktails are about pleasure, enjoyment and experiencing the moment.

So for a moment, let’s put the fun back into cocktails. Hide the vermouth, forget about fat washing, no waiting on infusions. Just pull out a couple of bottles, pour and enjoy. The ocean waits for you. Imagine the sound of waves splashing onto the sandy shore. Dip your feet into the water. Wriggle your toes in the sand. Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Whimsical wants. That’s the beach life baby!

Groovy Red Rock Colada Cocktail Recipe

The Groovy Red Rock Colada Cocktail is a no blender necessary style Pina Colada cocktail... EASY! – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Groovy Red Rock Colada Cocktail is a no blender necessary style Pina Colada cocktail… EASY! – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

I LOVE the aroma in this cocktail! Photographing the Groovy Red Rock Colada was grueling. No exaggeration. I wanted to gulp it immediately, not take its picture. Its peachy coconut aroma kept wafting up taunting me.

The Groovy Red Rock Colada is peachy with subtle coconut. On a scale of 1 to 10 I’d say the sweetness factor is maybe a 5. Sweet, but it doesn’t go candy cocktail overboard. The balance is just right. The cocktail weighs in lightly. No heaviness here. Just fun. Nice layering of flavor. Coconut lingers a smidgen on the tongue.

Groovy Red Rock Colada – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1 ounce Bacardi Peach Red Rum

1 ounce Bacardi Rock Coconut Rum

1-1/4 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup

Peach Slice Garnish

Combine Bacardi rums, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with peach slice.

Garnishing Tip

Frozen peach slice as garnish keeps the cocktail cold and you don't waste cutting into an entire peach for garnish. Score! – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Frozen peach slice as garnish keeps the cocktail cold and you don’t waste cutting into an entire peach for garnish. Score! – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Why “waste” an entire fresh peach if you don’t plan on using it? Don’t skip the peach garnish. Purchase a bag of frozen unsweetened sliced peaches. Pull one frozen peach slice out of the bag before you gather your cocktail ingredients. Place the frozen peach slice on your prep cutting board or small plate as you assemble your cocktail. It will begin to thaw just slightly.

Pierce peach slice lengthwise with skewer just before shaking cocktail. Place skewered peach in chilled martini glass. Strain cocktail into martini glass over the peach slice garnish.

The peach slice is still partially frozen so it helps keep the cocktail cool while you sip. It finishes thawing while you sip. Nosh away! No wasted peaches here!

Add your comment: What garnishing tip do you use to keep fruit waste to a minimum?

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

Mai Tai Drink Mixes Up Sweet Heat

Mai Tai Me Up is a spiced up version of the classic Mai Tai - recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Mai Tai Me Up is a spiced up version of the classic Mai Tai – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The classic Mai Tai drink recipe is commonly known to include Orgeat, almond syrup. I created this variation of the Mai Tai drink while reviewing Blackheart Spiced Rum. I found this particular rum worked well in tropical drink recipes and cocktails that leaned more toward warmer tones. That’s one of the reasons I chose to work with Falernum rather than Orgeat in this variation of the Mai Tai drink recipe. Blackheart Spiced Rum already contains a significant amount of vanilla with almond tones. It just made sense to incorporate more Tiki spice into the drink.

Mai Tai Me Up Drink Recipe

Mai Tai Me Up – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

2 ounces Blackheart Spiced Rum

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

3/4 ounce Velvet Falernum

3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Mint Leaf Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with mint leaf.

More Mai Tai Drink Recipes

Mai Tai Teenie is the low calorie version of the classic Mai Tai - photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Mai Tai Teenie is the low calorie version of the classic Mai Tai – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Falernum is sometimes difficult to find locally, so make your own with the easy Homemade Falernum recipe found in the link.

Another Mai Tai variation can be found in the popular 21 Must Try Classic Cocktails post. By the way, if you think of a classic cocktail that should be added to that that post, please mention the cocktail recipe in the comments section. I would love to add your suggestions!

Figure friendly cocktails that are truly fresh tasting and flavorful are difficult to come by. Rest assured the Mai Tai Teenie will keep your taste buds happy with only 127 calories in the glass. This low calorie Mai Tai uses fresh pineapple and orange juice rather than orange liqueur for wonderful fresh flavor.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Margarita on the Rocks

Skinny cocktails don’t have to come from a bottle. This fresh made margarita on the rocks makes the grade with fewer calories than a classic margarita and you still choose your preferred tequila. Beats bottle made any day.

