Tag Archives: Heavy Cream

Have Your Chocolate Cake & Sip It Too

The best of both worlds merge when Chocolate Cake Day arrives. January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day by some foodie calendars. The phrase, “Have one’s cake and eat it too,” takes on new meaning when cake batter becomes liquid bliss shaken and strained into a cocktail glass.

January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day – June 11 is National German Chocolate Cake Day

German Chocolate Cake

1 ounce Coconut Rum

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1/2 ounce Frangelico

1/2 ounce Heavy Cream

Shredded Coconut Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with sprinkling of shredded coconut.

The Chocolate Cake Shot is another way to celebrate birthdays or Chocolate Cake Day. More fun Daily Holidays may be found by following the link.

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 – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

 

Holiday Shots Inspire Delicious Dessert Cocktails

Those cute little dessert shots often inspire full size sip worthy dessert cocktails perfect for holiday parties, Girl’s Night Out gift wrapping get-togethers or for an after dinner wind down sweet treat.  No need to squander away delicious shots with one gulp when a few extra additions could make the mini into something marvelous.

My Sweet Cherry – created by Cheri Loughlin

My Sweet Cherry created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin3/4 ounce Vodka or Rum

1/4 ounce Cherry Heering Liqueur

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1/2 ounce Irish Cream

2 ounces Cranberry Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to completely blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with skewered maraschino cherry. Notation: First few sips render mostly cherry, but once the flavor sits on the taste buds for a moment or two the intermingling of chocolaty mocha plays gracefully on the tongue. My Sweet Cherry was inspired by the Black Forest Cake shot.

Raspberry Brownie Escapade – created by Cheri Loughlin

Raspberry Brownie Escapade created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Vodka or Rum

3/4 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

3/4 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1 ounce Heavy Cream

1 ounce Half & Half

Skewered Raspberries Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to blend and chill thoroughly. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with skewered raspberries. Notation: Dreamy smooth raspberry chocolate. Coffee liqueur places seductively with the raspberry liqueur in this richly decadent cocktail. Excellent dessert style sipper. Raspberry Brownie Escapade was inspired by the Raspberry Brownie Bite.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.

Classic Dessert Cocktail: Brandy Alexander

Grated nutmeg is a must for this classic cocktail as it sets the tone for the bliss ahead.  While the Brandy Alexander leans on the sweet side, this makes a fabulous after dinner dessert cocktail for indulgence of the sinfully delicious sort.  It is said that at one time the Brandy Alexander was John Lennon’s preferred liquid indulgence.  Whether this is true or not could be left to speculation, but it did inspire the non-alcoholic Lennon’s Milkshake for the very reason John is said to have called the Brandy Alexander his ‘milkshake’.  If one were to blend the Brandy Alexander with ice cream and top it off with whipped cream this certainly would be the perfect ‘milkshake’.

January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day

Brandy Alexander photo copyright Cheri LoughlinBrandy Alexander

1 part Brandy

1 part Dark Crème de Cacao

1 part Heavy Cream

Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously to blend and chill.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Though the recipe calls for dark crème de cacao, if you only have light crème de cacao use it.  The significant difference between the two liqueurs is color rather than flavor.  Better to enjoy the drink using spirits on hand rather than skipping the experience all together.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Find The Intoxicologist on 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.

Inspiring Holiday Dessert Shots

Shot Glasses Entertaining photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

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 Shot photo copyright Cheri LoughlinAlmond 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

Black Forrest Cake Shot photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1/2 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 Shot photo copyright Cheri LoughlinCarrot 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 Shot photo copyright Cheri LoughlinPeppermint 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

Raspberry Brownie Bite Shot photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1/2 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.

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 – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Hot Chocolates for Happy Holidays

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.

Hot Chocolate at Chaz photo property of Cheri LoughlinCastries 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.

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 – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Eye Opening Hot Holiday Coffees, Ciders & Tea Recipes

There is no rest for the weary on Thanksgiving morning. Cooks across the country will rise early and be thankful for the eye opening warmth of caffeine in their cups as baking and basting begin for Turkey Day. Find a few coffee, cider and tea recipes to warm your holiday spirit throughout the early morning hours or save these temptingly delicious treats for after dinner dessert by the fire.

