Tag Archives: Holiday

Blushing Blue

Blushing Blue photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Holiday brunch with friends and family is a great way to spread holiday cheer. Skip the usual Mimosa or Bellini and serve something truly unique to guests. Blushing Blue uses the deeply lush Blueberry Lavender Syrup. This versatile syrup is lovely sipped with champagne or club soda, but goes the distance as luscious dipping syrup for a few brunch food favorites like pancakes and waffles.

Blushing Blue – created by Cheri Loughlin

3/4 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3 ounces Brut Champagne

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place chilled syrup and fresh juice in champagne flute. Top with champagne. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Spiced Guava Punch

Holiday parties, open house events and spur of the moment informal gatherings call for quantity and quality cocktails for guests. Be prepared for the unexpected impromptu gathering by keeping a make ahead party punch chilled and ready to pour.

Spiced Guava Punch 018 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Spiced Guava Punch – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-750ml bottle Guava Rum

6 ounces Spiced Rum

12 ounces Lemon Juice

8 ounces Velvet Falernum

8 ounces Brown Sugar Syrup

3 ounces Orgeat (Almond Syrup)

15 ounces Water

Brut Champagne

Orange Twist Garnish

Place all ingredients except champagne in large container. Stir. Refrigerate several hours until ready to serve. Serve from punch bowl or pitcher in rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with champagne. Garnish with orange twist. Spiced Guava Punch can be topped with Club Soda rather than champagne. – This recipe will fit into 3 empty standard size 750ml bottles which takes up less space than most pitchers. Save empty liquor bottles. Strip off labeling. Use the bottle for an easy pour and serve option for your next gathering.

I used Cruzan Rum since it was already in my liquor cabinet. Use whichever brand you usually purchase or have on hand.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Fireside Cappuccino

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

Fireside Cappucino 026 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

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

Fireside Cappucino 018 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Fireside Cappuccino

1 cup Powdered Chocolate Milk Mix

1 cup Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

3/4 cup Unsweetened Instant Coffee

3/4 cup Sugar

1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1 Tablespoon Dried Orange Peel – optional

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

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

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Blue Bourbon Frost

Blue Bourbon Frost 087 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Drinks that go long are excellent for holiday parties and informal gatherings. Club soda provides celebratory sparkle to this holiday hued cocktail. Recipe for Blueberry Lavender Syrup can be found on this site in the Bar Basics section by following the link within the recipe.

Blue Bourbon Frost – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Bourbon

1/2 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

2 ounces Club Soda

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Spiced Cherry Manhattan

Spiced Cherry Manhattan 079 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

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.

Spiced Cherry Manhattan 075 photo copyright Cheri LoughlinFind 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.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Blue & Silver Bells

Silver and Blue Bells photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Blue & Silver Bells is loosely based on a basic Margarita recipe, but this time with a special flavored twist. Blueberry Lavender Syrup lends delicious fruited flavor and beautiful color to the glass. Recipe for Blueberry Lavender Syrup can be found on this site in the Bar Basics section by following the link within the recipe.

Blue & Silver Bells – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Silver Tequila

3/4 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in rocks glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Spiced Celebration Sparkler

It’s a celebratory margarita that sparkles. Bitters give just a tinge of added depth and color to this terrific orange spiced cocktail. Orange twist is recommended to bring out more orange depth. Lime twist recommended for more margarita feel.

Spiced Celebration Sparkler – created by Cheri Loughlin

Spiced Celebration Sparkler - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services1 measure Camarena Reposado Tequila

1/2 measure Spiced Orange Syrup

1/2 measure Lime Juice

2 dashes Classic Bitters

2 measures Brut Champagne

Lime or Orange Twist Garnish

Combine tequila, syrup, lime juice and bitters in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Garnish with lime or orange twist according to preference.

*Spiced Orange Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

Zest of 1 Orange

10 to 12 Whole Cloves

1 heaping tablespoon Whole Allspice

3/4 cup water

1-1/2 cup Cane Sugar

Place all ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved (approximately 5 minutes). Strain. Discard zest and spices. Refrigerate syrup.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services 

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

Fernandito

Fernandito 1 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Fernandito is a wonderful choice for winter sipping and holiday parties. Cranberry adds a nice festive feel to the glass with warming touches of spiced rum.

Fernandito – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Spiced Rum

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with floated lime wheel.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Jubilant Blue Bells

Jubilant Blue Bells 054 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Festive champagne cocktails round out the holiday season with bubbly joy. Jubilant Blue Bells utilizes handcrafted Blueberry Lavender Syrup bringing personalized flair to the cocktail glass. Recipe for Blueberry Lavender Syrup can be found on this site by following the link within the recipe.

Jubilant Blue Bells – created by Cheri Loughlin

3/4 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup

1/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3 ounces Brut Champagne

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine vodka, syrup and lemon juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into champagne flute. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Barefoot Midnight Memento

After dinner cocktails during the fall and winter months are an excellent way to relax and reminisce with friends and family. Barefoot Midnight Memento easily combines into late night sipping cocktail with fruit cake nutty sweetness.Barefoot Midnight Memento - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services

Barefoot Midnight Memento – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon

1/2 measure Crème de Cacao

1/2 measure Cherry Liqueur

Combine liquids in snifter glass. Optional garnish: Single brandied cherry skewered and placed across top of snifter glass.

Cocktail Recipe and Photo commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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