Margarita on the Rocks - Low Calorie Cocktail

Margarita on the Rocks is only 82 calories and you make it fresh! – recipe & photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Margarita on the Rocks – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Tequila

1/4 measure Triple Sec

2 measures Lime Sparkling Water

Crystallized Lime & Sea Salt Rim

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine crystallized lime and sea salt. Rim rocks glass with lime and dip into salty lime mixture. Fill glass with fresh ice. Add liquids to glass in order given. Stir. Garnish with lime wheel.

Approximately 82 Calories

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

American Harvest Farm to Table Cocktail Recipes

American Harvest Organic Spirit 07 with Tasting Glass

I am a tried and true vodka lover. I sip it on the rocks; with or without a lime peel. In an extremely Dry Martini with lemon twist; extremely dry means just vodka shaken or stirred with ice only please. No complicated drink recipe there. In the case of American Harvest Organic Spirit, I would even choose equal parts vodka to gin on the rocks or martini style. What I’m saying is American Harvest is easily sippable. I think it’s a great value for the money and it will be a winner when mixed in an abundance of cocktail recipes.

Speaking of cocktails and drink recipes, American Harvest launched fully prepared. They have some great recipe suggestions for spring with more cocktail recommendations in the future. The two recipes below utilize garden fresh herbs, vegetables and berry fruits for the freshest farm to table cocktails. Read on and stay tuned.

Local Harvest

2 ounces American Harvest Organic SpiritAmerican Harvest Local Harvest photo provided by Sidney Frank Importing Company Inc 600

4 Fresh Basil Leaves

3 Lime Wedges

3 Thin Slices Cucumber

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

Basil Leaf & Cucumber Slice Garnish

Muddle basil, lime and cucumber in mixing glass. Add American Harvest, agave nectar and ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with basil leaf and cucumber slice.

Very Berry Harvest

2 ounces American Harvest Organic SpiritAmerican Harvest Very Berry Harvest photo provided by Sidney Frank Importing Company Inc 600

4 Fresh Mint Leaves

4 Blackberries

4 Raspberries

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

Ginger Beer

Crushed Ice

Blackberries, Raspberries & Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and berries in mixing glass. Add American Harvest, agave nectar and crushed ice. Gently swizzle. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with berries on a cocktail pick and mint sprig.

American Harvest Organic Spirit 057 with Tasting Glass

What is American Harvest Organic Spirit?

Organic Vodka & Organic Flavor. Snake River USA

American Harvest is handcrafted in small batches from organic winter wheat grown on a family owned and sustainably managed American farm. It is distilled and bottled in Rigby, Idaho using water from aquifers deep beneath the Snake River plain. American Harvest is the creation of Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., a third generation family business that is 100% US owned and operated.

American Harvest has no artificial additives or preservatives and is produced with a continuous column distillation process and charcoal filtration to ensure the integrity and purity of the spirit. The American Harvest Distillery is USDA Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth. – American Harvest media materials

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $23.99

American Harvest Tasting Notes

Color: ClearAmerican Harvest Organic Spirit 054 with Tasting Glass

Aroma: Faint hint of peppercorn. White pepper maybe. Roundness like vanilla, but not quite as lush.

Tasted Neat: Definite vanilla. Rich vanilla. Hints of sweetness like buttery butterscotch, but the spirit isn’t sugared. Bit of nut skin like macadamia nut oiliness. Pink peppercorn maybe. Barely any burn. Rolls over the tongue nicely. Perhaps a wee hint of coffee. Proves that vodka is no longer the “tasteless” spirit. Almost brings the vodka and rum categories a little closer together where taste and flavor are concerned.

Mouth Feel: Excellent viscosity. Lingering flavor.

Comparable Spirit: The premium vodka category is becoming more affordable and less comparable from one brand to another. Like I mentioned, once considered a completely blank slate spirit, vodka is lifting the veil and allowing consumers to discover there’s more to it than raucous burn.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. & American HarvestAmerican Harvest on Facebook – @AHOrganicSpirit on Twitter

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey Spring Drink Recipes

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey Bottle Photo 028

You’ll notice Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey doesn’t say “moonshine” on the label. It’s White Whiskey, not moonshine. It isn’t backwoods, bootleg liquor of the illicit sort. It isn’t unaged whiskey, otherwise known as white dog. This is one-of-a-kind, aged whiskey, made from the same mash bill Jacob Beam started with so long ago in 1795.

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey Bottle Photo 031

It’s white whiskey that could be consumed straight or on the rocks, but why do that when there are plenty of drink recipes with whiskey available to tweak with this spirit variation?