Castries Coffee

2 ounces Castries Peanut Rum Creme

4 ounces Fresh Brewed Coffee

Nutmeg and/or Chocolate Shavings Garnish

Combine ingredients in a pre-heated mug, sprinkle with nutmeg or garnish with chocolate biscotti.

Official Site Tasting Notes:  Warm, robust coffee flavor with a creamy peanut finish.  Enjoy anytime, anywhere.

Mexican Coffee

1 ounce Agavero

Cup of fresh brewed coffee

Dollop of fresh cream

Place Agavero in heat resistant mug. Add fresh brewed coffee. Garnish with fresh cream.

Café Pacifico

1-1/2 ounce Partida Blanco Tequila

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

4 ounces Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee

3 Bar Spoons Cinnamon & Sugar Mix

Heavy Cream

Prepare small warm wine glass.  Add Tequila and Coffee.  Mix in the cinnamon sugar.  Float heavy cream on top of the coffee.  Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar mix on top and a cinnamon stick.  Note:  The cinnamon sugar mix is 4 parts granulated white sugar to 1 part ground cinnamon.  Mix them together in a bowl.

Kentucky Coffee

1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon

1 part Starbucks Cream Liqueur

1/4 part Frangelico

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Whipped Cream Garnish

Place spirits in large heat proof mug. Top with fresh brewed coffee. Top with dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy this classic winter warmer at just 96 calories by following the recipe below.

Irish Coffee w Splenda copyright Cheri LoughlinIrish Coffee

1-1/2 ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey

Fresh Brewed Black Coffee

Splenda (to sweeten if you feel you need it)

Stir ingredients in a preheated mug and enjoy! Notation: Irish Coffee is a weekend staple in my home.  After the first pot of coffee is gone, the second pot is for sipping with Jameson Irish Whiskey; no sugar needed.

Hard Rocker Cider – makes 6 servings

1 cup Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila

4 cups Apple Cider

1 cup Cranberry Juice Cocktail

1/4 cup Triple Sec

1 teaspoon Nutmeg

Cinnamon Sticks, for garnish

Heat cider, stirring continually. Add cranberry juice cocktail and nutmeg. If using a crock pot, simmer on low just until hot for 2 hours. Do not boil. When ready to serve, turn on high for 10 minutes and stir in tequila and liqueur. Serve in heat proof mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. For quick serve, this may be prepared in the microwave.

King’s Cider

1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal

2 ounce Heated Cider

1/4 ounce Honey

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Cinnamon Sprinkle Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in heat proof mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Stir with cinnamon stick. Serve.

Cozy PAMA Cider

2 ounces PAMA

3 ounces Hot Mulled Apple Cider

Cinnamon

Super Fine Sugar

Orange Spiral

Heat white wine glass with hot water. Empty. Rim with Cinnamon and Super Fine Sugar.  Add PAMA and Hot Mulled Apple Cider. Garnish with Orange Spiral.

Heated Affair

2 ounces Partida Anejo Tequila

6 ounces Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Heavy Cream

In a small warm wine glass add Tequila and hot apple cider.  Float heavy cream.  Garnish:  Grate fresh Nutmeg over cream.

Apple Cider Preparation:In a pot add Organic Apple Juice.  Add winter spices like cloves, cinnamon stick, all spice and orange peel.  Start off by adding a few cloves, one cinnamon stick, etc… so as to find the right spiced apple cider flavor.  You can always add more spice later.  Bring everything to a low heat for about 15 minutes.  Taste for flavor.  When the desired flavor is reached then take off stove.  Strain out all the spices and orange peel.  Serve warm and enjoy!

Basil Hayden Spice

1-1/2 ounce Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

1-1/2 ounce Apple Juice

1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

Steaming Hot Water

Pour all ingredients in a pre-heated* glass coffee mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

*To pre-heat a glass or mug, simply fill with hot water and empty just prior to filling with ingredients.

