Tag Archives: Lemon Lime Soda

Review: Lucid Absinthe Supérieure

Posted on February 16, 2013 | Comments Off

Reprinted in part from 2008 review. New information and recipes added.

Lucid took the United States by storm in 2007 after Viridian Spirits negotiated the return of genuine absinthe to U.S. soil after years of it being prohibited. Since March of 2007, Lucid has become quite the hot commodity in markets where imbibers look for the unusual and daring.

124 proof / 62% alco/vol

Suggested Retail Price: $59.99 for 750ml bottle

Available in both on- and off- premise locations throughout the United States

Imported by Viridian Spirits, the exclusive U.S. importer of T.A. Breaux’s Jade Liqueurs’ Nouvelle-Orleans Absinthe Supérieure. Available in the U.S., unchanged from its original formulation.

Lucid contains no commercial oils, essences, extracts, artificial coloring or other non-traditional ingredients.

After being prohibited in the U.S. for such an extensive time period many may not know what absinthe really is. Genuine absinthe is always distilled directly from a mixture of whole herbs in a neutral spirit of agricultural origin. The herbs must include Grande Wormwood, European green anise and sweet fennel and may also include other culinary herbs. The traditional green color is derived directly from the whole herbs and never from artificial colorant or chemicals. Absinthe never contains sugar as bottled; therefore it should not be classified as a liqueur. The high concentration of alcohol (60-70% on average) is needed to preserve the herbal content and natural green color. Lucid starts out at 124 proof, but the traditional French manner of preparing absinthe lowers the alcohol content to approximately 30 proof for sipping purposes.

The flavor of Lucid is an acquired taste for sure. Straight out of the bottle and into a glass, the flavor is too strong for me to say the very least. But I wanted a clear picture of what I was getting into with this tasting. Even though there is no sugar in the bottling of Lucid itself, there seems to be just a hint of sweetness in the finish. Possibly this stems from the neutral spirit the herbs are distilled in. The taste of licorice is extreme. If you are a fan of licorice, this is a spirit for you.

I was fortunate enough to have a spirits aficionado, Dan Crowell, lead me through the tasting of Lucid. He not only had an old-fashioned absinthe Brouillier that sits upon individual glasses, but he also had the Lucid Absinthe fountain. I have to say the old world charm of the Brouillier captures the history of bartending for me. Incorporating old and new is what modern day cocktailing is all about. We can never forget that bartending is an actual craft.

“Louching” occurs when the water mixes with the absinthe. This causes an opalescent cloud of herbal essences and fragrance to rise from the spirit.

Dan prepared the Lucid in the traditional French manner, explaining each step as he went along. As the water drips over the sugar cubes, through the slotted absinthe spoon and into the Lucid, it begins to cloud, releasing the herbal essence within the spirit. The scent of the licorice permeates the area. Once four to five ounces of ice-cold water have been dripped into the Lucid, it is time to taste. To be perfectly honest, Lucid prepared in this manner has the flavor of Good & Plenty Licorice candies. It is light and sweet on the palate with certain gentleness to it. There is definite licorice flavor to be sure, but it is not harsh. While I am not a fan of licorice or anise, sipping Lucid in the true way it was meant to be consumed opened my eyes to something new I may have never tried otherwise.

Lucid is truly a unique spirit worth learning about. The traditional French method is not the only way to try Lucid either. Lucid went to great lengths to appeal to the masses. Their Lucid cocktails are a testament to this fact.

The Mint Muse – variation on a classic Mojito

1-1/2 ounce Lucid Absinthe Supérieure

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

Lemon Lime Soda

6 to 8 Mint Leaves

Lime Wedge

Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and lime wedge in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add Lucid, juice and ice. Shake to blend. Pour into highball glass. Top with lemon lime soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

Van Gogh

2-1/4 ounce Gin

3/4 ounce Lucid Absinthe Supérieure

1/4 ounce Black Currant Syrup

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over ice.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Lucid Absinthe Supérieure

www.facebook.com/LucidAbsintheSuperieure & www.twitter.comLucidAbsinthe

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged Absinthe, Black Currant Syrup, Brouillier, Dan Crowell, Fresh Lime, Gin, Grande Wormwood, Lemon Lime Soda, Louching, Lucid Absinthe Supérieure, Mint Leaves, Mojito, Pineapple Juice, The Mint Muse, Viridian Spirits

7 Two Ingredient Cocktails for Labor Day

Posted on August 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Labor Day celebrates the hard working American laborer and is often observed as a day (or weekend) set aside for end of summer parties and celebrations. We could opt for high end, call out all the stops, seventeen ingredient cocktails to “Wow” and impress friends and guests, but why? There are many refreshingly satisfying two ingredient cocktails waiting in the wings. No muss, no fuss.