Jacob’s Ghost is aged for at least one year in charred, white oak barrels yielding a light-bodied 80-proof whiskey. It is clean and crisp on the nose with hints of light vanilla and sweet corn undertones. The aging process renders a smooth, sweet flavor with hints of smoke, rounded out by soft barrel notes on the finish. – Brand fact sheet information

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey Bottle Photo 033

Some like Jacob’s Ghost just the way it is, but it’s also fun to shake things up a bit with a few whiskey cocktail drink recipes. The whole speakeasy movement and throwback to Prohibition Era cocktails has brought new thought to reinventing the way classic cocktails are fashioned. The following are a few brand recommended drink recipes for spring sipping.

Southern Storm – created by Tony Devencenzi, San Francisco

1-1/2 ounce Jacob’s Ghost White WhiskeyJacob's Ghost Southern Storm Whiskey Drink Recipe

1-1-2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1-1/2 ounce Ginger Beer

4 to 5 dashes Angostura Bitters

Pineapple Wedge Garnish

Combine whiskey and juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Add dashes of bitters. Garnish with pineapple wedge.

You thought you knew the easy 2 ingredient beer cocktails; Shandy and Shandy Gaff. Now get to know them a little better by adding some ghostly spirit to the cocktail.

Jacob’s Shandy – created by Lynn House, Chicago

1 ounce Jacob’s Ghost White WhiskeyJacob's Ghost Shandy Whiskey Drink Recipe

2 ounces Lemonade

1 ounce Light Beer – chilled

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Combine whiskey and lemonade in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into chilled rocks glass – no ice. Top with chilled beer. Garnish with lemon wheel.

The Moscow Mule is a classic vodka drink recipe with simple two ingredients. Jacob’s Ghost sweetens the deal by making this a white whiskey drink recipe with dazzling ginger liqueur topped with the traditional ginger beer.

Clermont Mule – created by Larry Rice, Kentucky

1 ounce Jacob’s Ghost White WhiskeyJacob's Ghost Clermont Mule Whiskey Drink Recipe

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1/4 ounce DeKuyper Ginger Liqueur

Ginger Beer

Build liquids in rocks glass over fresh ice in order given, saving ginger beer until last. Stir gently. Top with ginger beer.

Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey began selling nationwide February 2013 for suggested retail price of $21.99 for 750ml bottle.

Tasting notes & cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of Beam Global – Jim Beam on Facebook – JimBeamOfficial on Twitter

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Auchentoshan Classic Scotch Cocktail

The premier destination to buy fine wine on the Internet.

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Classic 002 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Many believe using a single malt Scotch in a mixed drink is a crime. Using a single malt can add a rich, through-the-line taste and aroma that can’t be beat. The following recipe shows just how great using a single malt can be. Plus, it’s the perfect way to introduce Scotch to the less initiated. – media materials

David Clelland, International Whisky Specialist, introduces Auchentoshan Classic in the video below. He also demonstrates the Glasgow Kiss.

Glasgow Kiss – created by Fat Radish Restaurant, NYC

1-1/2 ounce Auchentoshan ClassicAuchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Classic 013 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/2 Fresh Pear

1 teaspoon Pear Jam

5 Cardamom Pods

1/2 ounce Orange Curacao

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Triple Pear Fan Garnish

Muddle cardamom pods and fresh pear in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add remaining liquid ingredients with ice. Shake to blend. Double strain into an old fashioned glass over crushed ice. Garnish with triple fan garnish.

Wine Chateau carries many of the Auchentoshan expressions including the Auchentoshan Classic. Their site includes basic tasting notes, like the ones below provided by the brand, and lengthy technical notes concerning the process and the distillery.

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Classic 008 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Triple distilled and matured solely in American bourbon casks. The result: a Lowland Single Malt Whisky with the sweet aromas of vanilla and coconut; along with the signature smooth, delicate, Auchentoshan taste. – media materials

Offical Auchentoshan Brand Tasting Notes

Color: Pale Gold

Aroma: Rich vanilla and coconut, hint of green apple and a tang of citrus zest

Taste: Sweet vanilla cream, fresh green apple skin and a little mint

Finish: Fresh, floral zestiness

80 Proof / 40% alcohol – $35 to $45 price range depending upon where you buy

Post sponsored by Wine Chateau. – Tasting notes and recipe courtesy representatives of Campari America and Auchentoshan. Auchentoshan on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: Caliche Rum

Caliche Rum 065 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Caliche Rum is aged up to four years. The purpose of slow blending is to give the rum an extremely smooth, modern characteristic with unique, clean balance of vanilla and citrus flavor and hint of oak. The intention in taste experience is an immediate rum flavor with velvety texture, followed by hints of caramel and vanilla. Citrus lingers slightly providing a crisp note then cleanly disappears with light tannins and oak. – media materials provided by brand representatives

Distilled, aged and bottled by Destilleria Serrallés, Inc. Ponce, Puerto Rico.