Passion Tea

1-1/2 ounce Leblon Cachaça

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Monin Red Passion Fruit Syrup

5 ounces Hot Black Tea

Brew the black tea. Pour Leblon into heat proof cup followed by Cointreau and Monin Red Passion Fruit Syrup. Top with hot tea. Stir thoroughly.

The recipe below serves chilled, but opens the door to the holiday season ahead. Cheers!

Egg Nog - photo property of Cheri LoughlinMaker’s Mark’s Holiday Eggnog

1 liter Maker’s Mark

1 quart milk

1 quart heavy cream

2 dozen eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

Nutmeg for garnish

Separate eggs and beat yolks until creamy. Whip sugar into yolks. Beat whites until they stand in peaks, adding 1/2 cup additional sugar, if desired. Beat yolks and Maker’s Mark together, add whites. Beat cream. Add cream and milk to mixture. Add nutmeg to taste and garnish each cup with nutmeg. Makes 2 1/2 gallons.

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 – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Quick & Easy Drink Pairings for Football Weekend

Another week comes to a close and the words rolling off the tongue are thank goodness there’s football!  Better yet there are many complementary drink recipes already on the books that go hand in hand with many football teams.  It’s just a matter of finding them for clever match-ups.

Houston Texans fans might be pleased to find the Texsun cocktail served martini style with minimal ingredients. This clever cocktail includes bourbon and dry vermouth. Serve this on the rocks for easier tailgate preparation if you prefer.

Texsun paired with football team Houston Texans - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Texsun – Difford’s Guide #7

1-1/2 parts Bourbon

1-1/2 parts Dry Vermouth

1-1/2 part Pink Grapefruit Juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Dallas Cowboys fans also get a taste of bourbon, but this time mixed with a little dark rum.  The Midnight Cowboy is a darker spirited cocktail with warmer tones.  Though it is traditionally served martini style it would make an excellent long drink served on the rocks.  Better still, place 2 to 3 ounces of espresso in a tall glass on the rocks and add the remaining ingredients for a terrific early morning eye opening tailgate drink. Please keep in mind football and tailgating can be an all day event, so please consume responsibly.

Midnight Cowboy paired with football team Dallas Cowboys - photo copyright Cheri LoughlinMidnight Cowboy

2 parts Bourbon

1 part Dark Rum

1/2 part Half & Half or Heavy Whipping Cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake thoroughly.  Strain into a cocktail glass. Notation: There is no sugar in this cocktail. If your preference is a little sweet, add a wee amount of simple syrup to taste.

There is a shot by the name of Panther just waiting patiently for Carolina Panthers fans. Unfortunately this particular shot does not carry the same team colors, but perhaps will sip as slyly as a panther instead.

Panther

1 part Peach Brandy

1 part White Crème de Menthe

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

The St. Louis Rams should plan on shaking things up on the field this weekend. Fans should cheer them on with the Battering Ram.  This long drink contains a few more ingredients than the previous recipes, but definitely provides long sipping satisfaction.  Battering Ram leans a little toward sweet, so hold off on the sweet and sour mix until last and add it in according to taste preference for sweet factor.

Battering Ram paired with football team St Louis Rams - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Battering Ram

1/2 part Light Rum

1/2 part Dark Rum

1/2 part Homemade Sweet & Sour

1/4 part Bourbon

3 parts Orange Juice

Tonic Water

Orange Slice Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients except tonic water in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a highball glass filled half with ice.  Top with tonic water.  Garnish with orange slice.

Milkshakes go back as a personal favorite since childhood, so the Brown Cow recipe was a no brainer for inclusion in football favorites.  A little tweak of the recipe and use of Kahlua Especial turns this classic into something special for Cleveland Browns fans.

Especial Brown Cow paired with football team Cleveland Browns - adapted by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Especial Brown Cow – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 parts Kahlua

2-1/2 parts Milk

2-1/2 parts Half & Half

Splash Chocolate Syrup

Combine Kahlua, milk and half & half in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into Hurricane glass over fresh ice. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top.