More Labor Day & two ingredient cocktails to enjoy.

The Highball is a basic recipe for many base spirits. The ratio of base spirit to choice of mixer evens out nicely giving you and guest options depending upon taste preference. A table or bar with selection of base spirits, variety of easy mixers and perhaps a few optional lemon, lime or orange slices allows your guests to prepare their own drinks, keeping your day labor free. Pick your poison…

Highball

2 ounces Base Spirit of Choice

3 ounces Mixer of Choice

Place base spirit (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, etc…) in highball glass over fresh ice. Top with mixer (club soda, tonic, juice, etc…).

Cocktails in a beer crowd? No problem. These three two ingredient recipes offer alternatives for the combined beer and cocktail crowd.

Depth Charge

2 ounces Schnapps

1 pint Beer

Place schnapps flavor of your choice into chilled beer mug. Top with beer.

Shandy

7-UP

Beer

Place chilled 7-UP to the halfway point in a highball glass; no ice. Top with chilled beer.

Shandy Gaff

Ginger Ale

Beer

Place chilled ginger ale to the halfway point in a highball glass; no ice. Top with chilled beer.

Keeping it slow, comfortable and relaxed…

Comfortable Screw

1-1/2 ounce Southern Comfort

3-1/2 ounces Orange Juice

Orange Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Sloe Screw

2 ounces Sloe Gin

3 ounces Orange Juice

Place Sloe Gin in highball glass over fresh ice. Top with orange juice. Stir.

Since whiskey is king…

Kentucky Colonel Cocktail

3 ounces Bourbon

1 ounce Benedictine

Lemon Twist

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

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Posted in Labor Day

Tagged 2 Ingredient Drinks, Beer, Benedictine, Bourbon, Comfortable Screw, Depth Charge, Gin, Ginger Ale, Highball, Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, Labor Day, Lemon Lime Soda, Orange Juice, Rum, Schnapps, Shandy, Shandy Gaff, Sloe Gin, Sloe Screw, Southern Comfort, Tequila, Two Ingredient Cocktails, Vodka

Review: Brugal Anjeo Rum

Posted on August 27, 2012 | 1 Comment

80 Proof / 40% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $20 to $25 depending upon market area

Availability: Though I’ve never seen this particular brand in my market area (Omaha, NE), Brugal Rum is available extensively at many online liquor shops.

Brugal Anejo Rum Tasting Notes

Color: Deep gold

Aroma: Fisherman’s dock. No burn.

Tasted Neat: A lot of burn. Tastes of salty sea air inside a fisherman’s dock. Faint fish. Burnt molasses. Mineral deposit.

Mouth Feel: Very thin

Comparable Spirit:

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails:

Quite honestly I don’t care for this at all. All I can think of to make with this is to drown it in cola to mask the fishy taste.

Brugal Splash

1 ounce Brugal Anejo Rum

1-1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

Splash Lemon Lime Soda

Build liquids in large rocks glass over fresh ice.

Caribbean Kiss

1-1/2 ounce Brugal Anejo Rum

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1 ounce Simple Syrup

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

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

Brugal Rum on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrugalRumUSA

Review sample courtesy representatives of Brugal Rum

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged Amaretto, Brugal Rum, Lemon Lime Soda, Pineapple Juice, Rum, Simple Syrup

Review: Early Times Fire Eater

Posted on August 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

Cinnamon Liqueur blended with Early Times Whisky

66 Proof / 33% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99 to $15.99 / 750ml bottle

Availability: Kentucky, Indiana, Washington, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Wisconsin and California as of July 2012. More markets to follow.