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $25 range

Availability: Initially available in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Dallas

Caliche Rum 086 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Tasting Notes

Color: Clear

Aroma: Some burn. Flat. Bit non-descript as far as rum goes.

Tasted Neat: Butterscotch. Quite a bit of burn. Burn does dissipate rather quickly, though. Barely any sweetness. Buttery is faint. Slight vanilla. Hardly any roundness as some rums seem to have. Little bit of toffee. Hint of coffee. Light citrus.

Mouth Feel: Thin

Caliche Wood Top 076 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

I love the rope around the neck of the bottle and the wooden bottle stopper. Interesting design etched in the wood, too. Not a fan of the orange lettering or the actual bottle though. But hey, it’s what’s inside that counts, right?!

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: Rum cocktails always make an appearance on my back deck when warmer weather finally makes its way back around. Pick up a bottle, grab a shaker and enjoy the sunshine.

Caliche Rum has a nice selection of cocktails on their website. I thought you might enjoy the two below for starters.

Cali GrapefruitBurnt Orange Tang copyright Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Caliche Rum

1/2 ounce Campari

1 ounce Grapefruit Juice

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

Club Soda

Grapefruit Wedge Garnish

Combine Caliche Rum, Campari, juice and agave nectar in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Pour into goblet or highball glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Cali Gold

2 ounces Caliche Rum

1 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

3 – 6 Cilantro Leaves

Cilantro Leaf Garnish

Lightly muddle cilantro leaves in mixing glass. Add liquid ingredients with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with cilantro leaf.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Caliche Rum@CalicheRum on Twitter – CalicheRum on Facebook

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: EPIC Peach Vodka

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: ClearEpic 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 CosmoVG Pom Cosmo 4 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

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 VodkaMango 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

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Review: Crown Royal Maple Finished

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 Loughlinto 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 Loughlincocktails, 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 Loughlinlime 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 CompanyCrown Royal on Facebook – @CrownRoyal on Twitter

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Drink in the Beaches of Blue Hawaii

With Spring Break in full swing for some, yet the beautiful beaches out of reach for the vast majority it seems appropriate to bring Hawaii to the masses in the form of drink. Perhaps Hawaii is better known for more unusual drinks using ingredients such as papaya or Li Hing Mui, but the Blue Hawaiian is the cocktail with the namesake. 

Happy 1st Day of Spring! What better way to celebrate spring than dream about catching a few Hawaiian waves. YouTube video posted by gdaniels32. Be sure to click through and subscribe to the original feed and look up the photography at www.beachboyphotography.com.

In researching the Blue Hawaiian, so many versions surfaced it was difficult to decipher which one was the “real” Blue Hawaiian and which ones were the imposters. What also came to the forefront is another drink often confused for the Blue Hawaiian; the Blue Hawaii. These two drinks share a name so similar it is no wonder they are often confused by many a bartender and patron alike. So let’s break down the difference.

A true Blue Hawaiian never contains vodka, but rather rum. It also uses cream of coconut rather than sweet and sour mix. Adversely, the Blue Hawaii uses vodka instead of rum and sweet and sour mix, but no cream of coconut. Both however share something in common always; Blue Curacao. 

Blue Curacao is essentially an orange liqueur infused with the dried peels of the Larahas plant which is derived from the Valencia orange. The difference between Blue and Orange Curacao is the color. Substituting one for the other in a drink will only change the color, not the taste. 

The Blue Hawaii has an advantage over the Blue Hawaiian in that it makes for quite the easy party punch as well as individual cocktail drink. Since the Blue Hawaiian traditionally calls for cream of coconut which needs thorough stirring, shaking or blending, it is not conducive to a punch bowl setting. 

So, you decide. Pour over ice, stir, shake, or put the blender on puree. Set your sights on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, sit back and sip a tall, cool one. Choose one or try them all. 

Fiddler's Green - Blue Hawaiian 111

Blue Hawaiian

1 ounce Light Rum

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Cream of Coconut

Pineapple Chunks Garnish

1 cup Ice

Combine liquids and ice in blender. Blend until all ice is thoroughly blended in cocktail. Pour into highball glass or decorative glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Blue Hawaii

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Sour Mix

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

2 to 3 ounces Orange Juice

Pineapple Chunks & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir to blend. Garnish with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherry.

Blend both worlds by trying the Blue Hawaii Cocktail.

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

1 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

1/2 ounce Coconut Rum

1-1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

3/4 ounce Lime Juice

Lemon Twist

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

See alternative reader version of the Blue Hawaii drink.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.