The Jaguar contains the deeply rich flavor of Galliano blended with velvety ice cream for a lovely concoction for Jacksonville Jaguars fans. Winter chill might be settling in, but it’s really never too cold for a temptingly delicious ice cream treat.

Jaguar

2 parts Galliano

1 part White Crème de Cacao

2 scoops Ice Cream

Whipped Cream Garnish

Blend Galliano, White Crème de Menthe and ice Cream in a blender until completely smooth.  Serve in a parfait glass with whipped cream garnish.

San Francisco 49ers fans already know their team is named in honor of miners who headed west in a quest for gold. It’s appropriate to drive the team spirit home with a golden cocktail that takes little preparation so more time can be spent watching the game.  Golden Nail is a nice and easy smooth sipper.

Golden Nail paired with football team San Francisco 49ers - photo copyright Cheri LoughlinGolden Nail

1-1/2 parts Bourbon

3/4 parts Southern Comfort

2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Orange Twist Garnish

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.  Stir.  Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.  Garnish with fresh orange zest.

More football favorite cocktails and shot recipe articles can be found in the Football & Tailgating categories section or listed as individual recipes in the right hand column under Football & Tailgating.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com. Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Pink Elephant

February 14 has become a dreaded day for some due to the demands to go to extravagant lengths to demonstrate undying devotion.  Yet, Valentine’s Day is becoming more and more like the white elephant in the room.  The term White Elephant refers to a gift whose cost or upkeep exceeds its value.  Apply the term to Valentine’s Day and it becomes a real eye opener.  While there is indeed value in couples keeping romance alive, there is no need to keep that notion to one day.  Since the spirit of flirtation, love and hooking up whether it is short term or for the long haul is alive and well in singles and couples it makes sense to include all in the spirit of what Valentine’s Day. 

Pink Elephant

1-1/2 ounce Amarula Cream

1 ounce Chocolate Liqueur

3 ounce Raspberry Puree

2 ounce Merlot

3 ounce Heavy Cream

2 teaspoon Sugar

Mint Sprig & Raspberry Garnish

Place Amarula Cream, chocolate liqueur, raspberry puree and Merlot in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.  In a separate shaker add cream and sugar.  Dry shake (no ice) vigorously.  Carefully layer cream on top of liquid in martini glass.  Garnish with fresh skewered raspberry and mint sprig. 

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 – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Fun & Flirty Cocktail Recipes

Be still my heart…

There are movies, men and moments in life that make a woman weak in the knees, but as the saying goes; “there’s nothing quicker, than liquor.”  All kidding aside words of romance strike whimsical fancy in some people’s book while strumming a chord of cheesy Hallmark moment in another.  Allow the world of fanciful daydream filled with starry nights and fluttering eyelashes collide. 

Whether your chosen moment is Valentine’s Day, Girl’s Night Out, Bachelorette Party or Couple’s Night In, enjoy the moment with a few cocktails that capture moments of love and romance in a fun, flirty sort of style.

Passion – strong emotion, adoration, love, intensely powerful emotion, craving, amorous affection and desire felt by lovers for each other

Passion Rouge – created by Francesco LaFranconi

Cocktail 3 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1 measure Passion Fruit Liqueur

3/4 measure Passion Fruit Puree

3/4 measure Orange Juice

2 dashes Classic Bitters

1/2 measure Egg White

1 measure Champagne

Orange Twist & Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Combine liquids except champagne in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Add champagne. Swirl to blend. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and orange twist.

Kiss – buss, osculation, smack, graze, butterfly, French, to touch or caress with the lips, especially as a sign of ardor or affection

Cherry Kiss Martini – created by Jim Hewes

Camarena Delight - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services2 measures Vodka

1/4 measure Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Maraschino Cherry

Coat chilled martini glass with chocolate liqueur. Place maraschino cherry in well of coated glass. Pour chilled vodka into prepared glass.