Early Times Fire Eater Tasting Notes

Color: Pale straw color. Slight golden.

Aroma: Strong cinnamon. Fullness. Jolly Rancher cinnamon candy comes to mind. Expectation of medium thickness mouth feel with sweetness.

Tasted Neat: Tastes more like cinnamon disk candies. Warming. Sweet, but sweetness fades to more cinnamon tone. Not fiery hot. Heat minimal. Warming effect is quite pleasant. Perhaps due to whisky inclusion.

I love how the warmth of this liqueur overshadows the sweetness factor. Terrific fun liqueur.

Mouth Feel: Light mouth feel, but far from thin.

Comparable Spirit: Perhaps Fireball Whisky. Could also be substituted for numerous cinnamon liqueurs, but would be lighter on sweetness that usual liqueurs.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails:

One part Early Times Fire Eater, One part Rum Chata (Horchata with Rum). Chill in cocktail shaker. Strain into shot glass. – Tastes like popular cinnamon graham or cinnamon toast cereals.

Could be used in numerous shot drinks that call for cinnamon liqueur.

Stilt Walker

1 ounce Early Times Fire Eater

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1 ounce Orange Juice

4 ounces Sprite

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Roll shaker to blend. Transfer to tall glass to serve.

Review sample provided by representatives of Early Times / Brown-Forman

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged Amaretto, Cinnamon, Early Times, Fire Eater, Lemon Lime Soda, Orange Juice, Stilt Walker

Antifreeze

Posted on March 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Some drinks prove there is never just one clear recipe for success when it comes to mixing cocktails and pleasing a person’s palate. Jack Sudimack suggested the Antifreeze drink would be perfect for St. Patrick’s Day with its green melon liqueur coloring. Green melon liqueur didn’t ring a bell with me regarding the Antifreeze drink, so I took a look around at variations. This is where finding out what other people are suggesting and drinking is a terrific idea. Everyone learns something new; even me! Thanks Jack!

The Antifreeze recipe works as a shot, on the rocks drink or tall drink depending upon your preference. It’s also good for anytime sipping even if it is green. Please join in the cocktail conversation by sharing your recipe tips and tweaks. More information can be found in the post; “What Are You Drinking?”

Antifreeze

2 measures Citrus Vodka

1 measure Melon Liqueur

2 measures Lemon Lime Soda

Combine liquid vodka and melon liqueur in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into two shot glasses. Top each shot with 1 measure of lemon lime soda. Alternative: Build in tall glass over fresh ice.

Antifreeze

1/2 measure Vodka

1/2 measure 151 Rum

1/2 measure Blue Curacao

1/2 measure Peppermint Schnapps

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir according to preference. Strain into chilled rocks glass – no ice. This may also be strained into shooter glass.

Antifreeze

1 measure Blue Curacao

1/2 measure Spearmint Schnapps

Splash Lemon Lime Soda

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

Antifreeze

1/2 measure Vodka

1/2 measure Green Crème de Menthe

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into shot glass or strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.

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.

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Posted in Cocktails, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Antifreeze, Blue Curacao, Citrus Vodka, Cocktail Ideas, Cocktail Tips, Creme de Menthe, Lemon Lime Soda, Melon Liqueur, Peppermint Schnapps, Reader Recipes, Rum, Shot-tails, Spearmint Schnapps, Vodka, What Are You Drinking

Manhattan Nights Holiday Cocktails

Posted on November 7, 2011 | 2 Comments

The Manhattan Nights B&B cocktails created by master mixologist, Gary Regan, are sure to delight and please the senses. These bold creations go beyond the average and venture into the extraordinary. Such is to be expected when one combines Benedictine and Brandy with celebrated Ardent Spirit, Gary Regan. Each are truly unique “spirits”.

Botanical Breeze - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin B&B liqueur is an audacious combination of Benedictine liqueur and fine French cognac. Invented at New York’s “21 Club” in the 1930’s, it is the first mixed drink ever bottled and sold in the United States. B&B is excellent as an after dinner cocktail and also pairs exceptionally well with desserts as can be seen with the recently launched “Manhattan Nights” program which also includes New York pastry chef Martin Howard.