Midnight – bewitching hour when all enchantment begins, temptation arises, enticement wins out and fascinating tales begin to weave charming stories of excitement and pleasure

Between the Sheets

Brandy Sidecar - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Brandy

1 measure Rum

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 measure Lemon Juice

Simple Syrup – to taste

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

Heart – essence, character, soul, compassion, tenderness, zest, moxie, spirit

Peg o’ My Heart

Batiste Cocktail with Wine Caraffe photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2 measures Dark Rum

1 measure Lime Juice

1/2 measure Grenadine

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

Flutter – tremble, oscillate, throb, shiver, flitter, dance, to move quickly, lightly and unsteadily as if with wings

Liquid Joy

Peach Simplici-Tea - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2 measures Rum

3 measures Pineapple Juice

3 measures Ginger Ale

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir with sip straw.

Love – adoration, rapture, enchantment, ardor, fervor, yearning, fascination, ardent affection, desire felt by lovers for one another

Lover’s Moon

The Chocolatier’s En-Core – created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin (2)1-3/4 measure Bourbon

1-1/2 measure Macadamia Nut Liqueur

1 measure Heavy Cream

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry. Double recipe to share under lover’s moon.

Smitten – infatuated, stricken, intense romantic attraction, lust

P.S. I Love You

La Posada - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services3/4 measure Irish Cream

3/4 measure Amaretto

1/2 measure Rum

1/2 measure Coffee Liqueur

3/4 measure Heavy Cream

Grated Chocolate Garnish

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

Rendezvous – affair, tete-a-tete, tryst, love nest, secretly unite

Ritz of New York

Ritz Cocktail - photo property of Cheri Loughlin1 measure Cognac

1/2 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1/8 measure Maraschino Liqueur

1/2 measure Lemon Juice

2-1/2 measure Brut Champagne

Orange Peel Garnish

Combine liquids except champagne in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into champagne flute or coupe. Top with champagne. Garnish with orange twist.

Heaven – bliss, ecstasy, rapture, Utopia, nirvana, harmony, elated pleasure

Honeymoon Cocktail

1-1/2 measure Applejack

1 measure Benedictine

2 teaspoons Orange Curacao

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

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

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.

Jingle My Bells Christmas Cocktails

The holiday spirit abounds from the time Thanksgiving weekend begins to the time New Year counts down.  Cocktail parties for the office, friends and neighbors provide occasions for gatherings with differing needs.  One might need punches and coffees for neighbors stopping in for a moment or two with greetings.   Family and friend type holiday parties require classic cocktails and specifically chosen martinis to suit particular palates since the gathering means hours of nibbling finger food and chatting over good times.  Office parties might suggest simpler martinis and cocktail recipes with fewer ingredients that still keep within the classic style yet appeal to a broader audience.

Holiday Neat

Put a little Holiday Cheer into your season with a few of the seasonal drink recipes below. Stay tuned to The Intoxicologist site for more festive cocktail recipes for all your party needs.

Christmas Fizz

2 ounces Right Gin

2 teaspoon Cranberry Jam

1 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1 Egg White

1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters

2 ounces Sparkling Water

Lemon Wedge and Cranberry Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients except sparkling water in mixing glass with ice.  Shake vigorously until frothy.  Add sparkling water to highball glass over fresh ice. Top with strained cocktail shaker mixture. Garnish with lemon wedge and cranberry.

Jack Frost

2 ounces Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

2 Tablespoons Cherry Juice or Grenadine

1/4 cup Orange Juice

1/4 cup Sour Mix

Maraschino Cherries Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries.

p.i.n.k. Christmas Cocktail

1-1/2 ounce p.i.n.k. Vodka

1-1/2 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Half & Half Cream

Splash of Frangelico

Splash of Chambord

Red Raspberries Garnish

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously until frothy. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered red raspberries.

Holiday Sangria – created by Chef Ryan Scott

1 bottle Dry Red Wine

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1 cup Orange Juice

1 Orange, thinly sliced

1 Lemon, thinly sliced

2 whole Pink Grapefruit, peeled, seeded and segmented

1 Papaya, diced

1 Mango, diced

3/4 cup Red Grapes, halved

2 bottles Zipang Sparkling Sake

4 cups Ice cubes

Place wine and brown sugar in large pitcher.  Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.  Add in orange juice and fruits.  Let mixture stand for 30 minutes.  Divide between 8 serving glasses. Pour over fresh ice.  Top with sake.

Corzo Holly

1-1/2 parts Corzo Reposado Tequila

3/4 part Fresh Lime Juice

1 part Simple Syrup

3 Fresh Strawberries – Quartered

3 Fresh Basil Leaves

1/8 part Balsamic Vinegar

Fresh Strawberry Garnish

Muddle strawberries, basil leaves and vinegar in mixing glass. Add remaining liquid ingredients with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberry.

Cazadorez Mistletoe Margarita

1-1/2 parts Tequila Cazadores Reposado

2 parts Pomegranate Juice

1/2 part Sour Mix

1/2 part Triple Sec

1/2 part Grenadine

Splash Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Wedge Garnish

Salt for Rim

Rim edge of rocks glass with salt if desired. Set aside. Combine all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Silent Dos Lunas Night

1 ounce Dos Lunas Silver Tequila

1 ounce Pomegranate Juice

Chilled Champagne

Place tequila and pomegranate juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne. Stir gently.

42Below Holiday Punch

1-1/2 parts 42Below Passionfruit

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 part Martini Rosso

1/2 part Benedictine

1 part Red Wine

1 part Spiced Syrup* (cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, orange peel, clove and star anise)

2 part Pink Grapefruit Juice

Garnish with fruits of choice.

*Spiced Syrup – 2 parts Sugar, 1 part water: Dissolve over low heat with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, orange peel, clove and star anise spices added in. Allow to cool.

Place all ingredients in large pitcher. Stir. Add large block of ice. Serve immediately.

G’ingle Bell

1 ounce G’vine Nouaison

1/4 ounce Lillet Blanc

1/2 ounce Apple Liqueur

1/2 ounce Simple syrup

1/4 ounce Lime Juice

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

Sleigh Ride

4 ounces Hot Apple Cider

1 ounce Averna

2 ounces Whiskey

1/2 teaspoon Honey

Cinnamon Stick

Place Averna and whiskey in heat proof mug.  Add hot cider and honey.  Stir with cinnamon stick.  Allow cinnamon stick to infuse into drink for a few minutes before serving.

Christmas Snowball

1/4 ounce Anisette or Pernod Absinthe

1/4 ounce Crème de Violette

1/4 ounce Heavy Cream

1/4 ounce White Crème de Menthe

1 ounce Plymouth Gin

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute.

Tinsel Bellini

2 ounces HPNOTIQ

1 ounce Limoncello

1 ounce Champagne

Splash of lime juice

Sugar for Rim

Rim chilled champagne flute with sugar. Set aside. Place Hpnotiq, limoncello and lime juice in mixing glass with ice. Stir or shake to chill. Strain into sugar rimmed champagne flute. Top with champagne.

White Christmas

1 ounce Right Gin

1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1/2 ounce Bénédictine

1/2 ounce Half & Half

Fresh Grated Nutmeg and Cinnamon Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in mixing glass with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into cocktail glass or dessert wine glass.  Dust with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Candy Cane Swirl

1 ounce SKYY Infusions Raspberry

3 ounces Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Grenadine

1/2 ounce Peppermint Schnapps

Sprite or 7Up

Candy Canes

Rim chilled martini glass with crushed candy cane.  Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to chill. Strain into candy cane rimmed martini glass.  Top with splash of Sprite.  Garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

Berry Merry Christmas

1-1/4 ounce Right Gin

3/4 ounce Pomegranate Liqueur

2 ounce Pomegranate Blueberry Juice

1/4 ounce Blueberry Syrup

3 dashes Blood Orange Bitters

2 wedges Lime (squeezed)

1 ounce Sparkling Wine

Fresh Strawberries and Blueberries Garnish

Place all liquids except sparkling wine into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with sliced strawberries and blueberries.

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