The following cocktails created by Gary Regan correspond to the desserts from the “Manhattan Nights” project. Never shying away from a creative challenge, Gary infuses his cocktails with tequila, bourbon, absinthe, Scotch, ginger and elderflower liqueurs. Each cocktail imparts a creative flair that is as unique as B&B with the style that is ardently Gary Regan.

Belle of the Ball

1-1/2 measures Bourbon

1/2 measure B&B Liqueur

1/2 measure Peach Schnapps

1/2 measure Lemon Juice

Lemon Twist Garnish

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

Bohemian Breeze

1/2 measure B&B Liqueur

2 measures Sweet Vermouth

3 measures Lemon Lime Soda

2 dashes Classic Bitters

Orange Twist Garnish

Place all liquids in ice filled cognac snifter. Stir. Garnish with orange twist.

Bandit’s Bliss

2 measures Dry Vermouth

1/2 measure Cognac

1/2 measure B&B Liqueur

Orange Twist Garnish

Place liquids in ice filled wine goblet. Stir. Garnish with orange twist.

Bewildered Beauty

1-1/2 measure Dark Rum

1/2 measure B&B Liqueur

6 fresh Raspberries

2 Tablespoons Coco Lopez

1/2 cup Vanilla Ice Cream

Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into wine goblet.

Beauteous Bette

1 measure Reposado Tequila

1/2 measure B&B Liqueur

1/4 measure Ginger Liqueur

Champagne

3 fresh Blueberries Garnish

Place tequila, B&B and ginger liqueur in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with skewered blueberries.

Botanical Breeze

1-1/2 measure Gin

1/2 measure B&B Liqueur

1/2 measure Elderflower Liqueur

1/2 measure Lime Juice

Kiwi Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne coupe. Garnish with kiwi slice.

Babbling Brook

1-1/2 measure Scotch

3/4 measure B&B Liqueur

1/4 measure Absinthe

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

These cocktails make great additions to your home entertaining this holiday season. The look is elegant, the taste fresh and cutting edge and sure to satisfy a wide variety of tastes.

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.

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Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, B&B Liqueur, Blueberries, Bourbon, Champagne, Classic Bitters, Coconut Cream, Cognac, Dry Vermouth, Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Gary Regan, Gin, Ginger Liqueur, Holiday, Ice Cream, Lemon Lime Soda, Peach Schnapps, Raspberries, Rum, Scotch, Sweet Vermouth, Tequila

Winter Friendly Whiskey Wards off Winter Chill

Posted on January 5, 2011 | 1 Comment

Whiskey remains the universal winter friendly spirit with its deep dark warming essence and capacity to truly sip in a balanced manner neat, on the rocks or in mixed drinks. Escape from the dark, dank winter blues and opt for a user friendly winter. Scoff at the icy frost as it whitens the outdoors while sipping fireside indoors.

Glacier Ice

3/4 ounce Canadian Whisky

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

2-1/4 ounce Ginger Ale

Place ice in Old Fashioned glass. Add ingredients in order given. Stir.

Stoked

1 ounce Canadian Whisky

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

1 ounce Lemon-Lime Soda

Combine whiskey, amaretto and cranberry juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with lemon-lime soda or club soda if preferred to cut back on sweetness.

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.

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Amaretto, Blue Curacao, Canadian Whisky, Cranberry Juice, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime Soda, Whiskey

10 Drinks that Haunt Our Past & Flavor Our Future

Posted on November 24, 2010 | 1 Comment

A toast to 10 drinks that haunt our past, color our future, tickle our dreams and inspire us to move on to bigger and better cocktail recipes. These were 10 Friday night favorite cocktails from younger days that brought back great memories to a few readers who chose to play along in answering the simple question below. Though the drinks may no longer be consumed as often, the way they flavor our lives carries on forever. Cheers!

Name that cocktail… What were your favorite Friday night cocktails from younger days that bring back great memories, but you rarely consume now? Mine was a Grateful Dead.

Sloe Gin Fizz

2 ounces Sloe Gin

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Superfine Sugar or Simple Syrup

2-1/2 ounces Club Soda

Combine Sloe Gin, lemon juice and sugar in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Mentioned by Karen B.

Vodka Collins

2 ounces Vodka

1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Barspoon Simple Syrup

Carbonated Water

Lemon Wheel & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Place vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup in Collins glass over fresh ice. Stir to blend. Top with carbonated water. Garnish with skewered lemon when and cherry. Mentioned by Mary B.

Kamikaze

1 part Tequila or Vodka

1 part Triple Sec

1 part Lime Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into shot glass. Mentioned by Dana G.

Alabama Slammer

1 ounce Southern Comfort

1 ounce Sloe Gin

1 ounce Amaretto

2 ounces Orange Juice

Orange Slice & Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange slice and cherry. Mentioned by Jamie S.

Colorado Bulldog

1 part Vodka or Rum

1 part Kahlua

1 part Half & Half

1/2 part Cola

Build in a highball glass over fresh ice in the order given leaving the cola last to float on the top. Mentioned by Keith P.

Three Wisemen

1 part Johnnie Walker Scotch

1 part Jim Beam Bourbon

1 part Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

Add in equal parts to shot glass. Shoot. Mentioned by Lee Sonmor.

Toasted Almond

1 ounce Amaretto

1 ounce Coffee Liqueur

1-1/2 ounce Half & Half

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Mentioned by Heather B.

Jolly Zima

1 Bottle Zima

2 or 3 Jolly Ranchers

Take a few sips from the Zima bottle first. This is to prevent fizz overflow once Jolly Ranchers are inserted. Drop favorite flavor of Jolly Ranchers in bottle of Zima and watch them color, fizz and flavor your bottle of fizzy pop! Mentioned by Rich G.

Vodka 7

2 ounces Vodka

3/4 to 1 ounce Lime

3 ounces Lemon Lime Soda

Lime Wedge Garnish

Build in Collins glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge. Mentioned by Sandra M. who added a {{shudder}}

This next one is basically a Screwdriver with alteration in the base spirit. However a rather nicely played revision indeed. We’ll call this one…

Bushwhacked

1-1/2 ounce Myers’s Dark Rum

3 ounces Orange Juice

Build in a highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Mentioned by Eve B.

It’s time for you to speak up. What are your favorite drinks from days gone by (or even last night) that you swear you’ll never be tempted by again? These are the drinks that gave way to good times you’ll remember forever and times you hope others will forget ever happened. You know the ones.

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.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Cocktails, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Amaretto, Bourbon, Classic Cocktail, Club Soda, Coffee Liqueur, Cola, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Half & Half, Lemon Lime Soda, Orange Juice, Rum, Scotch, Shot-tails, Simple Syrup, Sloe Gin, Southern Comfort, Tequila, Triple Sec, Vodka, Whiskey, Zima

Jingle My Bells Christmas Cocktails

Posted on December 1, 2009 | 1 Comment

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.

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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Posted in Christmas Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, Amaro, Apple Liqueur, Balsamic Vinegar, Benedictine, Bitters, Blueberry Juice, Champagne, Chocolate Liqueur, Cider, Creme de Menthe, Creme de Violette, Egg White, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Grapes, Grenadine, Half & Half, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Honey, Hpnotiq, Irish Cream, Lemon Lime Soda, Lillet Blanc, Limoncello, Orange Bitters, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Pomegranate Juice, Raspberry Liqueur, Raspberry Vodka, Sake, Simple Syrup, Sour Mix, Strawberries, Tequila, Triple Sec, Vodka, Whiskey, Wine

Jack Daniel’s Gets Pink: Black Raspberry Margarita

Posted on September 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

Who says Jack Daniel’s has to be all about hard slamming, down and dirty drinking? The Black Raspberry Margarita makes an extremely sweet drink with the ratios recommended by Chambord. My recommendation: Skip the Sprite and top with two parts Club Soda to help balance the sugar factor. All in all this makes a fabulous cocktail for all the female Jack fans who prefer a little ‘pretty in pink’.

Black Raspberry Margarita

1-1/2 ounce Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

1 ounce Chambord

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

2 ounces Sour Mix

1/2 ounce Sprite

Lime Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients except Sprite in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into cocktail glass over fresh ice. Add splash of Sprite. Garnish with Lime.